Sertraline and work
Posted , 2 users are following.
Do you think I will need to take time off work for starting Sertraline?
I have been suffering from anxiety and mild depression lately (past 6 months). My doctor feels I would now benefit from Sertraline and I agree I need to try it properly. I have been managing day by day so far and it's exhausting. Work is a struggle to say the least however due to side effects from Fluoxetine I ended up having a month off work all in all. So far I am relying on calms and passionflower supplements. Propranolol helps a bit but I get crazily vivid nightmares on them. It's surreal.
I am sure my job has been the root of my depression for awhile now. I am shattered constantly regardless of sleep. I am upset going into work, on my break and going home. I physically vomit some mornings before setting off as I just can't stand it. It's just such a sole destroying, negative environment and after 8 years I just can't take the office politics anymore. The mundane, repetitive nature of the job doesn't help.
The downside is I am in the process of house buying (first home) so really can't change or lose my job at the moment. When it completes, I can look into a drastic change but for the moment I feel so trapped and hopeless yet I know what I have to look forward to and what I need to do to improve.
Feeling a bit stuck. Hoping Sertraline can provide a crutch to lift my mood and help with this transition.
1 like, 3 replies
shah12 thomas96833
Posted
Hi I undestand your feeling mine it's same last 8 month going 2 depression. 3 month on citalopram after change my medicine 11 day ago off work sick last 3 month very very hard just doctor gave me mirtazepam for my sleeping and give me avian if I got bad panic attack or anxiety. U ask your doctor any other way or any medicine still sertaline kick in
Shed1976 thomas96833
Posted
Hi Thomas,
I had horrendous side effects on Fluoxetine also. I came off it and started Sertraline which has been a fantastic help to me over the years.
Work stress was a definite trigger of my depression and anxiety too. I have gone freelance so I can control how much work I do depending on my level of wellness.
It sounds like you are in the same position as I was many years ago. You have to put your mental health first so I am glad you have recognised the damage your work environment is doing.
When I started Sertraline my biggest issue was getting really hot. I had to take a little hand fan around with me.
I also suffered a really dry mouth so just make sure you keep hydrated.
I am still on Sertraline and suffer no side effects at all now.
Everyone is different so I can't say you will have the same experience as I did.
I would say trust your gut instinct with regards to taking time off work.
As it seems to be the root of your illness it sounds like getting a doctor's line would be your best bet, until you can see the woods from the trees again.
If you are off though, stay active. Exercise, keep in touch with friends (although avoid posting pictures on social media because that could be perceived negatively by work colleagues if you are off sick) eat well, avoid alcohol and get plenty of quality sleep.
It will likely take 4-6 weeks for the Sertraline to start working so try to be patient.
Good luck, C x
thomas96833 Shed1976
Posted
Thank you very much for your reply.
I am hoping I am the same and Sertraline works well. I am glad it has worked out for you and it sounds like it has really helped with making some big decisions.
My only worry really is at the moment surviving a few more months until the house completes (my partner also works and has agreed it's definitely my job that is causing the problem) it's been a very long build up to say the least.
Ideally I don't want to leave to be unemployed. I just want to be able to think a little less negatively and more clearly in order to step out of my comfort zone (main reason for staying) and work out just what would make me a little happier. Think I am just craving a new challenge to be honest. Feeling a little unaccomplished in work, especially on the days were there is literally nothing to do. Boredom is often as stressful as being overworked I find, especially when you have high anxiety levels and no distractions. I am only 26 and this job is all I have ever known!
I think i will try it and see day by day how it goes. Exercise is a definite. Fluoxetine pretty much left me out of it so I hope Sertraline is a little more energising.
Thanks for the advice