That sertraline makes me realise how mental I've been for the last decade (at least)

[glassecase]

Honestly never felt better, well maybe pre-18 years old.

Amazing stuff and I don't feel like I'm 'on' something.

Link: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sertraline

Best thing I've ever done going on Sertraline!

Been on it for about 3 years now, increased twice within that time...but been settled on 150mg for over a year.

I'm still 'me' still emotional etc but it's like the blaring radio of anxiety in the back of my head has been turned down.

I honestly don't think I would've coped with COVID and lockdowns without it.

It took about 3 weeks to start feeling better, had a rough first 2 weeks when I started them and a rough week at each dosage increase, but then after that...so much better.

[quote Bluekangaroo123]@queenjaneappro I’m pretty sure you can have a glass of wine. They just say that alcohol is a depressant so not to have too much. And the NHS site says it makes you more sleepy.[/quote]
It says avoid.it’s written in the PIL- did you read that
Stop offering medical advice- she needs to discuss with her GP

@Imaginetoday

Yes, of course I want my COVID vaccine! I'm pretty far down the list though. I take pain killers if I'm in pain as well, I'm not sure what your point is.

Not quite the same but I’ve recently started on medication for anxiety and I’m like a different person.

I can’t believe the way that I used to feel was my normal, for so long - and that I actually believed it was normal to be feeling that way.

Now that my anxiety is being treated I can see how crazy the way I was feeling every day, really was.

I feel like I can now understand what normal actually is.

Totally agree OP. I have suffered with anxiety and depression since early teens which I just lived with. Following a major trauma in my late 30s I was prescribed sertraline after a year or so when I just barely functioned. I remain on a low dose and have no issue taking it for the rest of my life if needed.

For those just prescribed it and wary of side effects, it took me longer than is apparently normal to stabilise- about 2 months. But I stuck with it whilst my body got used to it. I could function but did not feel great. I can forget a day but day 2 I feel pretty rough. A friend on a much higher dose needs to take hers religiously around the same time every day but again, it has changed her life for the better.

Just to add, anti-depressants are trial and error. Work with your prescribes and if a certain medication or dose does not work then there will be something else.

[quote Gingaaarghpussy]@Imaginetoday
So what do you suggest instead then?
I have been on various antidepressants for the last 25 years.
I have done counselling.
I have done cbt.
If I come off my tablets I can't function, disassociation takes over.
And comparing vaccines to ssri's is in my opinion completely wonky[/quote]
I am suggesting that rather than encouraging people to try a particular drug like it is a food stuff, that you encourage people to talk to a professional health care provider
That way they can get the most appropriate medication and treatment

I am not anti medication or antidepressants- took sertraline for 2 courses 5 years apart and it helped me. I don’t even object to sensible discussion on mental health board of pros and cons and people’s experience with it

My issues is the tone of this thread. AIBU board? What the heck? Seriously worrying comments by some posters making about a serious medication like it’s their favourite food ( eg how hard is it to get...I love it..seriously tempted)

[quote Frlrlrubert]@Imaginetoday

Yes, of course I want my COVID vaccine! I'm pretty far down the list though. I take pain killers if I'm in pain as well, I'm not sure what your point is.[/quote]
Because there are gerbil lions of threads saying MN s are not going to get vaccines cos they’re not safe and then I read this about a medication with comments like this is everyone’s favourite pick me up...this is a serious therapeutic medication

Gerbil lions 🤣🤣🤣 gerzillions

I took this years ago. For the first couple of weeks I actually realised how normal people must feel. It was an awakening. I felt hope and looked forward to the future.
Then I just felt numb, was not as sharp at work and couldn't orgasm.
Stuck it for 2 years then had to wean myself off over 6 months.
I loved my 2 weeks of knowing how normal people feel.

I have been prescribed this and so hesitant to try it. My family have a history of mh my mum and younger sister take medication and I am so scared I think of the stigma but also scared of change

To the poster who asked and anyone else not being held on the 'entry level' dose. Just go back to your go to discuss an increase- the side effects are nothing like when you first start and it is likely you need to go up a dose. A friend of mine needs 200mg- just because she does. As I said before, it is not an exact science and we all work differently.

*Best thing I've ever done going on Sertraline!

Been on it for about 3 years now, increased twice within that time...but been settled on 150mg for over a year.*

Like a PP this worries me. SSRIs shouldn't be taken especially at such high doses for years and years. 2 of my BFFs have been on them since their 1st pregnacies (children now 14 & nearly 17). Both have tried multiple times to come off. It worries me it is the modern valium.

I did not get on with sertraline but venlafaxine is fab. Quetiapine made me realise how dillusional I'd been and that I'd had auditory hallucinations for years.

I take other meds too and have to admit I love lorazapam!

