Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Daily mail article on sertraline and heart problems has me panicking

15 replies

cantsettle · 17/03/2019 22:33

Article this morning in Daily Mail about a young lad who started sertraline , increased dose and died 9 days later of an arrhythmia.

I have recently started sertraline for severe anxiety particularly around my health - palpitations - but also very low confidence and agoraphobia. Have a diagnosis of OCD and some degree of autism .

I’m lying in bed in a blind panic having just increased sertraline to 100mg two nights ago . I’ve noticed a definite increase in my ecoptic beats since doing so . I’ve had dozens of ECGs, an echo, a treadmill test and two monitors (24h and 72h) and all normal except for PVCs and PACs.

I’m scared to go to sleep in case something happens . I have visions 24/7 of ending up in ITU or something . I can’t go out much as I don’t feel safe outdoors . Bed used to be a safe place , I don’t want to get to the stage where I can’t settle here either :-(

OP posts:
TheFuckfaceWhisperer · 17/03/2019 23:01

I read this earlier. My DS (19 and autistic) recently started taking this for his crippling social anxiety and he's had problems with it from the off. He even ended up in A&E as I thought he was having a stroke at one point. The doctor actually just reduced his dose to half a tablet a day "to let his body get used to it". I'm also worried... sorry OP, hope you get some sort of reassurance

ineedaknittedhat · 17/03/2019 23:17

I've reduced to 50mg and take propranolol and feel much better. I did have constant palpitations on it at 100mg.

Original poster
cantsettle · 17/03/2019 23:21

I did start at half a tablet as well (25mg). I’m seriously considering not taking it any more at all , article frightened the life out of me . I used to take escitalopram which came with similar warnings . Will ring my GP surgery or Boots tomorrow and ask them what their thoughts are . I think it’s theoretically linked to long QT issues - which I think is possible if you have a genetic predisposition, pre existing heart disease or are taking other meds that can do the same ... I think . I remember GP said same for citalopram and then gave me a huge list of drugs I was to avoid taking - even Sudafed etc .

OP posts:
Crushedvelvetcouch · 17/03/2019 23:22

Don't take another 100mg dose if it will cause you anxiety. Keep at 50mg and make an appointment with your GP to talk through your options.
Fluoxetine is a similar drug and seems to be much 'safer' than sertraline, there are many antidepressants of this type so I'm sure your GP will have no problem switching you to a less controversial one.

As for tonight, deep relaxing breaths and try your best to sleep.

Original poster
cantsettle · 17/03/2019 23:23

Ineed that’s what I did tonight , took just the 50mg instead . Was sick shortly after too unfortunately so goodness knows how much has made it into my system if any . I was on 25 which I’d be happier to go back down to , I don’t feel my anxiety is any better at all .

OP posts:
Supergrassyknoll · 17/03/2019 23:24

For christ's sake ask your GP, stop reading the Daily Mail and approach those qualified to answer

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 17/03/2019 23:25

The Daily Mail is not a reliable source of health information. Please speak to your GP!

thegreatbeyond · 18/03/2019 00:57

I've been on 100 mg for 12 years and never had palpitations.

PurpleThistles · 18/03/2019 01:24

Sertraline is like any other medication. For some individuals, they have adverse reactions. In this case, a very rare case, it was a fatal reaction.

Im afraid that does not mean it should be withdrawn and noone should take it. Sertraline has helped many many people and is generally considered to be one of the safest ssri's we have.

The daily mail is well known for its sensationalism, speak to your gp.

Palace13 · 18/03/2019 01:31

Don't take a Daily Mail article as gospel! Make a doctor's appointment asap. Antidepressant can have all sorts of temporary side effects when you up the dose. If the symptoms you're experiencing are worrying you, you have every right to query your doctor who is far better placed to help you than the bloody Daily Mail

MeltyTalented · 18/03/2019 01:55

I've been on 100mg of Sertraline for months now, and have taken it previously for long periods with no issue.

Speak to your GP if you're concerned but don't trust the DM. It's sad that it had this result for one individual but it's a widely used drug - if it wasn't safe they'd stop prescribing it.

DrCristinaYang · 18/03/2019 02:05

Same, the article scared the crap out of me earlier as well! I'm on 100mg and have been since April last year (50mg from October 2017 until this point) and I frequently suffer from chest pain etc and now I'm worrying I'm gonna have a heart attack in my sleep :(

StillMedusa · 18/03/2019 07:20

My son has been on 150mg a day for the last 5 years with no side affects whatsoever..except he can now function without his crippling OCD.
Go and talk to your doctor and for heaven's sake stop reading the Daily Mail. One terrible reaction for someone , sad though it is, does not mean it is an evil medication!!

Fayelly · 18/03/2019 07:46

It is one families opinion. No medical evidence pointing to it being the sertraline. Millions of people take it everyday, think we’d know if it was causing heart attacks!

HunterHearstHelmsley · 18/03/2019 07:48

I've been on 100mg Sertaline for about 9 years and had no issues. There was the initial period of "getting used" to it but after that it's been fine.

Any medication has possible side effects.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page