Sertraline

Hi Sara ... it's frightening how many people are suffering like us yet comforting to know we're not alone with this. 30-40% of people suffer. I feel a failure that this has taken over but am told I was strong asking for help.

The Sertraline made me feel worse at first then I lifted for a couple of days after week 2, returned to work then dipped in week 3 and still the same.

My doc says how I'm feeling is what's expected for the timescale and it'll be weeks 6-8 before my mood lifts. The thought of one more day of this never mind 2 weeks is unbearable - and then there's no guarantee I'll feel better then. I'm just clutching at any positive outcomes that I can read on here and hear from my friends even tho I struggle to believe that I'll feel better again.

I've lost nearly a stone in 4 weeks and this concerns me but I feel empty and hungry yet no inclination to eat. The pressure I feel from people telling me I've got to eat. I know I'd be the same if roles were reversed it's just so hard. I'm digging deep.

Sue xx

Oh sue I know exactly how your feeling! I've become slightly obsessed with reading reviews online to try and find some positive outcomes!

I guess we can research as much as we want but nobody knows how we are each going to react to different medications! What works for one doesn't necessarily work for others and that's the frustrating thing.

I'm exactly the same with my appetite and have lost over a stone! Normally that would be great but I've decided I'd rather be a little bit over weight and happy than thin and feeling like this! I do have to say though I have had a bit of an appetite today though which I'm hoping is a move in the right direction!

How is your sleep?

Clare xx

Hi Sara,

So sorry your having such a hard time. Is it just anxiety you suffer from or depression as well? Are you sleeping at all?

Clare xx

Sue and Clare, I was there. During one of my worst episodes ever I lost about 30 lbs in a month! I had no appetite and was so anxious I couldn't eat. I hardly even drank any water, too. This time around I lost about 20 lbs. and I forced myself to drink a glass of milk or two a day. I stayed in bed practically all day. Please try to eat or have soup or sports drink for nutrients. And please be gentle and go easy on yourself. It seems to me that most people with this affliction tend to be Type A personality when they are well and are very independent and hate to be a burden on anyone, especially friends and family, and this only makes our condition worse because we tend to have lots of guilty feelings, as if this illness is our fault or something we can control. If we could, we wouldn't be in this place!!! So, please go easy on yourselves.

Was your sleep effected? That's something I'm really struggling with!

Clare

Was my sleep affected? I went for like weeks with only a couple of hours of shut-eye here and there, but not really sleep and didn't feel rested and woke up every few hours drenched in sweat and my heart wanting to jump out of my throat. A few times I succumbed to Ativan for sleep. 

How long did it take for your sleep to return to normal?

Hi Clare, it was just anxiety but after it hit this time there is some depression lingering too, well that's what my doctor says. My sleep hasn't been as good since starting the sertraline. I've woken in the night in a panic on a few occasions and I wake early unable to get back to sleep. Which then makes me dread bedtime! I see above you said you work in a school? I do too, as a teaching assistant. I had 3 weeks off back in October and going back was very hard but I found it did help a little to have something keeping me occupied. I'm back to work Wednesday after the two week Christmas holidays and very anxious if I'll manage to go back. X

Sue, I know what you mean about no inclination to eat, I could go all day without anything and have to force myself to eat. Everyone keeps telling me to eat little and often but it's very hard when you don't fancy anything! Did the doctor give you any Diazepam or similar to help get through? Also have you been referred for any CBT therapy?

Sara x

It's awful isn't it! I never had any problems at all on citalopram did you? No side effects and I've always slept well.

My insomnia started before I went on the sertraline and I'm finding that really hard!

It's hard knowing what to do work wise isn't it! I work in a school office. I'm also due back Wednesday but already know I won't make it this week! Trying to just take one day at a time!

Clare xx

Not sure if it will help but I started taking berocca yesterday. I thought then at least if I couldn't face eating then I was still getting some vitamins in me! Also I've made a massive effort today to drink plenty of water (always struggle to drink enough water) and it at least seems to have kept the horrible headache at bay today!

