Sertraline severe withdrawal - am I normal and will I get better?!
Posted , 3 users are following.
I was on 50g sertraline for around 10 years and decided to come off before Xmas as didn't really know what it was doing for me anymore. Gradually starting taking just one tab every other day and then every few days. Initially got a dizzy/tingling feeling in my head/lips but gradually went after a few days. I would say it's been about 3-4 weeks since I last took one at all and all of a sudden feel absolutely dreadful. For the past week I have experienced :
Nausea
Heavy head/dizziness
Headaches
Breathless
Feels like a lump in my chest and can't get enough breaths( but really I can and I'm fine)
Lots of weeing!
Overall feel of extreme anxiety and aching chest- even when just sat at home watching tv!
Doc says either I go back on or carry on through this 'blip'- i chose to go back on as I was perfectly happy before- (only stopped cos I thought they were doing nothing!) I know this will prob take a couple of weeks to take effect though.
I just don't know how long I'll be feeling this way- how much more can I expect until withdrawal stops?!
Are the effects this bad because of the length of time I was on them?
Hoping for some feedback from others to give me some comfort and assurance that this will pass soon enough and I will get back to my normal state !
Thanks x
0 likes, 5 replies
hoodriver 84SLK
Posted
You'll be fine. I was on it for 8 years and then weened off them. I was anxious and had the same feelings then magically after 1 month it got better and ten gone. Totally normal.
You got this!
84SLK hoodriver
Posted
Hi thank you so much for replying, means a lot ! Just want to know these feelings will pass and hopefully I'll get back to normal when the tablets kick in. Don't think I'm brave enough right now to kick on through the withdrawal completely.
GodsServant 84SLK
Posted
Your feelings got worst because after some time, you longer have the med in your body. This is completely normal. Your doc is right. You can either get back on the low maintenance dose that your body's been accustomed to or you can carry on and ride thru these withdrawal symptoms of getting off. I don't know you're taking this for but just be careful that your condition doesn't worsen, like your attack coming back. Take care.
84SLK GodsServant
Posted
Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I didn't want to get the same old anxious feelings/attacks coming back, hence why I've chosen to continue with 50mg as before- I only came off cos I thought they were doing nothing! Plus we wanted to try for a baby - however the doc has said sertraline are absolutely fine and safe to take.
GodsServant 84SLK
Posted
50mg is a very low dose and you have to weigh the pros and cons of coming off of it during pregnancy - you want to feel all jittery and nervous and anxious while you're pregnant? Personally I agree with your doc that 50mg should be fine for your pregnancy and good luck!