Stopping sertraline (or any AD)

[Deelozza]

Hi all!
Looking for some hand holding and reassurance! Following a major burnout and depressive episode at the start of last year, I started a course of sertraline in mid April 25mg first month, up to 50mg in mid May). Took a few months to get on a even keel but by August I was 90% there. Stupidly thought in Oct/Nov that I was well enough to stop so cut back to 25mg for a month and then off with minimal issues. Off meds for dec and then into Jan (which was a bit stressful) I noticed some low moods, lack of appetite, weeping etc - waited a week or so then called gp who suggested id be best to restart the meds and I'd come off too soon (only 4 months after feeling the benefit if the medication).
Needless to say it's been a bit rotten going through the start up again - I am tormenting myself that I shouldn't have gotten back on them but deep down I think I know it would have only gotten worse without them. Hoping I get a good response from 50mg again so trying to be patient but can anyone else offer reassurance that this blip isn't a sign that I have some horrible chronic form if this condition that will keep coming back?
Just looking for positive reassurance please, thanks! Sorry for long post!

[Sadmumma]

Dee -there is a Sertraline support thread on mumsnet - now 26 pages long. Lots of experience on there. Don't know how to give you the link as I'm on ipad. Try a search. Good luck.

[ShowYourVeracity]

I don't think you should worry about the long term for now. Most people do not need to stay on ADs long term, and you were not taking them for long the first time at all. I have been told by GPS that winter is not a good time to come of ADs (because serotonin levels are naturally lower due to the light I think) so next time you could try coming of them in spring or summer. Don't torment yourself about going back on the ADs. You will be able to try stopping them again when the time is right.

[Deelozza]

Thanks for the replies ladies, much appreciated.
I think I am just nervous as I thought I was better and now I am scared I never get better. Wish I had stayed on the AD's longer but I really thought I was ok.
Does anyone have any stories of an unsuccessful first attempt to come off AD's followed by a successful go at it?
Would love some positive stories - seems there aren't many but that's maybe because those who are better just get on with things!

[AuntieDee]

I was in the same situation as you by coming off too soon. My GP made me realise that it was the meds making me feel better and not the fact that I actually was. I went back on them and when I was feeling more positive I started CBT and EMDR to help me develop coping strategies.

Also halving your dose from 50 to 25 is far too sharp of a drop :( if you are going to stop, it is best to do so at the end of spring and do it over the course of several months. I initially started by cutting down by 25% but only every other day, then every day, then dropping further but gradually. Never reduce you dose without doing it with your gp - they can do the questionnaire to check you aren't slowly falling backwards.

One thing I found really helpful was to make sure I got at least a half an hour walk each lunchtime when the sun was at its best. Sunshine really does help :)

[Deelozza]

Auntie thank you so much for posting your story, I have been so scared that I would never be able to think about coming off the meds and face the same problem for ever. I am petrified by this condition.
I too am about to start CBT and feel very positive about this.
My GP suggested staying on the meds this time for a year - is that what you had to do when you re-started?

[AuntieDee]

I stayed on them for over a year just because of the way the seasons fell so I could stop them in the May which really helped.

CBT is a great tool but it is something you have to do for yourself. Some of the techniques sound so obvious and silly when you first see them but they are things you stop doing when you get stuck in a rut.

I still struggle in winter and have to force myself to leave the house if I am not in work but having dogs and horses helps with this :)

Bizarrely one thing I found really helped was mashed banana on toast for breakfast - banana really is a feel good fruit :)

[AuntieDee]

Also if you ever want anyone to bounce any ideas off give me a shout. I know how hard it is to share with someone who hasn't been there and can inadvertently make you feel silly and set you back.

I'm 4 years off meds now :)

[Deelozza]

Thank you so much - positive stories like yours really help! I think when I started AD's last year in May I was so reluctant and so as soon as I thought I could come off, I did. I underestimated how much help they were to me and I won't make that mistake again this time - I will commit to taking them for the recommended time and when I reduce the dose I will be more careful like you have said.
I find it hard to accept as I've got a lovely life and I would like to start TTC with my partner but its just not a good idea until I've finished treatment.
Hopefully I have a positive outcome and I will share my story as I think hearing other peoples positive stories is a massive boost to someone going through this as its very confusing and scary

[Belle768]

Noticed this thread is a little old but wanted to say I'm in the same boat Dee and also interested to know of experiences failing to come off meds first attempt but managing at a later date.
I'm back in ADs for 6 weeks after my anxiety returned following a few months off a short course of ADs last year (apparently too short ??)
Really don't like taking meds and was hopping to TTC with hubby this year so have added incentive to come off but just afraid if I do again and anxiety and depression come back that my doc will suggest staying on much longer term and I'd never be able to TTC as they've said not to while taking ADs (I'm also on sertraline 50mg) x