Sertraline Heart Racing
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hey guys,
I've been on Sertraline for about a week and a half now - mainly for anxiety. I recently went up to 50mg. At first I didn't notice a difference in side effects but the past couple of days I've felt like my heart is racing, a bit out of breath and really anxious. I've also been waking up in the night feeling quick panicked and disorientated for no apparent reason.
I was just wondering whether anyone else had experienced this?
I go on holiday in a weeks time, and I'm understanding nervous that the side effects might make my holiday not enjoyable, which would be a real shame. However, with or without medication I tend to get nervous before travelling and while I'm settling in somewhere.
Does anyone have any advice?
Thanks,
Charlotte
1 like, 5 replies
lorraine82455 LotsoDotso
Posted
LotsoDotso lorraine82455
Posted
Hi,
That's a shame, I'm hoping mine will settle over time. Even though I know what's causing it, it's in my nature to catastrophise and think something must be wrong!
Are you doing better now these days?
philip49799 LotsoDotso
Posted
Not pleasant for you, however you know exactly what's going on and seem to be OK with it even if it is disturbing. That is excellent. You will so enjoy your holiday when you are there. It will be the best thing you have done for ages.
By the way, these effects are 'typical' and you will eventually be able to look back and have a bit of a giggle about it. Yes, truly.
May I suggest you really get some breathing exercises sorted before you go?Centering your 'Chi' by regulated breathing whilst lying down and especially at night, will really help if they happen. I suspect that by the time you go they will have subsided.
Go and have a lovely time, maybe take some Rescue Remedy and or Kalms and get some Vit D from the sun.
best wishes,
phil
LotsoDotso philip49799
Posted
Hi Phil,
Thank you for your message, it was really encouraging! I'm hoping I will be ok once I settle in, I'm only in Europe and with close friends who are very understanding.
It's strange because I know exactly why it's happening and also know that it's quite a normal side effect, but that doesn't stop my brain ruminating on it. The nature of anxiety I guess. I'm hoping I get some mental relief in the coming weeks. I also have anxiety-induced IBS, which as you can imagine isn't pleasant if you're trying to enjoy your holiday.
Can you recommend any breathing exercises? I know you're supposed to lengthen your out breath, but could do with practicing before I go.
Thanks,
Charlotte
philip49799 LotsoDotso
Posted
Catastrophising..........such fun (NOT). Do you use the rationalisation trick when that happens? Took me ages to get that little negative thinking monkey under a certain amount of control.
Ref breath stuff, have a look at Yoga type belly breathing and also imagining the breath coming in the front pores of your torso and out the back pores (sounds weird but is fun). I also use a simple trick of putting my hands on my tummy before the inhale and feeling the fingers 'parting' on the inhale when belly breathing. I also lay down and close the eyes and try to concentrate on my belly button area when doing the breathing along with listening to suitable tempo music through headphones. This is in the privacy of a bedroom or somewhere like the sun lounger in the Conservatory when lovely and sunny. Not recommended whilst driving or on public transport
Also, breathe in through the nose if you can and out through the mouth.
Have a look at simple Mindfulness technique on line. Basically a focus on the now moment and no thinking back or ahead.
My Counsellor also gave me a strategy of dealing with stupid thoughts. Imagine them all being sucked into a screen in front of your face and then make that screen recede into the distance and disappear .
As you can tell, I have been trying all sorts of stuff over the years.