Why is this medication not reviewed?
Posted , 5 users are following.
I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on this for me? I've been on Sertraline now for almost two years I think and it is never reviewed by my doctor. Has anyone else experienced this? To me, I just feel like I am being given the drug until I decide I know longer want to take it. Almost like it's an easy way to palm me off. How do you establish when your ready to come off it? I have spoken to my doctor about it and she informed that I would need to fix the mental aspect of my anxiety as Sertraline deals with the physical, so she suggested I have CBT which I am currently having and it is helping. I can't say for sure if I will ever be 'fixed', as it's something I will need to work on constantly. I'm currently on 100mg but I'm no longer certain the drug has any real benefit too me. I still get bouts of anxiety and depression. I am also on the pill but even before I was on the pill, I would still experience this. I just don't think it's healthy for me to be on it for years, I turn 25 in December. I once asked another doctor (not my usual doctor in which I discuss here) how long I would need to be on the medication for and she replied with "how long is a piece of string?" It worries me that I would receive such a response from a medical professional. I would appreciate any advice you may be able to give me, especially if you have been faced with a similar situation. Thank you!
0 likes, 4 replies
imelda16796 holly51044
Posted
I decided to come off it after about 12 months as I had been listening to a tv programme which said when you come off antdepressents you still have face what put you on them in the first place, so weanedd off them, i was on 25mg, side effects are dreadful if you come off them too quick as i found out to my cost, so back on to wean off over months, there are still days when i don't feel great ( especially on waking in the mornings ) but i get up and battle on.
Daisy121 holly51044
Posted
Hi I've been on sertraline for 18yrs and my doctor has never ask how I'm doing,so I've decided to start tapering of which I've been doing for 6 months now I was on 100 and now down to 50 ,I've had some bad side effects but the last week I've felt better ,by must admit I'm scared to cut down again so going to stay in 50 till after Xmas
taylor41 Daisy121
Posted
stoneyfish holly51044
Posted
Hi Holly,
Apart from the 'pill' bit I can totally relate to every word you have written.
Its always been up to me to say to the doctor that I feel like im ok to start lowering the dose. You are certainly not alone!
I think they are just so busy that they don't have time to revisit 'customer' needs they just get the next one in to try and fix.
If you feel you are ready to try and move on then I would speak with your doctor and people that you are close to and know your situation to keep an eye on you. do it in a very controlled manner 2 days on 1 day off etc..
Good luck and I'd be interested how you get on, I have failed a couple of times to let go of the crutch but I think its important to not put too much pressure on yourself.
Good luck with everyting.
x