No problems with sleeping at all on citalopram.... It actually gave me a love of afternoon naps which I never had before! Have you asked your doctor about a phased return to work? They can do you a note to advise part time. When I went back I did mornings for four weeks which helped ease me back in. Thanks, Will have to try some of the berocca, complan is quite good too, it's a shake but has all the vitamins and goodness of a small meal.

X

Hi Sara ... my dr hasn't given me anything else. I've spoken twice on the phone and told what I'm experiencing is normal for the timescale and will review me in 2 weeks (6 weeks on Sertraline). I have to cook daily for 3 children and find this really hard as I've no appetite so I've no inclination to cook. We've sat together tonight and eaten which is a first in a while. I couldn't eat all mine yet my tummy is rumbling now - bizarre!

I have asked to be referred for CBT. Have you tried this so you think it will help?

Sue xx

Your positive attitude helps ... I agree with your comment that this appears to affect a certain personality. I'm outgoing, socially confident, independent and struggle to admit I need or ask for help. Full of guilt for what I don't do or achieve ...

You are stronger than you are giving yourself credit for Sue, cooking daily for 3 children must be a real struggle when you feel so shocking. Well done for eating tonight, doesn't matter that you didn't manage it all, you managed some and that's great! CBT is definitely worth a shot, I had 6 sessions which is all they offer at my surgery but the therapist has advised the doctor I need longer term therapy so am awaiting referral to a psychologist. X

I've really tried with the CBT but unfortunately I didn't find it helpful 😢

I was doing mine on the computer which feeling how I've been feeling wasn't ideal! Really hard to motivate myself to do it!

My sister did it though and got a lot from it. The physiatrist last week said it might be something to consider for the future when I'm feeling a bit more stable! Please let that be soon!

Clare xx

Hi Sara

I've sent a reply to Clare so please read it as it's meant for you too. Stay strong keep in touch. You're not alone with this. Sue xx

My goodness, I think it was like about a month or so, but I think it was worse for me because I was traveling to many different countries with different time zones and I couldn't tell if it was jet lag or Zoloft. And I returned home and got jet lag again also. My whole sleep cycle was messed up for so long. Only about 2 weeks ago I was able to get back to somewhat a normal sleep cycle. 

Ladies, my new friends and fellow sufferers, all my prayers for you gals and me. Have a little faith. 

I just came back from watching a movie, Rogue One, at the theatre, and it's my first movie in about 2 months. I was going mad 2 months ago at this time. Even today I was a bit afraid going to watch a movie. Didn't think I could enjoy it with my obsessive thought, but it wasn't too bad. The thought didn't bother me too much. Afterwards I went out to dinner with husband at restaurant, second time I've gone to restaurant in so many days. So please know you will get here, too. 

If you need to, take Ativan or a sleeping pill. I know there's always a fear of Ativan being addictive because it is a benzo, but a night here and there if you need to get over the side effect of insomnia. 

Xx

 

Hi Sara

I'm going to ask about CBT and give it a go. I work with psychologists but they don't know. Only my line manager and 1 close colleague my other colleagues think I've had a bug for 2 weeks before Xmas.

I'm back at work tomorrow too and anxious as I'm still struggling and I will be noticeably different then people start questioning. Do your work know? How have you been today?

sue xx

Hi Sue, yes everybody at my work knows, I've been very open about it. I was amazed at how many colleagues came to me and said they had been through similar. One lady has given me lots of self help books to read as she went through something very similar herself. Felt a bit less anxious this morning but now I am worrying myself sick about the eating and what if I never get my appetite back and keep losing weight. How are you today sue? Xx

Hi Sara ... it is bizarre how you find out that others have been through similar once you open up. Were you surprised at the ones who had - were they similar in personality to you or different? At least they'll be understanding towards you and be aware of how you'll be feeling tomorrow. I've lost almost a stone in 4 weeks and I'm a size 10 to start with so cannot afford this loss. I do believe our appetites will return and was told that if you lose it quick you gain it quick.

I have felt a very slight improvement today and eaten tea with my kids again tonight. I do find that I actually feel better in the evenings.

