Sertraline and suicidal thoughts
Posted , 7 users are following.
My husband (age 45) is 5 weeks in today of a 50mg dose of sertraline taken initally for anxiety no depression but depression started after taking the tablets for about a week. We saw the GP last week and she doesnt want to increase the dose as he is doing really well massive difference than what he was like about 9 weeks ago when the anxiety was triggered out of knowhere from an ear infecvtion . He seemed happy with that last week but has somwhat struggling this week and said he still gets thought evey day about harming himself not that he would follow them thru but that they are just there a thought and not nice for him to be thinking it . Hes talking this morning about stopping the tablets as he dosent think they are working. i can see that they are but only ever so slightly. Hes gone back to work this week after 10 weeks off which is a massive thing for him as he loves his job desperatly wants to work and provide for his family What do preople think is there still potenital for the medication to work a bit more yet?
0 likes, 9 replies
LBC
Posted
emily26130 LBC
Posted
Hi LBC, I'm day 25 of 50mg Sertraline,I had 2 reasonably good days yesterday, helped by Lorazepam 0.5mg 3x a day.I had felt pretty terrible up until then with horrible intrusive thoughts,nausea,dizziness,depression and terrible anxiety attacks.Went to bed feeling quite positive and today I feel like my brains been hit by a train,very low and anxious,headaches and want to hide away.Guess that's how it's going to be for your husband as won't have full therapeutic effect until 8 weeks.
As for losing his job, he won't, anxiety/depression are covered by the Equality Act 2010 and it sounds like his work attendance has been amazing up until now.
I think we'll keep having good days and bad days until it's fully in our system.Good luck to him and you,it's such a hard thing to go through. Tell him not to stop med, he just has to ride out the storm.Lots of love, Emily x x
tim72563 LBC
Posted
Going back to work is a big plus, getting his mind on something else, that will really help. It takes up to 12 weeks for med to take full effect but sounds like it is working!! Don't stop, give it the time it needs to work. Tim
GodsServant LBC
Posted
Yes, this medication is working because it's reducing his anxiety, but the initial stage of recovery is uneven because the med isn't settled in his system yet. And z does cause suicidal ideation for a bit, but only a brief period that should quickly go away. Hang in there. It gets better. Xx
paul86822 LBC
Posted
Hi LBC.
I am a 58 year old male who realising that I was declining into a world of despair went to see my GP. I was diagnosed as having clinical depression.
I was prescribed 50mg Sertraline daily and told to go back to the GP after 2 weeks. I was asked if I had negative / suicidal thoughts - I did but thought this to be because the drug hadn't kicked in so told him that I didn't on that visit.
I was told to go back after a further 4 weeks. During this time I felt increasingly more emotionally paralysed. I described it as having a concrete lid on my emotional swimming pool and was desperately trying to break through it .My partner who I loved dearly started accusing me of being unemotional and detached when confronted with life issues such as earning money ( I was a self employed handyman ). I wanted to respond but couldn't . I found myself going to work but just staring at the task to be done , knowing what a hammer and nail were but unable to pick up either.
With me unable to explain to her I went back to theGP and explained my problem. The GP doubled my dose to 100mg. I became suicidal and found myself every day planning how best to end my life. My self esteem went, zero confidence and helpless/vulnerable. Previously, I was a fit, fun-loving easygoing type, I became withdrawn and erratic. Our relationship broke down, she changed the locks without me knowing making me homeless.
My Sertraline was in the house I had no money, food or clothes and slept in my car . With this acute withdrawal, I had serious side effects, tremors, sweats, cramps , had two seizures , was anxious, paranoid and lost big chunks of recent memory plus other effects. I was suicidal . After a week with no food or water I struggled to the nearest hospital.
I was offered Sertraline, I refused it, believing it to be the root cause of my problems. With their help the symptoms subsided after approximately 3 weeks.
I became unemployed (probably unemployable !).
Having been a very active and keen sportsman and suddenly stopping (work commitments) and having read about the connection, I went back to exercise.
Some months on now not taking any drug, my self esteem is restored am in work and can honestly say that I know what happiness is.
I believe your husband is very lucky to have someone who stands by him although I do understand the difficulties that such events can impose upon loved ones. An understanding employer is also so important.
Well done to both of you.
For me exercise not Sertraline was what I should have pursued. My relationship (etc) would have been saved . However, l don't think it can be understated , the importance of being aware of it and nipping it in the bud early.
I wish you both well.
Patient paul86822
Posted
Hi paul86822
We note from a recent post which you have made to our forum that you may be experiencing thoughts around self-harm. If we have misinterpreted your comments then we apologies for contacting you directly. But if you are having such thoughts then please note that you are not alone in this, and there are people out there that can help.
If you are having these suicidal thoughts then we strongly recommend you speak to someone who may be able to help. The Samaritans offer a safe space where you can talk openly about what you are going through. They can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.
Their contact details are on our patient information leaflet here: https://patient.info/health/dealing-with-suicidal-thoughts, which also offers lots of other advice on how you can access the help you may need.
If you are having such thoughts then please do reach out to the team at the Samaritans (or the other people detailed in our leaflet) who will understand what you're going through and will be able to help.
Kindest regards
Patient
al07220 paul86822
Posted
paul86822 al07220
Posted
Hi al07220
I got my life on track by being taken in by a night shelter. Not very pleasant (not the worst either), but it gradually allowed me to get a bit more focused.
I started walking and then jogging. I went swimming when I could afford it. Being off the Sertraline (or similar) was very important to me. I have not taken any drugs since.
Recent events have challenged me too ( my father was found to have cancer and went down hill very quickly finally dying last week. I loved and respected him greatly).
Again, with self belief re-established, I am dealing with it despite my ex- being quite cruel , selling the tools of my trade etc (didn't ever believe a person could be like that.).
Basically, it was a matter of finding somewhere to get a base from which to progress. Taking any help when it was offered (a lot of pride swallowing!!).
Going through embarrassment, humbling myself, anything to move my mind state forward.
I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.
There is hope for everyone.
lisa64762 LBC
Posted
Unfortunately this is a common side effect, as I’ve been going through this myself I know it’s a tough road.. but the medication could take up to 8 weeks (for some longer) for it to start working at a therapeutic level. I would wait for the 8 week mark, and if he’s still having these feelings, then talk to your GP about increasing the dose to 75mg. With every increase there is a chance of additional side effects but since he’s been on for 5 weeks they should be minimal. All the best! Hang in there.