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Original poster

Sertraline help?

10 replies

Dragonfruits · 01/09/2019 20:58

Hi,
I know I can’t get medical advice off MN but looking to see if anyone’s been in the same boat.

Have been on sertraline for 1.5 years now and have found it much more effective than other medications I’ve tried. Have been at 150mg for about 6 months now.

However, just not been feeling right recently. For about 2 weeks. I don’t feel depressed or sad really, just extremely irritable and feel like I’m constantly angry/ at least in a bad mood. Nothing has caused this in my personal life.

Don’t know if this is a sign the medication isn’t working as well? Didn’t want to go up to 200mg because then it’s the maximum and I’d be worried if eventually that didn’t work either. Or wondering if it’s time to try and reduce it even, since I’m generally feeling much better?

I’ll probably book in with my GP if the feelings persist another week but just curious if others have been in similar boat?

OP posts:

Nonameslob · 02/09/2019 05:43

This happened to my husband on sertraline and the gp said it's a side effect of being on it for a while. Gp said it causes agitation and they reduced his dose. He quite quickly felt better.

Sunshineboo · 02/09/2019 05:56

Defo see your gp - sounds like a review is needed

Original poster

Dragonfruits · 02/09/2019 07:43

Thanks for the replies - that makes sense that it could be a long term side effect. Will book in to see Dr!

OP posts:

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BuildBuildings · 02/09/2019 08:02

Which other medications have you tried?

Original poster

Dragonfruits · 02/09/2019 08:15

I’ve been on fluoxetine and citalopram. Citalopram didn’t agree with me and all and fluoxetine worked for a bit until I got to the highest dose and it felt like it just stopped working, which is when I changed to sertraline

OP posts:

Ilikethisone · 02/09/2019 08:20

Get a review. My anxiety came back with a vengeance after about 2 years.

I ended up being admitted to hospital. They though I had, had a stroke. I was in so much pain in my head. Coulsnt open my eyes or live my head at all.

I had scans, lumber puncture etc loads of tests. It was put down to avere tension headaches. My gp felt it was because I was trying to constantly push my anxiety down and my body was under too much pressure.

I was switched to an anti depressant that also had a painkiller in for the tension headaches and feel loads better. I cant remember its name and it's in my bed side table at home. Will post when I get home.

BuildBuildings · 02/09/2019 10:42

I'm on citalopram now and had a short stint on sertraline around a year ago. It basically didn't work for me and gave me quite bad side effects. Citalopram works well for me. But everyone is different so it's hard to say what could be better. I felt really anxious and irritatable on sertraline. I had really bad acid reflux and ver restless muscles particularly in my legs. My sister took it for a bit for pnd and had the muscle and leg issues too. Not sure how this relates to irritability but for me felt like part of the same thing.

Unfortunately I think it's trial and error. But I'd definitely recommend a review as it doesn't seem like it's working well for you.

Original poster

Dragonfruits · 02/09/2019 11:18

@Ilikethisone oh wow that sounds awful, poor you! I’m glad you feel better and have found something that works well. I actually have been getting headaches this past week - hopefully they don’t get any worse.

@BuildBuildings
Yeah you’re right, different for everyone. I do get some leg muscle issues sometimes but generally sertraline has worked until this point.

I have made an appointment, but need to wait a few weeks to see the Dr that I usually see at a time that I can manage with work.

OP posts:

SweetAsSpice · 02/09/2019 11:25

I could have written the exact thing as you. Have it for PND. As though I’ve all of a sudden got an inner rage to suppress. It’s strange! I’ve asked the GP for a review...been offered a telephone appointment

Ilikethisone · 02/09/2019 11:30

oh wow that sounds awful, poor you! I’m glad you feel better and have found something that works well. I actually have been getting headaches this past week - hopefully they don’t get any worse.

I would just book in as soon as possible.

Although I sort of knew I hadnt had a stroke (witnessed my grandad having one) I really was scared something terrible was wrong. 6 weeks after taking the new one, I am honestly the beat I have ever been.

Those weeks and the first few while the medication kicked in, i was so low. Looking back, I cant believe how low I was. Its like remembering a nightmare.

I'll get the name when I get home. May not suit you, but might be worth asking doctors.

But I had been having headaches for a whole and just kept putting the doctors off. Wish I had gone months ago.

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