I'm back at work tomorrow too so I'll be thinking about you in the morning. Not sure how I'll cope with the frantics of me and 3 kids getting ready to leave the house at 8 with my current anxious state of mind. Getting back in the routine may help us?!

Sue x

Very similar to me personality wise, independent and usually very strong. I was a size 16 and have dropped to a 12 so it's not like I couldn't afford to lose a bit, just worried that I'll keep losing and losing till there's nothing left of me!! Which I know deep down is silly. Great that you've felt an improvement today and ate with your kids again, I think at the start I was hoping I would wake up with it all gone away but am now realising it will be small steps.

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, it gives me a little reassurance to know I'm not the only one, even though I feel for you dealing with this horrible anxiety.

Let me know how you get on tomorrow

Sara xx

Hi Clare is your sleeping any better? Will you make work tomorrow or are you going to wait to return next week? Listen to yourself and take more time if you need it.

I hope you've had a better day. Stay strong together. Sue xx

Hi Sara how was your day back yesterday? Mine was ok actually and did help as I feel a slight improvement. I have to be sensible and accept that this is going to be a slow process and take baby steps. This I find hard as I'm very impatient and want instant results.

Look at your current weight loss as a positive out of this nightmare. I do need to put some back on and I'm sure I will as I'm now too thin. Your appetite will come back - mine is slowly.

I thought about you yesterday and wished you were ok. Are you at work today - I am.

I've started to feel better the past 2 mornings - it maybe helps in that i have to get to work and no time to think. I know I'm far from right but heading in the right direction hopefully. You will too Sara. When is your next Drs review.

Stay positive ... Sue xx

Hi Sue, work was very tough yesterday. I didn't get hardly any sleep the night before and ended up in a panic. I was panicky and on edge all day and when I got home was still so bad I ended up taking one of my lorazepam tablets the doctor gave me if I get really bad. That did calm me down and I had a better nights sleep last night and today was a much better day, even managed lasagne for lunch. How was your day today? I've been wondering how you got on at work and how your feeling. My next doctors appointment is the 13th January so a week next Friday. When's yours?

Sara x

Hi Sue,

I thought I'd sent a really long reply yesterday but it's not here?! So annoying.

How are you doing? How's it being back at work?

I had a better day yesterday and my appetite has come back but been really anxious this afternoon and can't pinpoint why.

Sleep is still a massive issue! No matter how tired I am before bed as soon as I get into bed I just can't drop off without taking a sleeping tablet. The sleeping tablets are just making me even more anxious as I hate the thought of relying on something to help me sleep every single night!

I saw the physiatrist on Tuesday. It was a different one to last week and he had a totally different approach. Last weeks one was very focused on getting the medication right. This weeks one was more focused on the cause of the depression/anxiety. He felt that I've lost my direction a little bit.

When this all started 5 weeks ago I began obsessing over my kids getting older and not needing me anymore and now it seems to be all I think about. It's always been just the 3 of us and I've literally put everything into them. As the dr said that makes me a good mum but has meant that I've sort of forgotten about myself and now they are becoming older and more independent I'm starting to panic that without them I don't have a lot else! I think the thoughts have obviously always been there but being on the citalopram for the last few years has kept the obsessive thoughts under control.

I definitely do need to start doing more for me and I need to start thinking about what full time work I'd like to do when the time comes that I need to work full time. I couldn't do my current job full time. While the people are lovely I am really bored and definitely not reaching my full potential! At the moment it fits around the kids and is term time so that's why I stay but I definitely need to move on in the next 4-5 years.

I really need this medication to kick in so that I can get things back into perspective. I've got a few years until I need to start thinking about all these things! My youngest is only 12 but for some reason my brain is behaving like they are moving out tomorrow and has gone into panic mode!!!!! Driving me crazy!

Hope you are ok.

Clare xx

Hi Sara,

Sorry to hear work wasn't great yesterday but good to hear today was a better day.

Sleep is such a big factor in this whole thing isn't it?! I'm struggling massively with the inability to drop off naturally.

