1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Sertraline

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

25 Replies

Prev
  • philip49799
    philip49799 eb1148

    Posted

    eb, you are never alone as Samaritans are there 24/7. Most people think they are just for people that want to do something horrible, however that is not the case. They are impartial and very supportive, especially in the dark hours. Loads of their 'staff' have had similar experiences to you/us. Do not feel embarrassed about phoining them if you are really frightened.

    This is easy for me to say but I would really try to get to your/a GP ASAP. My GP would be livid if she knew that I had not spoken with her about my situation. Please, take a deep breath and do this as the professionals are there to keep us safe.

    All the very best to you and, as others have said, hang in there, do relaxation and breathing, listen to music, anything to keep you an even keel, especially at night.

    P

    • eb1148
      eb1148 philip49799

      Posted

      Hi Philip, I think you just hit the nail on the head there -  I'm worst at nights (when I'm away at University I live with my boyfriend so it's not as bad, but while at home like I am now I'm alone at night), and last night I finally plucked up the courage to call Samaritans and actually speak to them, after calling several times and losing my bottle, at about 4am. I spoke with the woman for about 45 minutes - it was so reassuring, they really are brilliant. I did used to think exactly what you said but she didn't make me feel inadequate or like a time-waster at all, like I thought. 

      My GP is at University so I wwill definitely see her as soon as I go back, which will be in 2 weeks. Thank you so much for your help x

    • philip49799
      philip49799 eb1148

      Posted

      Oh well done eb. Later in your career you will be able to support Samaritans as I have for years. They can literally be life savers.

      Don't be 'alone' at Uni either. You will find there are many others that have challenging times and there will be a support mechanism. People like yourself have the opportunity to bring Mental Health conditions into the same recognition category as all the other stuff that is 'visible'. 'Our' problems are more recognised because of the openness of people in the public eye (sportspersons, musicians and singers, media folk) and their willingness to come out about their conditions.

      See if you can find a really good relaxation Ap or CD. I use mine on my IPod and use good earphones as it makes the sound seem like it is in the centre of my head (don't laugh......cheesygrin

    • eb1148
      eb1148 philip49799

      Posted

      Wow that's brilliant! Well done you're doing an amazing service. I looked into volunteering for them a couple years ago but thought it best to leave a few years due to education. 

      Yeah, it is an ongoing fight isn't it - trying to make sure it's universally recognised as a legit problem. There is a support system at my uni but unfortunately I had appointments with them and the counsellor said to me "Your friends, family, boyfriend, everyone, just see you as The Girl with the panic attacks"...so that was that, never going back.

      Oh that's a good idea, I'll look into that. Music does help me a lot. hehehe I know exactly what you mean so we can laugh at ourselves together! cheesygrin

  • GodsServant
    GodsServant eb1148

    Posted

    How long have you been feeling like this? It seems to me what you are experiencing is derealization. That happened to me for a period of 1-2 weeks and then went away. It was the most horrible state. I wasn’t myself and I couldn’t really feel any real feelings. What was your dose before 100mg and how were you doing on the lower dose?
    • eb1148
      eb1148 GodsServant

      Posted

      I think it could be yeah. I think it's been about 3-4 weeks now but has gotten worse. Yeah that's what I feel like...It's like I want to hurt myself just to feel, I don't know.  It was 50mg, it really helped at first and I got none of these symptoms but after  a while the panic attacks got worse and worse which is why my dose was increased. Thanks for your help x

    • GodsServant
      GodsServant eb1148

      Posted

      Eb, no worries. We are here to help each other out. I think you increased your dose too quickly, going from 50mg to 100mg. Usually, they just increase to 75mg for a couple of weeks and then 100mg so the side effects wouldn't be so bad. Take care. Try not to get stressed out and know that this phrase will pass and you will feel real feelings again, although the feelings may be muted a not. X

    • eb1148
      eb1148 GodsServant

      Posted

      Oh, yeah that's strange, it was on my doctor's advice. Okay thank you for your advice x

Back to top
Prev

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.