Taking sertraline first time
Posted , 4 users are following.
I've been prescribed a 50mg dose of sertraline for anxiety and depression. I'm having recurring suicidal thoughts and have read many forums about how these can be increased for under 25 year olds when first taking them. I don't have a will to live anymore. I am scared about taking these but would very much like to improve my condition.
This has stopped me enjoying family time tonight as I've wanted to be alone and have these thoughts run through my head.
1 like, 12 replies
crag42617 scarlett17
Posted
Sorry, especially as you're very young, that you're suffering anxiety and depression, which go hand in hand, really. Personally I really went worse with them. I already couldn't be bothered with the things I like, due to my anxiety. The sertraline made me even more apathetic. The doc's tried me with several medications, and despite me telling my doctor that if anything, they make me feel worse, he still insisted that I stay on them. So I now lie to him,and I've been off them now for 4 weeks, and I feel physically better, which makes my cbt therapy better for me, because I don't feel so physically bad. (I went onto Mirtazapine after sertraline ) I think all these drugs just make you feel worse. The most important thing to get better, is to take cbt or other therapy. Sorry for blabbering on about it, just wanted to tell you what it was like for me. I don't really know why you are suffering, it's none of my business, but hope you get well soon, and don't be scared of telling your doctor how you feel about the medication, if it doesn't agree with you.
hypercat crag42617
Posted
Hi I respect your experience but I really don't think this is helping the poster and might stop them taking meds that could help them. Many people, including me, have been helped by meds and still are.
Not all meds are the same - I had to try 2 others before I settled on one, so maybe an honest discussion with your doctor would help? Another different one might make you think more kindly of them.
Don't forget there are no magic pills, all the drugs do is help you feel a bit better so you are more able to tackle your issues. x
crag42617 hypercat
Posted
Yes I get you. I should have put in my comment to the op that they must at least try them for several months first, as I did, (14 months of different ones), before deciding whether they are good for that person or not, and as you imply, there's no such thing as 'one size fits all'
scarlett17 crag42617
Posted
hypercat crag42617
Posted
Very true crag. I know some folk just don't get on with any meds at all, or are treatment resistant. I recognise that I am fortunate that they do help me. They don't solve any problems but they do blunt the edges of my pain which I am very grateful for. They enable me to have a bit of happiness and much more peace of mind which is what I am seeking at this time in my life.
I recognise that my deepest emotions are very strong and without meds I probably would have killed myself years ago. Maybe that would have been better - who knows? it would take a wiser person than me to know that.
I am in my early 60's now and have suffered from depression all my life so I don't know how I would be without it. I have sorted out enough of my problems to lead a reasonable and simple life and I am grateful for that. I don't ask any more out of life. Take care. x
hypercat
Posted
crag42617 hypercat
Posted
You're obviously a very nice person, you take care too, but I was just saying that even though these meds 'blunt the edges of your pain' they also blunt other aspects of your personality. Now it's a known fact that almost all of these meds, completely obliterate your sex drive. Now if they do that, what other aspects of your personality do they affect. Now I'm not having a go at you, but it's worth thinking about how you would feel without meds, but of course keep having therapy. My doctor said that the most important thing is not the meds, but the therapy.
Anyway hope you had, and are still having a good Xmas!
crag42617 hypercat
Posted
Oh and try to stop hoping your life will come to an end soon!
Remember this: it's inevitable that good times will happen again.
hypercat crag42617
Posted
Thank you very much crag. I do have good times but not 'right' times if you know what I mean. My life is pretty much meaningless but I guess the main difference is now I do have some medical issues which are only going to worsen. I have no objection to being alive most of the time, but then no real joy (or expect any) either. It just is. I am tired.
I don't know your age but I am guessing you are a lot younger than me. It's different then because you have much more energy, ambition and drive. And also more hope for the future as most of it is ahead of you. I have had all that but it's all faded away now.
Oh don't get me wrong - I do get out and about as much as possible. I work 3 times a week as a volunteer in a charity shop, go out socialising twice a week, see friends and family, and belong to a club for over 55's. It's all very nice and I am lucky to have it all. But I have little enthusiasm in life now which doesn't mean I am unhappy or anything. It's just different to when I was young that's all.
Thanks for caring. x
hypercat scarlett17
Posted
Hi I don't think there is an age limit for being affected by ad's before they kick in. You have seen the reply I gave to crag 42617. I think ad's have their place in helping you to feel a bit better and more able to tackle your problems. They are not the permanent answer for most of us but they can offer valuable help.
You say you don't have the will to live? Well that is very different from wanting to kill yourself and having a plan, so maybe the first few weeks won't be so bad. Only you can decide if it is worth the risk for you.
Unfortunately there are only ab's and counselling which the doctor can offer, there are not a wide range of different treatments. If you want to try going it alone a good place to start is with mindfulness (google it). There is lots of self help on the net if you prefer this route.
The ad's they use these days are a lot safer than the ones in the past and with most of them you cannot overdose enough to kill yourself. If was different in years gone past. Good luck and let us know how you get on. x
scarlett17 hypercat
Posted
I have decided to take the risk and take them hehe sertraline and have faith they will work.
Mindfulness is a great idea, I did a little bit of that during the therapy x
hypercat scarlett17
Posted
HI scarlet I hope my reply helped a bit at least. I did CBT too but it didn't help me at all. A psychologist friend of mine said she thought dialecital deep talking therapy would help me but I am not sure I would be able to cope with it, especially at my age or would want to go there.
It's not available on the NHS and I can't afford a private counsellor, though I would be able to when I get my state pension in 2 and a half years... who knows then? x
Ps if you find the side effects of the meds are something you really can't tolerate go straight back to your doctor please. There are lots of others to try such as prozac or mirtazapine etc. I find sertraline good for me but like crag said we are all different. x