Have you increased your dosage now?

Clare xx

Hi Sara ... sounds like Thursday was a better day for you how was yesterday. My week has got better each day and appetite is almost back. So nearly 5 weeks on Monday I started the meds and yes I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Still a way to go but at least it's the right direction so yes it does get better Sara so hold that thought.

I'm at the Drs 16th which will be 6 weeks since I started meds.

Stay strong and keep in touch - PS are you in the U.K.?

Sue x

Hi Clare ... My week has got better each day and appetite is almost back. So nearly 5 weeks on Monday I started the meds and yes I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Still a way to go but at least it's the right direction so yes it does get better Clare so hold that thought.

I know what you mean about your kids as my life revolves around them and likebyiyrs they have a lot going off. I rarely have time for me to do something regularly for myself which I should.

After 2-3 weeks my appetite came back slightly and I had a good couple of days but then dipped again weeks 3-4 and very anxious. I strongly believe (now I'm thinking clearer) that you have to go with how you feel and not fight it. Take what you need to sleep or get through and the light will come. This is an illness that you can't control and the medication will work in its own time and I know only too well how hard that is to accept as I like to be in control.

Maybe start having your kids back for a couple of days and slowly increase that and dig deep to get back into some sort of routine. We are the sort of people who need routine and helps to focus.

I'm at the Drs 16th which will be 6 weeks since I started meds.

Stay strong and keep in touch - PS are you in the U.K.?

Sue x

Hi Sue,

So glad to hear you've had a good week! It's really encouraging. Can you remind me what dose you are on again?

I've had a mixed week really. I didn't feel too bad on Wednesday and half of Thursday but Thursday afternoon I felt myself getting really anxious again and it just got worse and worse and yesterday was eally bad day with the same intrusive thoughts going round and round in my head. I felt a little calmer in the evening and I don't feel too bad today. I'm just getting so frustrated as I want to feel better now!

The kids came home Tuesday night as my daughter was back to school Wednesday. I've just been doing what I always do with them and trying to keep things normal.

Yes I'm in the uk are you?

Clare xx

Hi Clare, yes I increased my dose to 50mg on Monday so on day 6 now of increase. Yesterday was a better day at work again and had a calm night too. Woke up very anxious and on edge again this morning, I'm always worse first thing which is horrible to wake up like that. How are you today? Xx

Hi Sue, Glad to hear your week got better and your feeling better, great about your appetite too! Friday was another good day at work but woke up anxious and on edge again today. It seems so much worse in the mornings for me, which is a horrible way to start the day.

I am in the UK are you?

Sending you love x

Sorry to hear you woke up feeling worse today!

I've had an ok day today thank goodness but then I had a better day Wednesday and half of Thursday but Thursday afternoon it hit me again and I felt awful yesterday with the same intrusive thoughts and anxiety.

Has your day improved?

Clare xx

Hey Sara, I don't know what time you take you med, but my guess is that it is in the evening? I take my med in the morning and noticed sometimes my heart beats faster in the evening, so you may want to play around with the time you take it to see if there's a difference. 

Hi GodsServent, I take my meds around lunchtime so think a change to morning would be a good idea.... worth a try anyway. Thanks for your advice xx

Hi Clare, I felt better once I was up and about and popped to town with my mum, so better than this morning. My days seem to be so up and down, one day I can feel okay and the next feel shocking. I'm not sure if that's how these meds work to begin with but I'm on day 22 now overall and day 6 of the increase to 50th so feeling a bit concerned that 3 week in I'm not really feeling a benefit. Some days it's just so hard to imagine being your old self again

Glad you've had a better day today xx

Good I'm glad you managed to get out of the house. My dr did tell me to take my medication first thing in the morning. Maybe you should give that a go?

You were on a very low dose to start with so try not to worry too much that 3 weeks in you aren't feeling the benefits. When are you due back at drs?

You've done so well to get through the last few days at work. Take that as a positive.

How's your sleep and appetite?

