To increase or not??

Posted , 4 users are following.

I was on 50mg for 2 1/2 weeks and then on 100mg for 12 days. Doctor now wants me to increase to 150mg. I'm really scared as I'm still suffering the awful side effects: headache, bad nausea, running to the loo, heightened anxiety, dark thoughts, some OCD (which wasn't previously there!), inabilities to get out of my own way at and be productive in any way. Spending most of every day in bed and taking 2mg diazepam at least twice a day. I'm supposed to collect the prescription tomorrow. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. X

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Gabrielle

    That sounds really horrible for you. Why does your Dr want you to increase when you are still adjusting to that dosage? I’ve learnt to my cost that a lot of GPs use trial and error but it’s not them that have to suffer the symptoms. I’m no medic but I do know that side effects are evident for quite a while for some people and maybe you are one of them.

    I wasn’t able to get out of bed, just for the loo, and that was 50mg. I also have bad tinnitus and life didn’t feel worth living. I think you need to ask your medic to discuss and explain more to you.

    I’m not better yet but I’m better than I was. Can take a shower now which I couldn’t do at that time. Hugs

    • Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply Eve. You're so right...GPs  do use trial and error. All I said to the GP today was that I was still feeling terrible and instead of him viewing the effects as side effects of the drugs he saw it as my anxiety that was causing all the symptoms. Sonhe upped me to 150mg. I'm inclined to hold off for a while and see if things settle at all before increasing or if, in fact it will be necessary at all.  I've read so many posts on here which describe awful side effects lasting for 6-8 weeks. I think all I was looking for from the GP was reassurance and all he did was throw more drugs at me! I really hope you're feeling better soon. I still can't take a shower or bath...think it's because I'm just so anxious all the time! 

    • Posted

      Hi again, I’m just off to bed now.

      I can’t actually advise you about what to do. BUT I personally would hold off on the up dose until the symptoms settle. They WILL. In December I had to stay with my son as I couldn’t do anything and I spent most of my time freaking out in bed!!! Christmas and New Year passed me by somewhat. Little people are still waiting for their Christmas presents!

      January was tough and I have bad days still.

      I can now drive again, not far, without panicking too much. I’ve started seeing a hypnotherapist as the depression and anxiety has made my tinnitus much worse. 

      SO I’ve gone from being quite pongy, couldn’t wash hair for days, to mostly being presentable.

      Don’t despair, it will get better for you and you will look back in astonishment and realise how far you have come. Hug.

    • Posted

      Awww Eve, thank you for your words of encouragement. I so glad to hear I'm not the only one who gave up on washing or personal care in general! I just want to be cared for and allowed to lie in bed or get up but do as little as possible until things settle bit everyone is insisting that I have to "help the drugs along" by getting up, washed, dressed and out into the fresh air! I wouldn't wish this awful anxiety on anyone but maybe just for a second or two if they could feel what we feel they'd let me lie a little longer. I think they're worried I'll slip into a deep depression along with my anxiety whereas I just want to stay in my nest until my anxiety goes away! Hugs to you too xx

  • Posted

    Please don’t Increase again. Wait till your body adjusts to this dose. I waited 8 weeks before I Increase. 
    • Posted

      hi Jenna! Yes, I'm definitely going to hold off on an increase for another while. Still getting really sore heads and nausea and couldn't handle them being any worse. Need this drug to be effective but I understand that it takes more time than the GP seems to think. X

  • Posted

    Morning, I hope we’ve both been out for our 5 mile run already!!!! It’s ok to not be ok for a while and then the even harder part starts. Easing back into life is hard and I remember at one point i thought itwould be nice to be in Hospital and be looked after. I forced myself to stay out of bed for a little bit longer, I live alone, when every nerve was screaming and wanting to get back to it. Mornings are very difficult, another day to face, especially with my screaming tinnitus. You will know when you force YOURSELF. Take no notice of what others advise and do it at your own pace 🌸

    • Posted

      Morning! Well, I think my head feels a tiny bit clearer this morning...maybe an indication that something is finally beginning to happen. Still have banging sore head and nausea and feel fatigue after I take my sertraline for the first couple of hours BUT I'm hoping this is the beginning of turning a corner! 

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