Sertraline

[Givemecaffeine21]

I came off it in December having been on it for 8 months. I've got two young children with an 11 month gap. I've always suffered with depression and had a lot of trauma in my life, but only took meds last year for the first time. I guess I always saw it as weak, but when I went on them I realised it took such strength to admit I needed them. I felt loads better on them but when my DD started nursery I started to wean off thinking I was 'cured' and could recreate the peace and calm I felt without them using herbs / positive thinking etc. Sadly it didn't work and I've just gone back on them.

I feel a bit ashamed of myself that I'm back on them. I guess that's down to the people in my life who would think I shouldn't go on them, and a pride issue, like I should just be stronger. The thing is without them I'm so stressed, I tell my kids off too much, the word 'no' is overused, and I generally feel heavy and low inside. I don't enjoy life without them. With them I'm so calm and reasonable and level. Well I was last time - I'm on 50mg right now but last time was on 100mg. Not sure if 50mg will cut it with me or not.

I'm also a bit concerned as we are thinking of having another child (larger gap this time and older two will both be at nursery or maybe even school) and I'm worrying about being pregnant on the meds. Would I / should I come off. DH thinks not but if our baby had a defect I wouldn't forgive myself.

I just kind of need some reassuring from likeminded people.....

I've only been back on them 4 days, not sleeping as totally restless at night (last time I was zonked) and a bit anxious.

I was always advised to take 1/2 a tablet for the first 2 weeks which lessens any side effects. I have been on Sertraline on & off for nearly 20 years. I have tried loads & this one has been the best for me with the least side effects. I took 75mg whilst pregnant & also Olanzapine & my DD was fine. There are AD's that are safe to take in pregnancy but they are not allowed to say it in the leaflet. Discuss it with your Dr when you are deciding to TTC.
There is no shame taking the meds. Your serotonin levels are out of balance. Just think if you were diabetic you would need insulin.
It's such s shame that there is such a stigma with MH & AD's that people don't understand.
Try taking 1000mg Vit c & Vit b complex as that helps with stress levels. Try to get some exercise & enough sleep as that will help your mood.

Thanks kitty. I was going to take 25mg but the doc said I should go in at 50 as I'd been on them previously. I was going to ignore him and half it to be honest but I guess it's too late now I'm four days in.

Thank you for the tip re the vits, I definitely need to manage my stress, my DCs are driving me up the wall at the moment.

Glad to help. Depression & anxiety is so hard for people to understand. My Dr always says you need to take what ever helps you function daily & to be able to enjoy life & your kids. It is a myth that if you are a stronger person you don't need medication. Looking after kids & hormones after having kids has an affect on some people & not others but if you need help to feel better then you need not to be ashamed. I have had PND 3 times & have suffered depression for over 20 years. I have a good Dr & psychiatrist & I a stable on my meds. I have recently just stopped my Olanzapine so just take Sertraline & occasionally take Clonazapam now. I wouldn't be able to function or work without my meds. I have never taken any sick days for my depression as the meds make me feel 'normal' again.
It will take a few weeks to kick in again for you but you will start to feel a change soon. Take care