Sertraline - alternatives? Constant dizziness

[Alpacamabags]

Hi.
Apologies for not posting in health. Was hoping for more traffic here.
Long story very short I'm on high dose antidepressants and not likely to come off any time soon.
I've had citalopram which wasn't very effective. I'm now on max dose sertraline with diazepam as required. This is working brilliantly apart from intense dizziness with any sudden or sustained movement. This isn't new. It's been ongoing. Ive had ears ruled out, been to a chiropractor, had bloods done etc. I do have shockingly high BP but I'm on meds for this.
Im really struggling just now. I'm mid way through kickboxing belts and have committed so much time and effort to improving my lifestyle. I train 2x a week in studio and 2x at home. I also spar weekly.
It's getting so bad now that I can't cope. When we run around the studio (not now in lockdown) every corner throws me off balance. I can't spin my head in warm up rotations and when I spar I lose balance causing me to lose fights.
As a process of elimination I'm assuming sertraline is that cause as I note that dizziness is a side effect. Has anyone else experienced this or does anyone else even have any thoughts about the cause.
I'm so proud of how far I've come but it's seriously beginning to impact my training and I'm terrified of going back to being someone who just sits and drinks wine all night!
Please help xx

I had this with Sertraline. GP has now prescribed Escatalapram which is a fairly new drug. Not been on it long enough to know if its working but its deffo not helping me to sleep!

I'm on fluoxetine (Prozac) and it's fab!

I'm actually quite smiley and care free after years of just muddling through and coping.

Give it time or speak to your gp

Thanks I've been on it for almost 18 months. Its just since increase to max dose I'm struggling.
Will go back to gp when lockdown eases. Thanks.

I get this (though not so badly) with citalopram if I'm late with a tablet - it's sometimes how I remember as I'm a bit erratic about it. On a v low dose though so may not be a comparable situation.

Maybe lowerd dossage. And I don't think you need to wait for end of lockdown. Give a call and see if you can get a GP ringback to discuss. I had to do that once, and he just had a chat with me over phone, and adjusted prescription and sent it to my chemist somehow.

Don't wait until the end of lockdown; phone the GP and talk it through in the phone. They may recommend adjusting the dose, or prescribe something new as there's lots of options to choose from. Don't live with negative side effects as they'll make you feel awful again, negating the positive work the pills are having!

Thank you all so much for putting things in perspective. The only thing worth noting is I do sometimes forget a dose and wonder if that could impact as poster above said. I'll call and discuss though because it is driving me up the wall. Like I said previously it was so bad I was referred for possible inner ear probs but consultant found nothing wrong. It then went away and so I thought nothing more of it until now x

Hm, I don't know if forgeting a dose would have that effect really. I have a daily reminder on my phone preciselly because I tend to forget. But pls call Gp and talk about it. It can worsen if dossage is wrong I think. Hugs

I’m taking Mirtazapine after trying but not getting on with sertraline and citalopram. I’ve found it really helpful. Very few side effects, even in the beginning. The only one that is bothering me is weight gain.

I actually had to come off ADs all together after a concerning reaction suggesting I may be at risk of mania if used them. I was on sertraline but they wouldnt risk anything else. There are lots of lifestyle factors that came be helpful. It sounds like you're already healthy and active but I have had to focus more on MH and blah tension. I bought an acupressure mat that helps and do guided meditation. I also found an online support group based around my particular issues to talk to people who understand.

@candycane222 That was exactly like it was for me too. The dizziness even continued for a couple of months when I came off them as well.

Ha yes I remember the dizziness from coming off ssris before, now you mention it. It might be worth trying to be strict about timings while you're looking for advice alpaca.

Though ime GPs aren't always ve ry well-informed, it sounds like these side effects are impacting your life so needs sorting if possible. Maybe a different one would suit you better?

Another one on fluoxetine - it’s not perfect but sertraline caused me to trip and citro made me much worse. You need to ensure that you take it roughly the same time but it does help.

Thank you all so much.
I'm going to set an alarm and take them religiously at the same time each day for a couple of weeks and hope for improvement.
If no luck I'll definitely get them changed.

Good luck!!

Just coming back to update. 5 days taking at same time and religiously and the dizziness is gone! Definitely linked to missing doses even if it does seem extreme.
Thank you to all who helped x

Wow, very pleased to hear it

OP, glad to hear that.