ive taken sertraline for 2 weeks and feel dreadful, what should I do?

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I previously took escitalopram for 11 years and since gaining 4 stone in that time heard that sertraline might have less side affects and help me to lose weight.

My dr had no probs changing my presription but did recommend slowly over the following 2 weeks reducing my current dose prior to taking the new ones. I never did this! After reading up online i thought it would be ok not to! I didnt take the escitalopram for 2 days then started on 50mg of sertraline after a week I started feeling anxious so took 2 tablets every day now for 5 days but each day ive been feeling worse. Today I have flu like symptoms, sweating, aching limbs, very painful teeth and jaws from biting together and an almost unbearable headache.

Today ive not taken any tablets with the intention of swapping back to the escitalopram but now just don't know what to do for the best.

Just know I can't go on like this.

Please help me?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    hi misty19,

    first thing for you is not to panic and keep taking the sertraline, whatever you do do not mix the two medications together, whatever dosage you're doctor has given you of sertraline keep taking that and nothing else, you are going to get side effects, probably because you have the two drugs in your system now, just be very careful, the headaches and clenching teeth i can relate to, these will pass, i've lost well over a stone in weight on sertraline.  i've also had the flu like symptoms and aching limbs etc, these will also pass, it takes about a week to 10 days for the initial side effects to settle and about 6-8 weeeks for you to feel the full effects of sertraline starting to work for the better.  make sure you don't mix you're meds and if you're still unsure go back to your doctor and tell him/her what you've done, whatever made you do your own thing and not follow the doctors instructions?? i do hope your feeling better soon, keep in touch :-)

     

     

    • Posted

      Hi, thanks for you reply. I've got an appointment with my dr today so fingers crossed he can sort me out!

      Does the sweating improve in time? As from what I've read, I think it might not!

      The reason I did my own thing was because my sister swapped from citalopram to sertraline in the hope oflosing  weight. She went straight over as the pharmacist said she could take both together! She felt so amazing at 1st so I couldn't wait to change. She too has since experienced the same side effects but has persevered and is now starting to feel better.

      I'm concerned as going on holiday abroad in 3 weeks and really don't want to be feeling like this still. I'm also terrified of flying so find going abroad very stressful at the best of times. 

      Just hope seeing the doctor today helps 😊

    • Posted

      i only used to get night sweats to be honest so not sure about that..........i would make your doctor aware of your situation and don't worry yourself, 3 weeks is a long time off yet really isn't it, the more you worry the more anxious you will be, how about asking the doctor for something to calm you down, diazapan or something, just to take the edge off and for when you fly!!?? good luck with the doctor and let me know how you get on :-)

       

  • Posted

    I've seen my dr today and he explained I've had seratonin syndrome. He's explained I shouldn't have taken it upon myself to do as I please with my medication! And have basically overdosed on them...

    He's suggested that I wait another couple of days then go back to the escitalopram as I know they agree with me.

    He's such a lovely man and put my mind at rest, im already starting to feel better, although he did say thats probably alot to do with not taking anything for the last 2 days. So here's hoping I'll be feeling better soon

    • Posted

      so you got a telling off did you?? lol, i thought that might happen. even if you know you've done something you shouldn't it's always a good idea to go back to your doctor for advice, mine is great too. what a good job you did and yes i'm afraid you will have to start again from the beginning this time, and no swapping and changing your meds!!!

      hope your feeling better :-)

       

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