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Sertraline.. increasing the dose

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FDawg
FDawg

 have suffered from depression and anxiety for years (about 8 in total since my early 20's) but only recently sought help from my GP when I started having 2 or 3 panic attacks a day.

I was prescribed Sertraline 25 mg daily and Propranolol 80 mg daily (40 mg in the morning and 40 mg in the evening). After one week the Sertraline was increased to 50 mg daily. 3 weeks on and today I have been upped to 100 mg daily.

I had bad side effects when starting on the 25 mg (increased depression, increased anxiety, headaches, nausea and diarrhea) but these past after the first 4 or 5 days. When I was increased to 50 mg they came back, albeit more mildy and past after the 3rd or 4th day. 

I am apprehensive about increasing the dosage again now as I have to travel a lot this weekend for a large family engagment. I am worried that I may start having panic attacks again as I settle into the higher dose and I am wondering whether to stay on 50 mg with the Propranolol over the weekend and up the dosage on Monday when I am home and have a few days to relax and can ride out any side effects.

Has anyone had side effects increase the third time they upped their dose? Or was there no real change? 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Scampi18
    Scampi18 FDawg

    Posted

    Hi 

    I would stay on the dose till after your family gathering, the side effects I got from two increases were awful worse than before I started taking them.

    i take them for the menopause, they have taken the edge off, and I won't up them anymore.

    i find rescue remedy quite good the oral spray one, you will get through this and be fine, have a lovely time, and when you get your posh frock on and do your hair and makeup, look in the mirror and like yourself. 

  • FDawg
    FDawg

    Posted

    Thanks scampi I'm going to wait to increase until Monday. And I won't be wearing a dress or make up, I'm a bloke wink
  • Scampi18
    Scampi18 FDawg

    Posted

    So sorry I just assumed you were female, I bet you laughed though, have a great time you will be ok, PMA positive mental attitude. 
    • jinny23
      jinny23 Scampi18

      Posted

      hi Scampi,

      I am not a doctor or consultant so I cannot advise you on your medication... but then I was advised by both my doctor and my consultant 3 years ago....and they both got it wrong. !!!!

      So, I do tend to make my own decisions these days based on reading , experience and feedback from those I trust.

      If I were you, I would Do just as you said.... go off and have a great weekend away...AND....enjoy yourself.....come home and give that 50 mg dosage a bit longer before you do anything !!!

      If you have been told, you must up the dose well....that's a difficult one...only you can decide.

      I took 25mg to begin with, half a tablet....noticed a change fairly rapidly...gave it

      2 weeks...then went up to 50mg...I am on 50 now and I feel so different, so much improved.

      I have CFS/ME but I Don't want to up the dose any further because then the medication changes in character; It can become dimffcult to do without it.

      Hope your journey is a smooth one !

      Remember to put your high heels in too ! smile

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