Clare xx

Yeah, let me know how that goes. Not long after I take it in the morning,I noticed my stomach growling very loudly - my guess is that it's the serotonin working. So then I eat something and my stomach settles. They say it's good to pad your stomach with a bit of food when you take this med.

I also started reading a bit about food and moods, which I never did before. Two decades and I never explored this. See me here hitting my forehead. So they say to cut down on caffeine (goodness, I was downing so many chai lattes right before my recent attack) and sugar (I was inhaling cupcakes with very rich toppings right before my attack, too). I am also looking at vitamin B complex, it's the stress reducer vitamin, and zinc and vitamin C and D, and they said to eat lots of lean protein like turkey and eggs and nuts and seeds. Get some exercise or at least a walk cuz your body produces serotonin when you are active. Also, get enough sleep, which I wasn't also getting right before my attack.

Not only was I on a useless low dosage of expired Zoloft, I also wasn't taking care of myself right before my attack. I wasn't active either. Now I am going to do all I can because I don't want to get an attack like this every 2-3 years. I can't go back to where I was in Nov and Dec. It was too scary for me, my husband, and family cuz I was hanging by a thread. 

There and here but by the Grace and Mercy of God. 

Take care. Xx

Hi Claire, have started taking the medication in the morning so will see how that goes. Due back at the doctors on Friday, how about you? When's your next appointment? How are you feeling?

My appetite seems to be coming back a little, sleeping okay too at the moment

X

Hi Sara,

Yes keep me posted on how you get on. How are you feeling today?

I saw the physiatrist today who has increased me to 100mg.

I'm so fed up of the obsessive thoughts going round in my head. Do you get them?

Clare xx

Hi Sue Clare and Sara i have been reading through your convo. I can relate to u3 i feel im quite similar. Iv been off work 9weeks and its drivin me mad.

I was on citalopram and gradually came off to try for a baby! We moved house got engaged started plannin a weddin and i also had a new job. 2months in my body gave up i went to doctors she put me on fluoxetine for 9weeks which was horrendous! Now today i have started sertraline instead. I am worried about the swap an the gradual increase to come. I worry about work. I worry my life will never get back to normal.

Even tho i dont have much motivation i find it hard to relax i feel.guilty and lazy. I have also lost over a stone i was a size10 now i look awful. No appetite.

I feel like.this is my life forever now 😐

So sorry you are feeling like this Katie.

What dose have you been put on?

Did the dr say why they didn't put you back on citalopram if that worked for you in the past?

Clare xx

Hi Claire, not feeling to bad today, been quite busy at work which has helped distract me.

Yes I get the obsessive thoughts too, they really don't help at all and just fuel my anxiety, even though I know that it's hard to stop them.

Are you increasing for 50mg? I'm awaiting an appointment with a psychiatrist to see what they suggest for the medication, but seeing my doctor Friday so he may increase the dose before that. How are you feeling today? Are you managing work? Xx

Hi Katie, so sorry to hear what you are going through lovely, but be assured we all know how you are feeling and you are not alone. Is your work something that you could go back to gradually? I had 3 weeks off and found going back hard but better for me in the long run as it helps distract me.

Try not to worry (easier said than done I know) about the medication, you may not get any side effects, some don't. Had the doctor given you have any Diazepam to see you through?

Thinking of you

Sara x

Hi Sara,

Good to hear from you. Glad to see your having a good day.

Unfortunately I'm not feeling great today. I saw the physiatrist yesterday who put me up to 100mg which I started today.

I seem to go from the obsessive thoughts which won't stop to really really low mood. I'm literally trying everything to keep myself distracted. The sleep is still a massive issue. How's your sleep?

I went back to work yesterday. Just doing a few hours a day as I need the routine and distraction. It's really really hard though. I'm so tired and all I want to do is curl up into a ball and sleep but my brain won't let me.

I'm so scared that I'm not going to get better and I can't live like this.

Clare xx

25mg for 2weeks then 50mg for a week then 100mg but il be seeing my GP regularly aswell.

I have bad nausea and heavin and burpin in the morning acid reflux i take omeprazole for hopefully will pass when my anxiety is under control. This causes me not to eat and makes me very anxious!

