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Starting to feel worse on higher dose after 4 weeks

Posted , 2 users are following.

clarkio
clarkio

Hi, have been taking Sertaline since last November.  Worked up to 50mg and was doing pretty ok but after seeing GP about 5 weeks ago decided to raise the dose to try and get rid of the remaining anxiety.  

Did a week on 62.5mg (I'm a wuss when it comes to drugs) and for just over last 4 weeks have been on 75mg.  The last 3 or 4 days though I've been feeling terrible.  Feeling ill and weak and alternating between feeling anxious and feeling down.

I did have a heavy cold last week so it could be that, but was just wondering if anyone had problems after raising the dose.  I know you can get side effects after raising dose but more interested in anyone who felt worse after 3-4 weeks.  Did it get better with time?  Did you raise the dose further etc.

Any comments appreciated

 

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • natalie2608
    natalie2608 clarkio

    Posted

    Hello  I was on 50mg pretty much straigthway, I took 25mg for 2 days by splitting the tablets but the doc said 25 just wasnt enough. I am a terrible wuss with tablets too and hate taking them and scared still of side effects but I decided to bite the bullet and take the 50. I was on this, along with diaxapam for the 1st 2 weeks for around 7/8 weeks and then the doc mentioned about upping to 100 but I didnt want to so I asked if I could try 75 nd she said that was fine and thats where I have been since end of December. I have no plans to up them if I can help it but do other things to help that too like CBT etc. I struggled with the increase even though it was only 25mg and very glad I didnt do the 100 but took a few weeks to settle down so keep going
    • clarkio
      clarkio natalie2608

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply Natalie.  How long did it take to settle down on the 75mg?  I've been on that dose for over 4 weeks now and it's realy only the last 4 days or so that I've been struggling.

      I guess my concerns are a) has it stopped working or b) is it starting to take effect but that is making me feel worse.

      Suspect the thing to do either way is give it another week or so and see if things settle.  Annoying though I really thought I'd pretty much got this thing beat.

    • Digsby
      Digsby clarkio

      Posted

      Hi buddy,

      I was on 50mg during January and upped to 100mg in Feb. At week 7 I was feeling as if things were slipping away from me but week 8 has seen a few good days in a row for me. I've been working on my attitude a lot in the past couple of months, with the help of therapy. I'm doing things that are helping my self-confidence return, and when bad things happen I'm trying hard to put them into perspective and not catastrophise like I'm prone to doing.

      I'd say to you: Believe in yourself and keep going! It's always darkest just before dawn. It might sound like a cliche but I think many of us have experienced a turning point around weeks 7-8. If you have felt the benefit at all then the meds won't suddenly stop working for you. Be strong & you'll get where you want to be, buddy :-)

      All the best, Digsby

    • clarkio
      clarkio Digsby

      Posted

      Hi Digsby,  thank you for the reply it was a nice positive affirmation.  I think you're right just need to keep things in perspective, a few bad days does not a disaster make.

      I've been felling slightly better the last few days, to be honest I think I've probably been suffering from a virus (seem to be a lot around at the mo) but sometimes my stupid brain can't differentiate between feeling physically bad and feeling anxious.

      My plan is to stay on the 75mg till end of next week, see how I am and if I feel ready up it to 100mg.

      Once again thank you for the reply, it's always nice to know you're not alone with how you feel.

      Regards

    • Digsby
      Digsby clarkio

      Posted

      That's the spirit buddy :-)

      I've been trying to shake off a head-cold for 3 weeks now and it has definitely clouded my thinking and given me a new, unwanted challenge. I feel as if the clouds are parting now and I have some more clarity and hope about the way ahead. I hope the same will be true for you too with more good days than bad.

      All the best,

      Digsby

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