1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Sertraline

Not feeling all there :(

Posted , 6 users are following.

WeeClare
WeeClare

Hey

I'm just back from a nice relaxing weekend birthday break with my partner but now I feel low, depersonalised and anxious again. The weekend was lovely but it's almost like I can't cope with anything at all out of routine without being left with this sickening numbness which makes me want to escape myself. I just had a couple of drinks and my sleep pattern was a little different I suppose.

I'm on my 8th week of sertraline and I'm starting to wonder if the drug is actually holding me back on getting the most out of life. Like if I get a bit tired I suffer. Although at the same time I know how bad I was before I took it..

Any other folks experiences greatly appreciated smile

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • angela1980
    angela1980 WeeClare

    Posted

    Yes i experience this every time i have a drink or if i go out of my routine, i was on sertraline for a good few years and ended up strong enough to come off them eventually. I still cant really drink or go away without feeling the way u do so i try and avoid drinking or going away which is really sad but i still do it with a little push from my fab partner. Its all anxiety kicking in. A doctor once told me that there is no magic pill they are only a croch to help you cope better mentally but you have to do the rest yourself e.g positive thinking and cbt. I definitely do think sertraline work they gave me the strength to to think more positive and eventually came off them. Unfortunately though if drinking makes you worse (which most people i know with anxiety it does) you will have to try resist having a drink at least till your strong enough to cope after. Awful i know but true. A councillor once said too that you would feel rough after a drink with or without anxiety so just remember that if you do drink it will go soon but the anxiety is making it last longer. I hope you feel better soon and don't let your anxiety win. Fight it the best you can and good luck

  • Ranger507
    Ranger507 WeeClare

    Posted

    I feel the same when I drink it kind of makes the anxiety go away for the period that I'm drinking but the next day my symptoms are x10 so I know how you feel pal

    • thomas96833
      thomas96833 Ranger507

      Posted

      Funny you should say that. I get exactly the same. I can have a few drinks with my partner fine, I can unwind, relax and enjoy myself without worry but my god the next few days are horrible. Anxiety levels rocket!
    • Ranger507
      Ranger507 thomas96833

      Posted

      Yeah I really get this enhanced depersonalisation/derealisation feeling this has only happened since I have been unwell I never used to get this when drinking
    • WeeClare
      WeeClare Ranger507

      Posted

      Hi thanks for your replies smile

      It's kind of reassuring to know I'm not alone. I wonder if it ever improves. I never used to get this before I kind of broke down in July. It's a god damn awful sensation. I wonder if I'm not strong enough for the changes in sleep/ alcohol messing with my brain chemistry at the moment.

    • thomas96833
      thomas96833 WeeClare

      Posted

      Hello WeeClare.

      I read a really good description of Anxiety saying that the feeling you feel now are basically like tremors after the earthquake of effects that hit your body doing a panic episode. The temours might be strong initially but eventually level out.

      I had my break down in June and I am still feeling it. The only way I can describe it is that I just don't feel right. Very shaky, always got headaches,dizziness and tension in jaw but it has eased up 10 fold compared to what it was a few months back! I was a right mess. Also not taking any medication has helped weridly. Anti-depressants were a horrible experience. Never again!

      My biggest problem is sleep at the moment, it's exhausting this anxiety rubbish.

      I do hope it does improve though. Got to stay optimistic I suppose. They say Anxiety and depression is closely linked and I know how dealing with these symptoms 24/7 can really drive you're mood down.

      Keep posting on here to check up everynow and then. It does help just getting things off your chest.

       

    • WeeClare
      WeeClare thomas96833

      Posted

      Hi Thomas

      Thanks for your words everyone's insight really helps. A culmination of different stresses hit me so I just became continually anxious. I couldn't sleep and I think this triggered the depression.

      I needed the antidepressants just to get me functioning again because I'm a single mum at home with a mortgage on a new house.

      Now though I just feel like I want my exit strategy from them because I actually want real feelings if that makes sense. I probably need to stick with them though because they have definitely helped in a very desperate time. It would just be so nice to be able to drink and break routine with fun stuff without feeling awful for ages after...

  • lauren_21564
    lauren_21564 WeeClare

    Posted

    This is not uncommon when taking antidepressants. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can make you feel really low, then there is a rebound effect that takes place that sends the anxiety through the roof. I would avoid alcohol if you can! Especially since you are still in the early stages of medication. I hope you get through!
    • WeeClare
      WeeClare lauren_21564

      Posted

      Hi Lauren,

      Thanks for the advice. Still feeling it five days later so I think I've learned my lesson sad

  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname WeeClare

    Posted

    Hi WeeClare

    Perhaps mixing alcohol is ill advised.

    Go out and exercise...helps me

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.