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Struggling with sertraline

Posted , 4 users are following.

eb1148
eb1148

Hi, I'm new to this forum but thought it might help to feel less alone. I've had panic disorder for 8 years, was put on sertraline about 6 months ago but upped to 100mg about 1-2 months ago. Since the dose increase, I've felt very depressed, had intrusive thoughts of self-harm with some attempts of self harm, and can't bring myself to talk to anyone (dr, family, boyfriend, friends) about it. None of this is like me. I'm scared of myself and I don't feel like me anymore. Has anyone experienced this, or has any advice? Thanks x

1 like, 25 replies

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  • tim72563
    tim72563 eb1148

    Posted

    Hi eb, this is very common, intrusive thoughts, thoughts of harm, they will pass, it just takes time, up to 12 weeks. I started on 25 for one week, then 50 for 3 weeks now on 100 and its been 13 weeks total now. Feeling 100% better. Usually the dose increases tend to start side effects all over again, and had eveything your feeling and more. So hang in there stay on forum it does help. Lots of good people going thru same thing and will give you tons of support. Hope this helps
    • eb1148
      eb1148 tim72563

      Posted

      Thank you, that is so helpful. It gets too easy to forget that you're not alone and lots of people know feel exactly the way you do. Okay, yeah I've been on 100mg for 5 weeks now. How long did it take for your side effects to settle down when starting on the dose you're on now, do you know? Thanks Tim x

    • tim72563
      tim72563 eb1148

      Posted

      Doctor moved me to 100 milligram in my fourth week a few days maybe 3 days I began to feel better some of the thoughts began to fade but they also gave me Xanax one milligram to help me deal with some of the side effects. About week 10 I started to feel normal again. I was afraid of the Xanax so I only took it when I was having a really bad day I don't take it at all now. Try to stay positive that is the most difficult part we get in our own heads and we make things worse keep the negative thoughts away as much as possible.

    • eb1148
      eb1148 tim72563

      Posted

      Oh wow, 10 weeks! Okay that is very reassuring. I was thinking of requesting to stop taking them (but then I know the panic attacks will return with full force). 

      Oh that's good - yeah I have also been prescribed diazepam (valium) to help with the really rough days.

      Yes definitely - I will try! I feel so much better now on this forum though knowing that all you lovely people are there.

      I'm glad you're feeling better now and the meds are working!

  • lorraine82455
    lorraine82455 eb1148

    Posted

    I stared the drug much the same about 5 months ago. Was increased to 50 ten days ago. The constant mind chatter and anxiety is awful. Now I don't even want to go out for fear of anxiety attack. The depression seems worse , but the insomnia and panic is awful. Wish I could help but I am in the same boat.

    • eb1148
      eb1148 lorraine82455

      Posted

      Hi Lorraine, I'm so sorry to hear this! It's horrible isn't it, you feel like a completely different person. Even though  the thought of going out is terrifying, it will probably only become more scary the longer you put it off and let it control you. If you go out, if you have an attack everything will still be okay. Have an action plan, a friend/family member to contact and a place to go where you feel safe. I hope you're okay x

    • lorraine82455
      lorraine82455 eb1148

      Posted

      Thank you, I know I have to do it, but it's so hard. I have gone from a Zumba,yoga,Pilates,lover to a frightened couch potato. When will this drug kick in

    • eb1148
      eb1148 lorraine82455

      Posted

      I don't know. You might just not be suited to it at all. I really don't know, being in the same boat. But I'm going to talk to my doctor about the effects it's had on me, you probably should too x

    • lorraine82455
      lorraine82455 eb1148

      Posted

      Just got back from my Dr. She wants me to ride it out for another two weeks, with Ativan low dose for anxiety. Do you know what Samaritans is? I live in Canada and have never heard of it. Sure helps to know others are going through this! Thanks
    • eb1148
      eb1148 lorraine82455

      Posted

      Oh right, good luck, I hope it goes okay, keep us updated! Yeah, Samaritans is a free 24 hour helpline in the UK  that help with pretty much anything you're struggling with. You just call them and talk for as long as you want and about whatever you want. Called them for the first time last night and so glad I did! Are there any helplines like that in Canada you could try?

    • lorraine82455
      lorraine82455 eb1148

      Posted

      We have a crisis line that I called once, but they just say go to the hospital, not very helpful. Glad you called them, hope it helped you.

      My Mom was from U.K., up in Manchester. Thanks for being there today, it was a tough one

    • eb1148
      eb1148 lorraine82455

      Posted

      Oh that's not very good sad is there nothing else, nothing you can ring just fora chat and support? It did, thank you!

      Oh right, not too far from me! 

      It's okay I just hope I helped. Hope you're okay, you can talk to me about anything, just give me a message. How are you feeling today? x

    • lorraine82455
      lorraine82455 eb1148

      Posted

      Better day yesterday, but having panic today.  I have my sister to ring, but my best friend is on holidays. Day 14 and I hope things settle. Dr gave me a Rx. To take when needed, but I am worried that I will get hooked on them , so I try to use sparingly. My Mom was actually from Darlington, but I just say Manchester so people know what I am on about.
    • eb1148
      eb1148 lorraine82455

      Posted

      I found a website in Canada (Ontario it was based I think) and sent it but my comment has been deleted. If you google helplines in Canada, I'm sure you'll find it, it looked good!

      Oh that's good news. Do you know what's brought it on today, if anything? 

      Yeah good idea, I do that with my diazepam (valium). 

      oh haha yeah good job cos I haven't heard of Darlington cheesygrin

    • eb1148
      eb1148 lorraine82455

      Posted

      Hi! I think i'm getting better - it can be hard to tell, I haven't really been alone much lately bcause my boyfriend is staying so that helps keep my mind off the bad stuff. But yeah better! Hope you are too x

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