Sertraline withdrawal after short-term use
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi,
I'm new to this forum and would appreciate some advice from a professional or someone who might have experienced similar to me. I was signed off of work because of anxiety which having done some research I have discovered is actually caused by agoraphobia though I have no fear of open spaces I have for some time found meetings at work difficult, queues at supermarkets really anywhere I might feel trapped. I had an anxiety episode at work which I'm not sure I'd describe as a full blown panic attack as it came in a meeting which I had to get up and leave promptly after which I gradually calmed down. I went into work for the next two weeks but gradually became uncomfortable just sitting at my desk and have been signed off now for about three weeks.
Anyway, to the point, I have been resistant to GP's attempts to prescribe me antidepressants but as my problems have escalated thought it would be worth a go as my GP suggested an SSRI. I was given Sertraline 50mg which I took for eight days but in the end found the anxietyt was causing me overwhelming to the point I'd never felt so bad. It made me realise that this is not for me and having read about withdrawal after long-term use I would stop taking it and (once I am feeling better) face up to my fears which has served me so well that until recently I'd been living pretty a normal life. I know that I can get back to that again but I am so worried now that I've done some long-term damage. This is my second day without Sertraline and my anxiety has been bad enough to make me think twice about leaving the front-door.
Has anyone else been through simillar to me and if so how did you cope? How long will it take me to get back to the same as I was a week and half ago before I took the Sertraline? I couldn't even face going into work at the moment and just want some reassurance that I've not done myself any lasting harm. I'm signed off for next week. Is there any possibility of me feeling well enough to attempt a return to work the week after?
Apologies for going on and I'd be really grateful for any responses.
Thanks
0 likes, 4 replies
rachellebelle JJC1975
Posted
As far as the anxiety and panic disorder goes, have you talked to any other specialists other than your GP? Like a counselor or a nutritionist. You'd be surprised how much nutrition plays a key role in not only your physical health, but your mental and emotional health. Also, yoga is a great practice for easing your mind and I've even looked up guided imagry videos on Youtube that help ease my mind and anxiety levels.
As far as how long Setraline stays in your body, it has a half-life of about 25 hours which means that ever 25 hours there is half as much in your body as before. If you are having symptoms of discontinuation syndrome, I doubt they'd last longer than a week since you didn't take it for long, but that also depends on how your brain and body react to the medication and the lack of.
My advice is to do whatever you need to feel calm and at peace. Live in every moment. I heard a quote recently that said worrying about tomorrow only ruins your today. I think that can be applied to every hour and minute.
Another coping mechanism that I learned when dealing with panic attacks is the 20 second countdown. You tell your body that you have 20 seconds to do what ever it is panicking about (having a heart attack, throwing up, etc.). And then start the count down. Do it slowly. Egg your mind on. "Come on. I know you want to *insert panic issue here*". When you get down to five and lower, really drag it out. "5... 4 and a half... four... three and three quarters..." Then once you hit zero, move on. You gave your body the chance to do whatever it was panicking about and it didn't happen so tell your mind that you are going to move on with your life. This has helped me several times.
It's all about finding what works for your and your body and mind.
JJC1975 rachellebelle
Posted
I'm definitely going to go for the more natural approach to my problems. Essentially it's down to overdoing it so I need to find more time to relax. I don't like my job much although it pays the bills and on top of working full-time I've been studying with the OU often 20 hours per week or more (more than most full-time students, lol). and some coping strategies like you suggest are worth me trying on top of admitting that I'm not superman and perhaps dropping a module.
It's now been about two and half days since I took my last Sertraline and I've had a rotten afternoon. I can't wait for the effects of it to be long gone and can't imagine how anyone can put up with feeling so horrible for long enough for the meds to have an effect. A long session on my exercise bike has helped loads though. And I've contacted a hypnotherapist with an appointment for that next week, along with CBT to start in a couple of weeks to cover all bases.
Next time I begin to feel anxious I will definitely try your count down idea. And for the next week I'll try my best not to dwell on things like you suggest, and just try and use the time to relax (remaining sertraline side-effects permitting) I really wish life wasn't such a struggle but it's good to know I'm not alone in this. Thank you.
rachellebelle JJC1975
Posted
I'm not an expert on anxiety or panic disorders by any means, but I understand how much they can suck and how much of your life they can control. It's always scary when you aren't safe in your own head.
john43970 JJC1975
Posted
i took zoloft for 3 days. horrible. i stopped. anxiety 2 fold. lost appetite and taste of food. insomnia which i had already felt panicky the worst. taking ambien to sleep on top of it but still cant. zoloft is the worst drug ever.