Sertraline Buddies - Part 2! Support for all on AD's...

[Chuffchuff]

New thread for when the first one gets full - welcome everyone

How did people feel going from 50 to 100?? like I said b4 tinnitus worries me I don't know why I think it's because I saw it on a forum and it worried myself! !

Hello! Nobody will recognise me on here but I started this and the original thread as Chuffchuff - have recently changed my username due to all the hacking stuff.

Anyway I thought it was about time I gave you all an update since I've now been on Sertraline (50mg) since April 2014, which I started after being diagnosed with GAD & Panic Disorder...

After getting over the side effects (which were pretty grim for the first week or so) I started to feel much better very quickly - almost like my old self after about a month or so. But then it started to be a bit more up and down - I would still have some difficult moments/days but overall, the good days outweighed the bad.

But over the last few months is when I've felt the biggest and most positive change, which is what has prompted me to post now. Circumstances forced me to face things which I had avoided for a long time (years, actually), and that had finally made me realise that I really am feeling much better and more able to cope with life than I thought I was. Part of my GAD 'coping' mechanism was planning my life in a way that meant I could stay within my own little safety zones, ie, only travelling within a local area, using my car rather than public transport, not booking holidays a long way away, etc.

But because of a work commitment I couldn't get out of, a few months ago I had to get the train to a major city a long way away and spend the day there. I was dreading it. But on the day, I waited for the panic feelings to happen - and they just didn't. And the more they didn't the more I stopped looking for them, and by about half way through the day, I'd stopped thinking about how I was feeling at all.

I was so pleased with how it went I told DH we should book our first (overseas) holiday for later in the summer - and when he'd got over the shock, we did. As soon as it was booked I started to doubt myself again, but I told the DC about the holiday so I knew there was no way out of it! Anyway, I did feel really nervous about it, but forced myself to just go with the flow, and I was absolutely fine . Literally no wobbles at all! I actually felt so confident by about half way through the holiday that I suggested a trip into the city where we used the underground train system for getting about (DH could hardly believe he was seeing as I have refused to go on the London Underground for the last 20 years!).

Anyway I am home now and on reflection I think the sertraline have been helping me all along, but I needed something to push me to actually 'test' myself and push me out of my comfort zone, to make me realise how much better I actually was - and that I can cope with life ok. That may sound obvious, but to me it's been a real revelation.

I am seeing my GP soon to talk about if now is good time to start cutting down my dose and how, but in the mean time I really just wanted to say - to those of you who are feeling a bit better, but maybe feel a bit 'stuck' - take a deep breath and push your limits a bit .

PS Sorry this turned into an essay!

Me2you I started on 50mg, then went to 100, then 150. I find when I increase my dose then it's similar to when I started on sertraline; a few days of nausea and feeling "fuzzy" and then it settles down.

penguin and verso that sounds really positive, lovely to hear that you're both doing so well.

Anyone around? Hope all dc's went back to school ok, especially the poster who's ds was going for the first time.

Just had a frustrating appointment with the GP. I'm on the max dose of sertraline she can prescribe (150mg), counselling is only available on a day I can't do and I can't switch to a different type of anti depressant because I'm still breastfeeding DS5. She basically said that she understands I'm struggling but there's nothing she can do. I see her again in 2 months.

Yesterday marks 15 months of having PND with DS5. 15 months of feeling like this and I can't see that changing anytime soon. Sometimes I feel like I'm screaming but nobody is listening.

Hi all.

I'm on my 2nd day of Sertraline as well as taking Diazepam for when the anxiety gets the better of me. I have OCD and anxiety but it's all focused on my 11 month old DD.

Feeling terrible today and can't see a way out. Feel like an awful mother and just want to enjoy my baby.

I don't recognise myself anymore.

Sorry you're struggling too ellie, feel free to vent to me if you like, it feels like nobody in real life gives a shit anymore. MN is my only comfort.

