Is the sertraline making me worse?

Posted , 7 users are following.

up until a year ago I was a normal fun loving person, out of the blue came a really bad panic attack (or that's what the er said) then just all theses weird feelings,shaky sweating dizzy not hungry no sex drive numbness in parts of my body and I am so scared as I have never been an ill person this is ruining my life my husbands and my two daughters! Doctors are saying its anxiety caused by the sudden death of my younger sister but that was over a year ago! Please help I can't cope!

1 like, 27 replies

27 Replies

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  • Posted

    How long have you been on sertraline?
    • Posted

      I know you don't want to hear it but it's too early Hun.   After the increase you need to give it 4-6 weeks to kick in..  I reslly didn't feel any better till about 6 weeks and now at almost 8 I am feeling pretty much back to myself !!!  Stick with it and honestly you will start feeling better gradually.  If you want to chat pm anytime.    I hear you when you think you are ruining your families life but they are there for you and don't judge you and once you are better you will look back in these horrible weeks . X
    • Posted

      Thanks! I have doctors this morning maybe see if I need counselling or something I feel like a mental idiot!
  • Posted

    Sorry for your loss joanne... I don't think u can put a timescale on something as profound as losing yr sister and how quickly u should be 'over it'. How much sert r u taking and for how long? R u having talking therapy?

    I'm on 75mg and this is my 9th week. I too am questioning whether it's working...I don't think it's making me worse but rather is it helping at all. This is my first real attempt at ad's and all I can say is (sadly) it made me worse at the beginning ...but everyone is diff.

    We have to stop looking at what we were like before and comparing ourselves to that, this is happening and it's all part of life. 1 in 4 people go thru this so think of all the ppl u pass on the street and every 4th person is in the same boat - doesn't make it easier but let's us see that it's not just us and these are 'normal' emotions.

    My counsellor stresses u have to remember these feelings cannot hurt u, no-one ever died from a panic attack. But i appreciate at the start that can be hard to believe, I've had it that long that i now know it's true. With me it's more about my racing mind/intrusive thoughts...and how to get a hold on that.

    Do u exercise? Tiring the body out often leaves the mind with no other desire than to rest too. I wish u well joanne, sorry if I've been no help...still figuring it all out myself xx

    • Posted

      This is my sixth week first four on 50 mg and two on 100 mg!also tried mitarzipine and citalopram with no results nice to know it's not just me! Thanks for your kind words! And am seeking counselling at the moment! Although I don't know what I can tell them that hasn't all been talked about already!
  • Posted

    Oh I hear ya !!! You will get better as long as you keep remembering that wink
  • Posted

    Hi Joanne

    Firstly sorry for your loss. as Kikidee stated you cannot put a timescale on these things, receiving councelling and learning how to manage the feelings could possibly improve things. I am waiting for councelling and i know you have to revisit thoughts that will be upsetting but i think this helps to cope with the depression and anxiety.I am also considering anti-depressants Sertraline or Citilapram as i too feel i am making my families life uncomfortable for them. I just want to feel like my happy carefree self again just like you do. 

    • Posted

      Thanks for your kind words I wish I could help you but I don't know the answer! I only got married two years ago to the most lovely man! Now I feel like I'm ruining everything! 😥
  • Posted

    Hi there 6 weeks is still early unfotunatley, plus when you increase it takes even longer. Ive been on 50mgs for 9 or 10 weeks now and seen a massive improvement. Im always sceptical about increases as any dose takes 6 to 8 weeks to get into your system. I have a great doctor who has been on meds herself and she knows what to expect and what you have to go through to start with. She told me that any increase is unavoidable stress and suffering, as many doctors increase the dose before its even in your system and takes longer and longer to work. 
    • Posted

      Yes Thanku ive just got back from doctors he has told me to stick with it and that I need counselling I really don't see that speaking to a stranger can help though! I'll get through this somehow 
  • Posted

    Hi All

    Scott, hope all is well with the new baby. I have been talking to Natalie too. This is the start of week 7 for me and I thught I was getting there bt last few days have been feeling anxious again. Am seeing doc on wedneday and reall dont weant to up dose and wanted to wait untul after xmas. natalie sugested lookin at your post and I think she and u r rightand try an stick out a couple more weeks maybe...? The onyl other thing is headches now andbreak ot of loads of spots! sad x

    • Posted

      Hello everyone can you guys reply me on the dicuss ion the topic is 3 weeks and 5 days I would be very great ful thank you

    • Posted

      Hi there baby is fantastic thankyou so much for your kind comments.

      Yeah 7 weeks i was still having a few days here and there and still on weeks 8 but there less and less now but my ibs flares up or my acid reflux if i eat the wrong foods or get stressed with everyday work things and that sets me back but the sertraline is great. When my ibs or acid flares up i feel bloated and nervouse and a little shaky but thats not down to anxiety so i manage it better nowadays. Keep going strong im looking at increasing after christmas just for a better long term outlook x

  • Posted

    Scott please reply it to my discussion on 3 weeks and 5 days still not working  I need your advice asap

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