Good to read these positive threads. I'm starting next week after transitioning from mirtazapine - it's been good for my mood, but I've put a stone on in a month!

Fingers crossed the sertraline will have less of an impact as I'm big enough as it is.

Gingeeerpussy

I will also add that I’m sorry you are struggling with mental health problems. If you look at my other posts on mental health threads you’ll see I am carer for my DH with severe and enduring mental health problems. He takes sertraline and antipsychotics. Has done for 10 years. He needs then

But the point is, which I’m sure you’ll agree with, they have nasty side affects and therefore I get worried when there’s a feeding frenzy of people raving how great they are..and “great..how do I get them” comments.

When you feel like the world is against you and you can't cope and a tablet makes that feeling less, who wouldn't say they love it?
I never found it easy getting on antidepressants, my medical records helped and also the fact that I was an emotional wreck whilst talking to my doctor.
I don't believe any tom, dick or Harry can JUST get them. If it means that those who have been prescribed them take them, I'm all for it.

@GameSetMatch you could look into SNRIs. They are the same as tramadol for that side, but not the opiate too. However opiates do help depression too so it may have been that side of the medication. Unfortunately opiates cause too much harm to be recommended. Codeine for back pain can make me feel like I can tackle anything.

I tried sertraline years ago but the side effects were horrendous. Like a living nightmare. I lasted two days. Citalapram lasted longer but cause suicide ideation and jaw clenching- the latter never stopped and I have Botox to control it. I did find the combined pill helpful but am not allowed it anymore. Exercise and prebiotics haven’t helped. I’m so envious of those who can use them and they work.

SSRIs didn't work for me (for horrible depression) but I started an SNRI and oh my god, when it started to work it was a revelation. I was on it for years. I just felt normal and that was so great.
I look back on my personality and behaviour when I was mentally ill and I feel like I was a different person.
I came off it before TTC and for breastfeeding (venlafaxine - not compatible) but awful PND and really horrendous anxiety put paid to that. I went back on it & it worked. Came off again for baby 2 & didn't go back on it as I wanted to continue to breastfeed. I haven't been back on it since but by fuck, there are times I would love to. Just to feel that really even, level, balanced, 'normal' feeling again would be great.
Ultimately, I don't want to be dependent on medication and the discontinuation symptoms were horrible, but I do think about it. If the depression ever returned I wouldn't hesitate.

I've been on a low dose for three years, after a lifetime of insomnia, anxiety and panic.

Had CBT, hypnotherapy, counseling, coaching... Nothing worked. One pill a day and my wonky mental wiring works fine.

I don't intend ever to come off it. I'm a better person, boss, colleague, wife and mother when I'm not in a constant state of high stress.

I was prescribed sertraline around 2017/2018 after a years of anxiety. It's worked well for me.

The only bad thing I experienced was the lack of sleep for the first few days I was taking it.
It would be 2am and I would be seriously wide awake!!! Eventually fall asleep and wake up at 6am feeling completely alert and not tired at all.

@Imaginetoday

Gingeeerpussy

I will also add that I’m sorry you are struggling with mental health problems. If you look at my other posts on mental health threads you’ll see I am carer for my DH with severe and enduring mental health problems. He takes sertraline and antipsychotics. Has done for 10 years. He needs then

But the point is, which I’m sure you’ll agree with, they have nasty side affects and therefore I get worried when there’s a feeding frenzy of people raving how great they are..and “great..how do I get them” comments.

Yes side effects can be crap, that's one of the reasons fluoxitine is no good for me. There are other ssri's and snri's out there. So if one doesn't work after a period of time, there are others to try. In 25 years I have been on 6 different antidepressants, 2 of them twice.

@Gingaaarghpussy

When you feel like the world is against you and you can't cope and a tablet makes that feeling less, who wouldn't say they love it? I never found it easy getting on antidepressants, my medical records helped and also the fact that I was an emotional wreck whilst talking to my doctor. I don't believe any tom, dick or Harry can JUST get them. If it means that those who have been prescribed them take them, I'm all for it.

I understand your point. Yes, encouraging people to seek help and take medication prescribed is important and thoughtful dis and sharing of experience can do that

But this thread is AIBU. There are comments that are concerning- see my earlier posts

I take sertraline. Didn't have any weird side effects (embarrassingly had a bit of diarrhoea - sorry TMI). I have been on it for about 14 months or so.

It has stopped me having a feeling of dread and a sense of doom but hasn't really changed my mood. It doesn't make me feel dull or zoned out at all. I feel like I am normal but not overly happy. I think its definitely helping me during lockdown. I also sleep much better and don't wake in the night with racing thoughts anymore.

It also took me 10 years to take the plunge and try an antidepressant, wish like hell I'd done it sooner as it HAS changed my life just not dramatically.