Dp has just started this today (hope you don't mind me posting) he is on 50mg, will it take 2-4 weeks to show effects? (he's never taken any kind of ad before) also is it common to feel loads worse in the beginning? He is reluctant to research much but I like to arm myself with knowledge. He has suffered with intrusive thoughts and anxiety for years and had cbt 7 years ago that has worked until recently.
Sorry for posting on your thread.

Thankyou koala. Sorry you are feeling the same way. DH keeps saying that I'm a lot better than I was but I don't see it myself. Feel like nobody thinks what I do is worthwhile or important (I'm a SAHM). I work really hard looking after 5 dc and running the household. I'm so tired all the time and I'm getting constant digs about how I must be just sitting around, chatting on mumsnet and playing candy crush.

Balthazar welcome. Personally I always feel a bit weird on the first few days of taking sertraline or increasing my dose. I don't feel worse though, just a bit lightheaded and with a headache and nausea. 2-4 weeks to feel better is about right.

Thank you for your response, he only took 25mg then refused anymore as it made him loads worse/no sleep etc. I've made him call a doc this morning though rather than waiting for his apt on Thurs.

Hi guys, just been prescribed this a week ago and can't bring myself to take them. I'm terrified of feeling worse and I am returning back to work from maternity this week after 6 months off.... Anyone had any bad side affects? How quickly have they worked? I feel like I need something to help lift this big grey cloud and help me get some motivation to do anything and stop the constant worry and tears, but then I'm so scared to feel worse especially when I'm going back to work. I don't want to tell my employers I'm suffering with PND so hoping they'll mask all of what's going on so I can just get on with things x

Hi Shelby I've been reluctant to start too but after 11 months of really struggling since DD was born, I finally gave in and I'm now on day 5. It's too early to say whether they're working but in terms of side effects I've had dry mouth, hot flushes and increased anxiety but it's not been unbearable. I would recommend taking them. Good luck

Hi started sertraline today after using fluoxetine. Panic attacks major high so how long till works ? Feel so down numb and had to take time of work

Hoping this thread still has people on it.

Started sertraline and propanolol yesterday. Felt good in the evening as heart not racing for the first time in ages but have woken up with an upset stomach and feeling a bit jittery. I know it'll take a while to work I'm just hoping the side effects aren't too severe.

Dr wants me to self refer to cbt (it's all self referral round here you phone and speak to someone straight away). I hate talking though so have to pluck up the courage to do that.

Hi SpottyTeacakes I'm on day 15 of Sertraline and have to say I feel so much better. Still have a bit of an upset stomach and it did increase my anxiety initially but that seems to have subsided. The only other side effects I've had is sweaty palms and very vivid dreams but I don't mind. Hope it works for you.

Thanks koala I had a restless night last night and just want to sleep but have to plough through for the children. I'm relieved to read that awful side effects are not a given.

