1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Sertraline

Sertraline not working now

Posted , 6 users are following.

iris46
iris46

I was prescribed Sertraline when my husband died in 2007, and got up to 150mg. After a year or so I was able to slowly wean myself down to 50mg and coping. Then I had to have both breasts removed but didn't increase dosage. Then last year my brother died....I was in NZ and couldn't get back to the UK for the funeral. That stressed me badly and within 3 months I was in a deep depression. In summer last year I was rushed to hospital with blood clots on my lungs...I survived. I just seemed to be making progress when my daughters marriage broke up, and I seemed to become the verbal punchbag. She didn't want to see me at Christmas. I booked to go to my son in NZ but I was on a knife edge all the time. This rift lasted 3 months. We met up again late Feb at a family christening, and things were improving. Since we made up I've had nonstop tears, and I don't know if it's all the stress coming out, or whether the Sertraline is no longer working for me. They do say that medications can "poop" out, and I don't know if I should ask my doc to change to another med......but I dread the side effects. Any advice please?

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • GillH35
    GillH35 iris46

    Posted

    You have had a lot to deal with of late-I would consider a visit to your Gp-Any consultation is better than sitting at home -If you can muster the motivation-Stress the need to see your Gp as soon as possible-Hope you manage to get seen quickly x
  • mark56500
    mark56500 iris46

    Posted

    Iris46,

    I'm so sorry you've had to endure so much. Not sure what advise I can provide, but it does sound to me that you should discuss what is going on with you with your doctor.

    Maybe you can get you dose adjusted or switch meds. I understand your trepidation about switching. You just have to decide what you think is right for you with the help of your doctor.

    Just know that in time, all of this will pass.

  • Zio10
    Zio10 iris46

    Posted

    First off, Im so sorry for your losses an medical issues. That is quit alot of stressors an I think not only asking about meds but you might think of seeing a therapist about grieving an how to cope with all that's going on. If you could talk to someone about all this that would relieve a little. Write a journal about your stress. They call it a worry journal. Exercise is good for stress (if you can medically). Im not sure if just meds is going to help. I lost my daughter in 2000. We didn't get help handling it. I turned to a med called Tramadol, which I was told wasn't addicting, but it made me feel better. Not high but had more energy an could handle stuff better (i thought!? ). That was 8 yrs ago I started taking it. In 2014 I detoxed off it. Then depression and anxiety hit an menopause. Iv been dealing with all my emotions with that an now caretaker of both my 80 yr old parent's. Neither drive. Iv had health issues to. Iv tried 4 different antidepressants an Sertraline was one of them. It made me very sick physically. Couldn't take it. But, maybe you should seek a counselor or therapist? Im in U.S.

    Goodluck, Lord bless.

  • Tezes
    Tezes iris46

    Posted

    That's a lot of stress ! 

    Think how you would be without the sertraline ? Maybe it is working but I would agree therapy would help rather than more meds.

    i have just come off sertraline after taking it for two years to help me cope after two years of sustained stress incl a similar situation with my daughter. That in itself is like a bereavement and I still cry about it now and again but maybe that's normal.

    these drugs are so hard to come off maybe it's time to get some CBT or similar therapy,

    wishing you you all the best, look after yourself x

  • glenn85919
    glenn85919 iris46

    Posted

    The way you describe the periods of turmoil and tragedy in your life lead me to think that you are, at base line, balanced and, so strong. It is a complex issue attempting to regain 'normality', and a sense of peace in your life when so many extreme situations and events are virtually drowning you. I'm in agreement with some of the other opinions on this thread; medication alone (in whatever strength) will not turn things around. They will help, of course, if you find the right one for you - a journey for which you have to prepare yourself.  Councilling (if you have not already considered it) should be looked into. Most definately a daily exercise program (or whenever you can fit it in). Yoga would help and deep relaxation (meditation).  Supplements such as B complex, high value Omega 3, Vitimin D. Look at your diet as well. Too much meat and sugary food is not doing your body any favours. What I'm suggesting might take a lot of will and faith on your part, but by the sound of it, your inate strength will pull you through in the end. This is, of course, just my opinion, but through experience one single pill or approach will fall short of eradicating the Tsunami of emotions drowning you at present. Fight it on as many fronts as you can and you will see, over time, a shift into a more positive frame of mind.  Good look Iris, my thoughts are with you. That goes for everyone else struggling with their lives in this way too. x
    • iris46
      iris46 glenn85919

      Posted

      Thanks Glenn....I may have forgotten to mention I'd had a big rift with my daughter in November.....she didn't contact me till Feb.  She told me on Monday she didn't think we could be good friends again. Upsetting! However she phoned today to invite me over to her house tomorrow.  I'm shaking inside
    • Tezes
      Tezes iris46

      Posted

      Iris I feel for you I really do, my daughter said the same thing to me. It's been 2 years and we can see each other but only fleetingly and only have short conversations. It is upsetting, devastating really as she said some awful things to me all because she blamed me for an fight she had with her sister. It wasn't anything to do with me and I wasn't there when it happened but apparently I should have sorted it out and 'made' my other daughter apologise to her. They are both in their 30's, I did my best but it obv wasn't good enough, what she wanted was for me to tell her sister that I wouldn't see her again until she'd apologised. I told her I couldn't do that as not only would it affect my relationship with her but also with my grandchildren. That was it since then we don't get invited out with them anywhere and they don't accept our invitations to come out with us although we are 'good enough' to babysit !!! To add to that now my other daughter and grandchildren have moved away due to the stress of it all. ( I have a good relationship with her but now they are 300 miles away!)

      Flipping families,

      what ive learnt from all this is that whatever I do I can't win so now I have learned to look after myself and husband (their dad) and let them get on with sorting out their own issues.

      sorry to go on, I really feel for you as I was a nervous wreck going through it hence going onto sertraline and developing a neuro disorder, now I'm on tablets for life, thanks kids

      please try not to worry they will do whatever they want in the long run, as parents we can only be there when they need us.. And if they don't we have to come to terms with that and live our own lives, life's too short to live with constant anxiety,

      sending you all my best wishes and hugs, hope you can retain some kind of a relationship with her, look after yourself,

      xxxxxxxx

  • glenn85919
    glenn85919 iris46

    Posted

    Good luck, Iris. Hope it goes well. You're daughter has obviously been thinking about you affectionately. Try to be strong, but above all, relax and enjoy yourself. Have a great time.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.