I could go back to work gradually but its so busy and a lot of responsibility so that worries me even tho i would like a distraction and feel like im bein useful. Im so far from the normal me.

Hopefully in time it will come.

No the doctor hasnt given me anything else. I had horrendous side effects off the fluoxetine so im hopin iv been through the worst of it.

Hi katie58615, sorry your not feeling good. how you getting on today? I'm on day17, 6days on 25mg, 11days on 50mg and think my dr Will up my dose next week when I see her. I've had terrible side effects too Michelle xx

I feel the same Claire, keep wondering if I will ever not feel anxious or is this how I'll feel forever now. Work will get easier, it did for me, you just have to stick with it but it is so so hard to begin with. What does the psychiatrist say about the medication? Do you find him/her helpful? I find it hard to stay at home and get quite nervous about being in at night and not doing anything.

How is your appetite now? I'm able to eat a little now but never really seem hungry so have to force myself to eat x

Take it slowly Katie, only go back when you feel ready. I know what you mean about feeling so far from the normal you, I worry I'll never return to how I was before which scares me and fuels the anxiety even more!

How are you feeling now you've started the sertraline? X

How did you find upping your dose?

How are you feeling today? Its terrible that people have to go through this to get better but i suppose it takes you to rock bottom then when you feel better you appreciate it not being so bad (if you know what i mean)

Yes i agree that feeling does fuel the anxiety.

I was on fluoxetine for 9weeks and felt horrendous on that. Increased anxiety and worry and coukdnt stop thinking about stuff. Now im on day 3 of sertraline and i feel less anxious and less overthinking im not sure why tho. Is like to think the 9weeks on fluoxetine put me through the worst of it all but i am apprehensive for uppin the dose and the next few weeks as i feel i have alreay been tryin to be patient 9weeks!!!

Hi Katie, how you getting on? When I upped my dose to 50mg from 25mg after 6days I got terrible side effects, I just hope that when it gets upped again next week maybe that they won't be as bad. What dose are you on and how long have you been taking them now? It's so good having someone to talk to that understands what going though xx

What side effects did you get??

Well i was on fluoxetine for 9weeks but made me so anxious side effects so horrendous. Nausea acid reflux hot flushes over thinking all the time no appetite. So i was swapped to sertraline 25mg 3days ago. Im on 25mg for two weeks then go upyo 50 then after a week go upto 100mg. I feel like iv wasted 9weeks of my life which have felt like the worst 9weeks of my life. Im hopin as iv been on these thrn i wont get all the start up side effects again. So far i have felt less anxious and a bit calmer and chilled but im aprehensive.

Im in Wales UK where are you from?

Katie

Hi Katie, oh no you poor thing, it's awful isn't it. You just hope that it works but the waiting and side effects are not good. I got loss of appetite, which has returned the last few days. Nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, headache, heightened anxiety and low mood, tingling, nightsweats. I'm counting down the days. I see my dr next Wednesday so she'll probably want to up my dose. Hopefully you maybe the lucky ones and don't get any side effects from this one this time. I live near Chester xx

Loss of appetite is the worst mpaes me tired n have no energy. Iv lost over a stone n i was small to start with so just looking too skinny makes me anxious. I worry how im guna go back to work feeling like this wether its side effects or my anxiety and especially as i feel iv wasted the last9 weeks ( well not wasted, it is trial n error i know) so hard to be patient. I feel quite tired today i could easily nap but im fightin it dont know what to do for the best!!

Aww I know Katie, it's horrible to through. I lose 1.5 stone too and I didn't want to lose anymore but the last few days have seen my appetite come back so it will happen just try and eat something, I was having banana, biscuits, cereal anything just so I was eating something but it was horrible to do because I just didn't feel hungry and had to force it down. How long have you been on the sertaline now? If your tired I would see if you can sleep, your body needs to rest too xx

Only day 3 of sertraline but the 9weeks of fluoxetine was horrendous!! I like to think im not as anxious now but still early days!! Im scared of whats to come. Some people would love to not have an appetite but to me at the moment it just causes more anxiety!!!

