Sertraline - need some help, please!

[KayHarkerDoesNotSimper]

Just started taking Sertraline about a week ago. I am absolutely climbing the walls. I was very depressed, but now I feel like my head is coming off my shoulders, I'm totally hyper, agitated, having horrendous wild thoughts and nearly decided to climb out of the bathroom window earlier.

Does this calm down, or should I go back to the GP pronto?

[TotalChaos]

go back to GP asap. in fact I would speak to NHS Direct this evening to be on safe side. SSRIs like sertraline can make some people go (apols if this offends anyone) a bit manic, which is not a side effect anyone should be putting up with..... there's a difference between feeling a bit agitated/out of it (i.e. the usually bedding in period) and what you are describing.

[Weegiemum]

You need seen like NOW!

I had this after years on Sertraline. You could have something called "serotonin syndrome" which can be very dangerous.

Whatever - don't take any more and you need to see someone asap. I agree, phone out of hours, and say it is psychiatric, and they shoudl put you through to a specialist nurse (t least that is what happens with NHS 24 in Scotland).

Hope it goes well - I am now back on them years later and am OK, so hope you will be too.. There are loads of other options for treatment.

[TotalChaos]

bump hope you are Ok Kay

[thisisyesterday]

go back asap.
agree, with totalchaos, SSRI's can have this affect on some people and it is not good.

[fizzbuzz]

They should have started you on half dose, AND, it is recommended that valium is presribd in conjuction with SSRI's, as they can increase agitation and anxiety at first

[TotalChaos]

bump, hope you are OK this morning.

[KayHarkerDoesNotSimper]

hiya. phoned nhs direct, who were a shower of shite. Dh has made an appointment this morning with GP. I'm still shaky and feel incredibly panicky inside and I've been singing Christmas carols all morning so far. bloody awful. Willl let you know how I get on, thanks for the advice.

[procrastinatingparent]

Hey, very sorry to hear this. Hope you feel much much better soon.

[Gamut]

Kay (t h r e a d i e here), I'm really worried about this. Very very glad you are going to docs. As others have said, this sounds like the rare and nasty reaction that SSRIs sometimes produce.

PLEASE don't let it put you off trying any other kind of AD, if the GP recommends it. And don't let your DH use it to reinforce his view that medication is bad. You might well have a much better experience with a different drug.

xxxxx

[Weegiemum]

Hope it goes well Kay. Just one thing: the GP might want you to see a psychiatrist about other medication if you have had a bad reaction to this one.

Let us know how you get on.

[KayHarkerDoesNotSimper]

Hiya, GP was fab. She's referred me to a psychiatrist, prescribed a different kind of AD and told me to stop the others immediately. She also gave me some diazepam and I do feel a bit calmer now (oddly so, actually, but I presume that's the point). Dh's work have let him work from home this week, he's done a 180 on the whole thing, tbh. I think I scared the shit out of him,

anyway, thanks again, I'm going to chill out for a bit now.

[Weegiemum]

Very glad to hear GP was so good! Hope this is you really on the road to recovery now!

[Gamut]

I am so pleased Kay. Very best wishes.

[procrastinatingparent]

Good news.

I take diazepam for flying and they make me feel odd and calm at the same time (but hey, anything is better than attacking the aircrew with a plastic fork until they agree to land the plane ).

I'm glad Mr KH is seeing the light, as it were. Chill away.

[TotalChaos]

thanks for updating, I was quite concerned! Glad GP was helpful.