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Sertraline 50mg can't shake it

Posted , 6 users are following.

dave622635
dave622635

Hi I'm a 32 year old male and I have suffered from, depression and anxiety for most of my adult life. I used to be on citalopram 30mg but the doctors changed it as I wasn't feeling the benefits after 6 months. I was put on mirtazapone but soon came off that as the side effects were crazy I felt so much worse. I've now been on sertraline for 12 Days and I'm feeling awful. I cry at the drop of a hat, I have constant thoughts that I can't shake which cause me to not sleep. I used to run to keep my mind clear but I now don't have the energy. I've been off work on and off since Feb 2017 and whilst work are very supportive I just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel I used to enjoy work and enjoy my life now I struggle to even leave the house. The panic attacks are awful ending in me having horrible suicidal thoughts which isn't me.

Anyone got any ideas? I'm going to ask for an increase. My plan is to stop trying to go back to work all the time and concentrate on trying to get fully fit and well first because every time I go back and fail I just go back to the beginning.

Cheers

D

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • thomas96833
    thomas96833 dave622635

    Posted

    I sympathise with how you feel. It is horrendous. I had about two months off worth when this anxiety thing started. I rushed trying to go back when I knew I wasn't ready and just kind of coped everyday. I was in work in some right states simply due to the fear of being off and letting my partner down.

    6 months on and the attacks are worse than ever, now starting Sertraline so will need more time off to adjust. Really hoping my employer is more understanding but being off long is difficult to cope with in itself!

    How have you found Sertraline so far? Can you feel any benefit or indication that it's working?

    • dave622635
      dave622635 thomas96833

      Posted

      So far it's not great, increased anxiety, ratings thoughts, fits of tears and generally exhausted. I'm only a week or so off being at the magic 3 week marker which is when it's suppose to get better. I've been signed off for 3 weeks today to try let the tablets kick in. Fingers crossed!

      I clearly went back to soon when my thoughts weren't dealt with, I have a great job but I just can't seem to enjoy it no matter what I do its so frustrating because before Christmas I loved my job and I know deep down I still do its just this anxiety that's telling me things I dont want to hear

    • dave622635
      dave622635 thomas96833

      Posted

      Make sure you take time off to let the tablets kick in and take effect because sometimes the side effects are crippling
    • thomas96833
      thomas96833 dave622635

      Posted

      That is what I am trying to weight up now to be honest. How long will it take to get back to "normal" on Sertraline. I have read a lot into it and a lot of people say 3-4 weeks is the magic mark!

      ?I had previously tried Fluoxetine and that was the worst experience of my life. Ended up in A&E after 3 weeks of vomiting, massively increased anxiety and insommia, sweats, fever like symptoms. The aches, pains, brain fog and confusion, I was a mess and looked like death! The withdrawal was like the worst flu I have had as well. The doctor I seen told me Fluoxetine is for more of a deep depression and probably didn't need them, Sertraline is for Anxiety and works a lot better in the sense it's more calming, it's just a slow burner.

      ?Still, not been in a rush to try it but need something as everyday is a struggle lately.

      ?You just have to keep telling yourself that you are one day closer to getting back on tracks long term. I wish I had you're courage to get this far!

       

    • dave622635
      dave622635 thomas96833

      Posted

      I was on fluoxetine a while ago when I was younger but I wasn't very good at taking it regularly. I siffer from both depression and anxiety so I am hoping that the sertraline is a one stop shop but it just doesnt seem to be lifting my mood, I am better in the afternoons and when I have company but when I am alone my mind just wonders. I have signed up for some situational hypnotherapy which I am due to start today so lets hope that helps!

      Its ok not being in a rush but the sooner you start the sooner you will feel better, im hoping that these are the best tablets and I don't have to go onto anything else as I don't think that I could cope with going through this again, I am so tearful in a morning and have horrible suicidal thoughts scary really. 

      Its hard to tell yourself that you are one step closer when you dont know where the end is, if I knew that in exactly 3 weks i would be fine then I could probably rest alot easier but thats just a dream sad

      I dont have courage I have a fantastic wife and mum who won't let me go no matter how many times I am begging to just go. Its very hard but I am sure day by day it'll get easier.

  • james40575
    james40575 dave622635

    Posted

    Hi dave, I just started a very similar group on here you sound similar to me, I don't mind going through this suffering I just need to know that these pills actually do work? Seems pointless otherwise right?

