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Sertraline and mood

2 replies

babyinarms · 28/01/2023 17:17

My dd is 15, has OCD. On Sertraline for it since the summer. Started on 25mg and increased to 50mg in Sept. She is doing very well. Intrusive thoughts have reduced significantly as have compulsions.

The thing I’m concerned about is that she says she sometimes feels numb. As in, she can’t feel anything, emotion wise.
She has also said she is lacking motivation, especially around school/ study. This is a big change for her, she was always a good student ( if not overly anxious) and liked the social side of school. But lately that’s not even appealing to her. She’s tired all the time ( I’ve been putting that down to growth spurt?) and sleeping a lot more.
I suppose these changes have crept in over the past 1-2 months ( slowly ).

Has anyone experienced this with their teen? I will say it to psychiatrist ( and push for earlier appointments, not due to see her for another 2 months ) and see what she thinks.
She has CBT next week, so I’ll mention it to psychologist too.
Would just like some insight from other parents please. I’m worried now that’s it the sertraline causing this.
TIA

OP posts:
Sweet89 · 02/02/2023 21:53

I don't have experience with a child taking sertraline but I took it myself and felt exactly how your daughter did, numb, tired etc, I realised that I was on too high a dose and so my medication was reduced. I'm not necessarily saying that your daughter should reduce her medication but that was certainly the case for me. So maybe that's something to keep in mind. Wish you all the best 😊

babyinarms · 02/02/2023 23:43

Thank you @Sweet89.
She’s on the lowest dose (50mg) so maybe it’s just not suiting her.
She admitted yesterday to having thoughts of self harm too. This is all new. She is under stress for her exams this year ( puts herself under a lot of pressure ), so I’m not sure what’s causing all this. I’m not sure if it’s ocd and intrusive thoughts or a side effect of the sertraline.

Ive been onto her mental health team and the psychologist chatted on the phone her today and will see her early next week with psychiatrist for a full review.

I’m Now sick with worry for her but I hope we can get her sorted soon.

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