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Mental health

Sertraline

24 replies

Hayleighgt1 · 19/08/2013 17:05

Hi, I've been on Sertraline for nearly a month now and I feel it is working a little but I still don't feel great. I've been told I have depression, severe anxiety and severe social phobia. I've started see some one about it but as you can imagine, for some with a social phobia, it's not that easy!!
Any advise?

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Lemsy · 19/08/2013 18:13

Hi,

You need to give it a bit more than a month, see how you feel after three months. Having therapy along side it is a very good idea as well as trying to add more natural methods (exercise, diet etc) as you continue to feel better. Also, don't drink with them or drink very little. I have been on them for 2 years and along with all of the above am starting to come off them. I had very similar problems to you

Best of luck x

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Hayleighgt1 · 19/08/2013 19:10

Thanks a lot, I will stick to them for a bit longer and see how it goes.
It's good to finally know I'm not the only one who feels the same way :)

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teawomen · 24/10/2013 18:58

Hi hayleighgt. Just wondered how you were feeling now? Is been a while and wondered whether you were still taking sertraline as I've just been started on this.

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2old2beamum · 24/10/2013 21:06

teawoman I started this 8 days ago and am just beginning to surface after feeling like rubbish
Good luck

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teawomen · 24/10/2013 21:20

Hi 2old2bamum. Doc just swapped me from fluoxetine. Took my first sertraline tonight n my heads banging. He swapped because I was feeling depressed on the other ones thought it would have been to early for the side effects already. Never suffered with depression before so hopfully it doesn't come back had a few bad days. Did u have many side effects or am I better off not knowing lol

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Funnyfishface · 24/10/2013 23:52

Hi. I changed from citalopram to sertraline 4 weeks ago. I have had zero side effects.
I was on citalopram for a year and really didn't see any improvement at all. The sertraline kicked in almost immediately and I am much happier.
I take 50mg around 7 pm for anxiety.

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teawomen · 25/10/2013 07:26

Hi funnyfishface. Has it helped your anxiety?

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2old2beamum · 25/10/2013 10:40

Hi teaswoman,
Will nervously tell you the side effects I am having now on day 9
Nausea, gut ache, numb headache tired but not sleeping. On the plus side despite crap my anxiety has lessened.
One thing I have found is a thimble full of alcohol floors me Sad so if your 21st is looming be warned!!
BTW I take mine in the morning after breakfast

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Funnyfishface · 25/10/2013 23:59

Tea woman - yes it really has.

I was in despair. I didn't know which way to turn. I had been on citalopram for a year. Never wanted to take ads at all then when my doc said to switch because I wasn't seeing any improvement I was terrified.

I wish I had started on sertraline. It has been fantastic for me. Started a new job. Am sleeping better. No real side effects. Maybe a little dry mouth and the odd dizzy spell. But nothing I can't manage.

I take 50 mg about 7 pm.

I was given diazepam to get me through side effects but I haven't needed it.

Am able to go out, cinema, restaurant, shopping etc. so much better.

I had cbt whilst on citalopram.
Lots of counselling. But sertraline is definitely the thing that has helped me most

Good luck xx

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teawomen · 26/10/2013 08:26

I'm really pleased to hear your story. How long have you been on it now? Have u had anymore panic attacks? It's lovely to hear your much happier hope it works aswell for me x

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Funnyfishface · 26/10/2013 09:41

I have been on it 5 weeks. Because the citalopram was already in my system I didn't have any adjustment period so it was an almost instant reaction.
I started a new job at the same time so my stress levels were through the roof.
Honestly except for a few very minor blips like occasional hot flush or a little dizzy spell I have had no adverse effects.
I have no panic attacks at all since starting.

I don't know how bad you are with your anxiety. But for me it was ruining my life. It got so bad I couldn't leave the house for a fortnight.
I am against taking medication but there are times when you just have to accept help. I know now that for me I need the help.

I was terrified of taking anything. I take mine with my evening meal. I sleep well through the night and am not sleepy during the day.
With citalopram I put on 10 pounds and now that I am feeling much better I would like to tackle that.

I hope it works as well for you.
Feel free to pm me anytime if you need support. Xx

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teawomen · 26/10/2013 13:30

Thanks will do. I am feeling very positive. X

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teawomen · 29/10/2013 06:45

2old2bamum. How r you feeling now?? I'm still having good days n bad but not expecting to feel amazing have manage a shopping trip without panic attack so that's good.

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2old2beamum · 29/10/2013 15:16

Hi teawoman Must admit now on day 14 am feeling so much brighter so GP was right it is anxiety, I still feel rather lightheaded mid morning and my sleep pattern is totally wrecked. Must admit 2 youngest are in respite so am able to take things easier.

So glad you are having some good days hope they increase but as you say it is early days!!

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2old2beamum · 29/10/2013 15:16

Hi teawoman Must admit now on day 14 am feeling so much brighter so GP was right it is anxiety, I still feel rather lightheaded mid morning and my sleep pattern is totally wrecked. Must admit 2 youngest are in respite so am able to take things easier.

So glad you are having some good days hope they increase but as you say it is early days!!

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2old2beamum · 29/10/2013 15:17

WHAT HAPPENED!!!

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teawomen · 09/11/2013 07:58

How's it going?

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2old2beamum · 10/11/2013 15:51

Hi teawoman
Must admit despite feeling like a pile of rubbish 6 days ago I am feeling sooo much better. Thinking about it I realise I have not been my usual "old" self for over 2 years. Have appointment with GP tomorrow we shall see!!
How are you doing? I still feel spacey but the nausea has lessened for which I am grateful.
Goodluck

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teawomen · 10/11/2013 18:38

Pleased your feeling much better. I too am starting to feel like to old self again enjoying taking my dd out, shopping and going to gym are more of a pleasure. I do get the thoughts but working on them. Havnt had a panic attack for a week or 2 touchwood. So all in all feeling much much better. Goodluck for docs tomorrow.

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Funnyfishface · 10/11/2013 23:30

I am so pleased for you both.

This time last year I was at rock bottom. Now I have a job that I love. I am back out socialising,
I still have down days but nothing compared to before.
I look after myself more. I have learned to say no.

I don't like being on medication at all. But for now I accept I need it. Xx

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teawomen · 13/11/2013 13:56

Funnyfishface. So pleased ur life is back. It goes I show we all need a little help. I've been feeling nervous today for some reason didn't have a very good sleep Monday night so think is just that catching up with me. Good days n bad take them in my stride x

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misspenny92 · 16/11/2013 14:01

Hi I'm 21 with 2 children my doc has prescribed citalopram for me I am scared to death of taking them aso have never done drugs and won't even take a cold nd flu tablet I'm scared of the side affects what can I do to stop stressing and take the Damn tablet without overthinking I want to get better for the sake of my children but I am so scared how will o feel ect will I be able t o look after my kids whole on this

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teawomen · 16/11/2013 18:37

Hi miss penny. I was the same don't take anything. Don't know about citalipram but I did experience some side effects they normally subside within two weeks. Good luck im sure it will be fine. I forced myself to take the first tablet I knew I just had to take it.

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fyuj · 24/05/2021 17:57

hi i've been on citalopram for 5 weeks now .. had a co up ole of not bad days but back to feeling panicky and low again .. Dr said change to sertraline 50mg straight away .. i'm scared of going through it all again .. anyone got any reassurance it would be much appreciated..

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