    • dave622635
      dave622635 james40575

      Posted

      Yeah there is no point putting yourself through hell for nothing but even if it gives a glimmer of hope then its worth it. The problem is everyone is different and the brain reacts differently to different tablets just hope that I get my appetite soon I haven't eaten in 2 days i needed to lose weight but this is stupid. Im just drinking lucozade to keep my sugar levels up

    • james40575
      james40575 dave622635

      Posted

      My appetite isn't too bad, it does come back mate, do you getvdry eyes from these pills? I'm sure it dries me out 😑

  • HopeNFaith
    HopeNFaith dave622635

    Posted

    Hi Dave and all. I have also been through this awful and scary journey. I've had depression and anxiety since 18 years old. This time round was the worst and I'm in my 30's. I went back to fluoxetine as that's what I took before. I was on that for 5 months, started to feel a little better then went back again. I was then put on Sertraline, it took around 4 months to start feeling more like me again. I accidentally forgot to take my tablets for 2 days and I crashed. It's been a week and things are calming down a little now. I am trying to just get myself settled and trying to do walking and other activities. Also I'm back to work.

    I started back a few mo the ago and it's not been too bad. I do have my off days. I just take it as it comes. I say a lot of prayers and just try and stay positive. Even when negative thoughts come into my head I tell myself I'm a good person and combat myself with positive thinking. I did CBT before and it helped a lot. We will all find that light, just need to give it time. I would say before moving on to other tablets give it 3 months. And if the dose needs to go up do that and give it another couple of months. Easier said then done when going through the motions but if you rush it will take longer to find that right medication that suites you.

    Another bit of advice would be to not watch the news for a while until the anxiety calms right down. This can trigger negativity and anxiety. Don't rush into things or make big decisions until you feel strong enough and you will know when you're stronger.

    God bless x

  • lorraine82455
    lorraine82455 dave622635

    Posted

    Hi Dave, what dose are you on.I am at 50 for three weeks now. They seem to increase the anxiety and depression for a bit. The side effects are pretty bad, but everyone seems to think it will settle down. Twelve days too soon to give it a fair try. Start back running, push yourself to do it. Staying home is the very worst thing. I make myself go walking everyday, bring your phone so if anxiety hits, you can call a friend. I know it is hard, and would be so easy to just be a couch spud, but running will help release the good brain chemicals. Hang in there, reach out and call a crisis line. 
    • dave622635
      dave622635 lorraine82455

      Posted

      Hi lorraine, I am trying to get out of the house at least once a day even if I'm just nipping to the shop or post office. I had my hypnotherapy yesterday but I think I thought it was going to be an instant hit so was disappointed when I was still feeling anxious and low. I am going to try running this week to see if it helps it did used to. I've been on 50mg for 13 days and I am getting the odd hour when I may have a realisation of being OK before suddenly crashing again. My whole world is crushed and I can't seem to get out of this hole I haven't had a day where I haven't had a suicidal thought or a good cry in a few weeks. I am really hoping that the next time I wake up I'm that little bit happier but I don't see a future which scares me. I would never hurt myself but the thoughts are so damaging. I just want a fast forward button to when I'm feeling better but it's hard to see at the moment.

      D

    • lorraine82455
      lorraine82455 dave622635

      Posted

      I went through the dark thoughts too,just keep telling yourself it's the drug, not you. Did your Dr give you something to help with the side effects. I take Ativan (Valium) low dose. I take the pills very early in the morning, seems things get a bit better later in the afternoon. I am about ready to stop them though, not getting much better. 

    • dave622635
      dave622635 lorraine82455

      Posted

      They said there was nothing they could give me, I'm back at the doctors tomorrow so will ask again. How long does it take to start making you feel less anxious? I will naturally feel happier when I'm not so anxious.

    • lorraine82455
      lorraine82455 dave622635

      Posted

      There are many drugs to help with the anxiety, even your local natural path store can offer Valarian, . I am cutting my dose tomorrow, can't take this anxiety. Going back to 37.5 the 25, then off. I feel worse than I did before I started. Good luck

  • GodsServant
    GodsServant dave622635

    Posted

    Hi Dave, please do not increase your dose now as it will make you feel worst. It seems to me that what you are experiencing are side effects, including the suicidal thoughts. I think it’s a great idea that you’ve taken time off from work to focus solely on healing. If you have no energy to run, talk a walk. I have been where you’re at and can tell you there were days that getting out of bed and just taking a shower is the accomplishments of the day. If you can’t sleep, try Ativan but it is a benzo and is fast-acting so it wears off quickly and could be addicting but it gave me good sleep and helped with the terrible side effects whenever I first get back on this med. Stay strong but be gentle with yourself and get lots of rest. XX
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