Your still early days but you might not get a lot of side effects everyone is different but if you do struggle go back to your dr as I'm sure they would give you something for whatever symptom you have. I've been given anti sickness tablets and some beta blockers to take as and when. Which have helped when I've needed them. The fluoxetine may still be in your system so it could still be a side effect from that but fingers crossed you will be help. Stay positive xx

What anti sickness tablets do you have? I had cyclizine before but they knocked me out!!

Im tryin to eat bits, today i had a banana a cereal bar now im havin some chips with cheese n gravy.

Yes I think that's the ones I've got, they do make me sleepy tho but they help.

That's great your eating something tho, little steps but in the right direction xx

Hi Sara

I haven't been on here for a few days.  How are you doing? You're back at the Drs today I hope it goes well.  I'm due on Monday.

An update for me is that I'm almost 6 weeks in and I started feeling better week 4/5 and being back at work has helped - although I couldn't have faced work in weeks 1-3.  I am feeling so so much better and (dare I say) quite normal.  There is definitely light at the end and I would not have agreed with this comment a couple of weeks ago.

The anxious feelings have gone - I have some of my humour back - still not too bothered about social events but that will come.  Having said that I'm nore sure if that is due to the time of year anyway - January blues etc.

Have you been ok back at work in School?

Keep in touch and there is hope - believe me! xx 

Hi Katie

I have started to feel the benefit - thought it would never come and would never have believed it even a week ago!  Im almost on week 6 I started on 50mg and still on that.  I see the Dr on Monday but don't forsee any change in medication as I now feel better.  Even on Monday this week I had a few overwhelming thoughts as I'd lots to plan for the kids this weekend and their sporting activities.  But even a few days later I can't believe the change for the better.

I was told that if the medication has bad side effects then it means it is going to work for you.  Not sure if this is true but I know the anxiety, low mood, dry mouth, negative thoughts and massive guilt were so overwhelming and consumed me at the time.   I still feel I've a way to go but I can honestly say the meds do work and I'm living proof at the mo.

Stay positive and keep in touch. xx

Hi sue, just read your message. That's amazing you feel so good now. I'm on day 19 I did 6days on 25mg as I was scared to take it. I've had the terrible side effects but they seem to be subsiding now which is a plus. I'm due back the drs on Wednesday so I think she'll probably up my dose then. I'm just having moderate anxiety and low mood but I've had some ok evenings which is a start xx

Hi Sue, I had a much better week last week and saw the doctor yesterday who said to carry on with the 50mg until my appointment with the psychiatrist on the 3rd of February. I'm hoping that the better week is down to the medication, I've had a busy week at work though so it could be that I've been too busy to worry... I don't like to get my hopes up but definitely feeling better. I've been on 4 weeks today and two weeks on 50mg.

So glad to hear you are feeling an improvement, it's great to hear some positive feedback and gives others hope! Stay in touch

Sara x

Hi Sara how are things with you and how was your appt on the 3rd Feb?

Sue x

Hi Sue, lovely to hear from you! I'm very up and down, good and bad weeks. I increased to 100mg a week ago and saw the psychiatrist on Friday and he wants to switch me to a different medication called velafaxine. I'm nervous about the whole change over and side effects again but going to give it a try as he's the expert! How are you doing? Xx

Hi Sara ... I was going great then had a problem with my mum last week plus my son was taken into hospital (he's out now) and it's knocked me back a bit. Just feeling flat, can't be bothered, knocked me off my perch.

How's work going - mine is good so that's a positive. How come the psychiatrist wants to change your medication? When will this be? Do you stop one and start another or have to wean off one?

XxX

Sorry to hear that Sue, hopefully you'll get back on track when things settle down. I'm not sure why, I think it's because venlafaxine is better for anxiety but doctors can only prescribe a couple of mens (citalopram, sertraline, fluxotine) psychiatrists can prescribe many more and know what works best for different types of anxiety. I start tomorrow and go down to 50mg of sertraline with 37.5 mg of venlafaxine a day for a week xx