Has anyone stopped sertraline and tried St. John's Wort?

[ishallconquerthat]

I've been on antidepressants for years and years (over 15 I think), always a low dose. Have been on Sertraline since DC2 was born, 4 years ago (it was the AD recommended for BF mothers, and I BF each of my 2 DC for years).

I've discussed stopping AD with the GPs many times, they are usually keen, but in the end I get afraid of stopping and just keep on them.

Recently forgot to take the Sertraline for 3 days and decided to use the opportunity. Have taken 50mg (the lowest dose) twice in the last 10 days (to avoid getting light headed). I'm feeling physically now ok but I feel much less patient with people.

However, I'm not sure if it's too bad. I don't want to tolerate DH being lazy or disrespectful again (nothing serious or terrible - just a lot of small things), or the DC behaving badly. I feel like I've had enough, and I want people to treat me decently.

Of course I'm afraid of losing my temper and yelling and so on, as it happened before (I don't hit the DC, don't worry). On the other hand, I feel like I don't want to take any shit anymore. DS1 is 6, DS2 is 4 and "D"H is 42. I think since there are no babies in the house anymore, I'm allowed to stop drugging myself?

I bought St John's Wort but haven't tried it yet. Can anyone tell me what effect it is likely to have?

Thanks!

(phew! it was therapeutic to write it all down! :)

[mycavitiesareempty]

I think it is a fine balance. It's fine to be on ADs long term. Coming off ADs is likely to make you feel exactly as you describe: irascible, short tempered, quick to anger. Only you know if you've been medicating yourself to keep the peace. And I really do know what that means.

My advice would be, make the changes you need while on the medication. Then come off them if you and GP think it's a good idea.

[mycavitiesareempty]

St john's wort is ok I think. For me, far far less effective than SSRIs but then my depression is longer-standing.

[ishallconquerthat]

Mycavities thanks for understanding me! It feels good to feel validated.

I started the St John's Wort today, after all. I think the psychological effect of taking "something" makes a difference. I'll try that for a few more days and see what happens.

Re the GP, I would love to have support or therapy, but none of this is available in my area. So it's either drugs or no drugs. And I don't think I'll have the energy to do the changes if I'm on medication.

I'll take one day at a time. Right now, I'm feeling more "raw," but feeling good in a way. I'll make the changes I need at home, but if things get too much or if it's bad for the DC, I'll go back to the sertraline.

The DCs are the priority, of course, and I'll do whatever is better for them. However, a part of me thinks they need a patient mother as much as a firm mother, and perhaps without the medication I'll be able to be stricter. They are strong willed boys, who need structure, discipline and all that stuff.

I don't know yet. Thanks a lot for talking to me, it's hard to talk to someone who understand that. What ADs are you taking now?

[mycavitiesareempty]

I take sertraline 50mg and a tiny dose of mirtazapine at night... as I tend toward anxious insomniac-type depression as opposed to the lethargic type.
It's awful that talking therapies aren't available more widely.
Keep posting on mumsnet, there is lots of support on here even if not in real life!

[mycavitiesareempty]

ADs can be a bit deadening, I do know what you mean. But they also keep me functioning so it's a hard call.

Do you have a supportive partner?

[Realitea]

I liked the first few weeks of st johns wort but after that I started feeling as I did before plus the added side effects of terrible cramp all the time.
It's worth a go I guess. Always leave it two weeks before trying and two weeks of no at johns wort before starting ssri's if you go back to them.

[ishallconquerthat]

Mccavities My DH is mostly supportive, but he doesn't understand mental health issues AT ALL and on weekends it's a struggle to share the housework load. He's not too bad, but I get mad sometimes.

Ralitea I've been taking St John's Wort for the last 4 days. I know it's not ideal, but let's see what happens. Two days ago I felt quite dizzy and had one sertraline tablet (50ml). So far it feels ok.

I think the next few weeks will be hard anyway.

Re the DC, I don't feel too different from previous difficult days. Let's see how things evolve.

[PaperdollCartoon]

I haven't done this but have a long history of mental illness and other medications. I'd also suggest adding fish oil capsules as well (I had this prescribed by a psychiatrist at one point)

Just wanted to mention that St Johns Wort ca interact with the Pill and stop it working, you may well already know this, but thought I'd say just in case x