Hello. I've read both threads for Sertraline buddies and it's taken me days lol. I'm new here and joined NM just so I could talk to you all. My post is gonna be long so I apologise in advance...
I'm a single mum of 4. 3 sons aged 26,10,8 and a daughter aged 13. The 10 yo has learning difficulties and ADHD and the 8 yo has Asperger's syndrome. They are both pretty good but have their moments. The 16 yo is at the moody stage and the 13 yo is going through a stage of self harming. I've suffered health anxiety since the birth of my youngest but they happened very rarely and I coped fine. Then in November 2013 I lost my nan who was my rock to bone cancer. From birth till she died I was near enough with her everyday. I stayed by her in her last moments and was the one that washed and changed her before they took her body from her house to the funeral directors. I've been left with a massive hole in my life. My anxiety got worse from then. The doctor gave me citalopram and they made me worse even though I stuck with them 22 weeks. Then they tried me with mirtazapine and from day one I felt fantastic on them but by the 4th week I felt very very ill on them and was weaned off. I've gone 3 months with no meds but my anxiety is through the roof. I was prescribed Sertraline 2 weeks ago but the fear of side affects really put me off because of past experiences. Yesterday I had to drive somewhere new and on the way home had the biggest anxiety attack ever! I had to get off the road quick and the safest place was a tesco car park. I spent half an hour sobbing on the phone to my best friend (a bloke believe it or not) who was trying to get to me and bring me home but there was a massive accident and after an hour of getting nowhere had to turn round. 4 hours I sat in that car park! Eventually I got home but I've never had an attack that bad.
I am lucky that I have 3 very good friends (2 blokes and a woman) that have been brilliant. The two blokes know the signs of me slipping into depression thanks to anxiety and will turn up out of the blue and drag me out of the house. Because I trust them, I manage to keep my anxiety down when I'm out. My woman friend has been fab with helping with doing some running around etc. I can talk to them and they listen.
My mum and brothers are finally seeing that I'm not attention seeking. I really am ill and are helping me more recently. My mum will pop over some weekends and help with housework as I just feel too crappy to do it.
Just under two weeks ago I found a lump in my boob. I went to breast clinic a week ago and had a biopsy. I don't get the result until the 29th of this month and I'm so worried that I've had constant panic attacks for 10 days since I found that lump. Seriously it's from the moment I wake till I pass out through sheer mental exhaustion.
Anyway, like I said. I've been reading both posts over the past couple of days. Some of you have made me laugh out loud with what you've been up too and I would love to join your group. I'm taking some of your advice and will start taking 25mg and move up to 50mg after a week. Today is the day I start them so if it's ok with you I'd like to post my day to day feelings?
Oh my anxiety since the beginning of the year also includes social anxiety. I was always one of the first to suggest a girls night out etc but the thought now sends me into panic. I can't and haven't been able to go to the supermarket for 6 months, I do it online. I can't cope in the kids playground as too many people around me. I can't take the kids out because of being enclosed or too many people. It's really getting me down now and to be honest my whole body hurts through anxiety. I also have dizziness most days because of anxiety and I worry that I'll fall over etc. anyway. That's my lot for now. Hope I didn't bore you all

Welcome sinful. My anxiety isn't at the same stage as yours but it's gradually got worse over the last year hence going to the GP. I started with 50mg and am on day three so we can do it together.

So far I have felt a bit more anxious but in a more paranoid way if that makes sense? I've had an upset stomach in the mornings and felt a bit sick/gurgly. I have slept ok but keep stirring so am feeling pretty tired.

It sounds like you have a lot to cope with sounds like you have amazing friends though

I do have some amazing friends and I'd be long into serious depression if it wasn't for them. I can deal with upset tummy and feeling sick, I feel sick most days so not a problem. The doc prescribed these as the side affects are not as severe as with the citalopram and I got through the worst of those. I can do it, it's just that initial taking the plunge and taking them ;)

Sometimes I wonder if they are actually side effects or if I'm just imagining them

Nope Deffo side affects. Just remember that they pass after a while. Honestly, citalopram was evil with side affects! I was chucking up, couldn't eat for nearly two weeks and lost over a stone, anxiety went through the roof. They made me feel empty and emotionless which sounds better than anxious but it really wasn't. Not caring was worse. Fingers crossed these Sertraline will like me lol

I'm going out tomorrow with a friend. Really don't want to right now.

Ime there's more people on citalopram than sertraline (I work in a Drs surgery) so I'm surprised to read that about side effects, although obviously everyone is different.

Hope you have a nice time with your friend. I'm going to my friends with another friend to get some horse manure lol. We have allotment plots and my other friend has two horses so result as free poo haha. Need to clean out my chickens over the allotment too. I took a plot about 3 months ago to give me something to do and help the anxiety plus move my chickens from home to there so I can claim my garden back

Oh that sounds nice the weather is meant to be good too (here at least)

I'm diabetic and since starting sertraline and propanolol I've had constant hypos not sure which one is doing it I assume propanolol need to phone GP tomorrow I think.

Weather is supposed to be ok here in Essex. I've all the uniforms to dry so hope the rain stays away.

I've heard about diabetic hypos from friends that are diabetic. They said they make you feel pretty crap?
Hopefully your GP will be able to advise.

How's your tummy now? Today is day two for me so waiting for my turn lol. Had a headache yesterday and felt a bit sick but nothing too bad.