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Mental health

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Original poster

Just been prescribed setraline

30 replies

Pearlnecklaces · 05/04/2018 13:57

I've a thread on relationships titled "I desperately need help" detailing my behaviour, was at doctor this morning and was prescribed setraline
I'm too scared to take it, my mood isn't low and the side effects sound worse than what I'm going though
Could St Johns Wort be an option?

OP posts:

samanthajonespr · 05/04/2018 15:21

I've been on sertraline for 8 weeks now and looking back, I feel so much better. I was really low and anxious when I finally went to the GP for help and she put me on 50mg. I was an absolute mess on the inside, just about holding it together for my 2 year old and husband. It's helped quite a bit but I've still got a long way to go. Why not give it a try, I didn't have any side effects at all (not saying that you won't). I wasn't a great believer in pills before but I've changed my mind now.

BirthdayKake · 05/04/2018 15:33

Same as Samantha. It has helped me loads

Original poster

Pearlnecklaces · 05/04/2018 15:34

Thank you for your reply, I've Googled it and read threads on here which probably wasn't the best thing to do as it's totally put me off trying it

OP posts:

JoyTheUnicorn · 05/04/2018 15:37

I've been on sertraline a few weeks, and it's really helped.
I do have some side effects (period weirdness and I'm sweatier than i used to be and my hands are a bit shaky) but it's worth it because I'm coping with stuff much better.

My GP said to give it a good try, because side effects do wear off in a little while.

AnnaL82 · 05/04/2018 15:38

Try it. 6th month here after a bad PND and I cope so much better now. Only side effect I had, a metallic taste in my mouth for a couple of weeks! Tomorrow I have my review at the MH centre and I’ll tell them I’m not ready to go off ...

MyRelationshipIsWeird · 05/04/2018 15:41

Did you read the one that said to always take it with lots of water? Can cause bad heartburn if not.

I tried it for a few days but got a rash/eczema on my inner elbow so stopped taking it as I’ve had adverse reactions to other ADs.

They do make it sound scary with all the possible side effects on the list don’t they?!

I had an upset tummy and felt dizzy while taking it but I’m assured that if you persevere your body gets accustomed to it within a couple of weeks.

For me, the depression is very much circumstantial and I’m trying to address the circumstances, get out in the sunshine a bit and generally improve things naturally. Have you tried all the usual remedies - exercise, sunshine, more sleep, good food etc?

MyRelationshipIsWeird · 05/04/2018 15:42

Oh yes sweating too. I’m normally bad, but this last week was something else!

MyRelationshipIsWeird · 05/04/2018 15:42

But to balance it out I have a friend who swears by it. She has a DS with SEN and it is a life saver for her.

TinyPawz · 05/04/2018 15:44

I was on sertraline for years. Low dosage that gradually increased. It was a god send in comparison to pre-sertraline days. Currently going cold turkey cos pregnant. Not coping at all but baby comes first. Good luck.

Jakadaal · 05/04/2018 15:48

I have been on it 8 weeks now for anxiety and feel so much better. Like you OP I was really resistant to take it at first - took 1 and then thought no I will stick to beta blockers which was the other option offered by my GP. However when my anxiety was tested by my teen dd it was clear the beta blockers just weren't enough.

I hated the side effects at first (sweating, headaches, tiredness and feeling a bit zoned out) but they've disappeared now and I'm coping so much better. I still don't like the thought of them but returning to feeling the way I did without them isn't an option at the mo

Original poster

Pearlnecklaces · 05/04/2018 15:49

The thing is though, I'm not depressed, I'm more manic and anxious with extreme behaviour, I can't sleep and over think constantly

OP posts:

olderthanyouthink · 05/04/2018 16:06

I'm on sertraline, this it the second time. The only real side affect I've had it heartburn (it got so bad I stopped taking them but I've learned to take is with food and it's not generally a problem now)

@TinyPawz (November EDD) I'm lowering my dose because of being pregnant, I do feel a bit bad about the potential affects on the baby's heart but I'm trying to balance my mental health at the moment.

TinyPawz · 05/04/2018 16:12

@olderthanyouthink are you on the November bus?

The lower doses stopped working as effectively so pointless for me to try the balance. As it is, a struggle at the minute but hopefully will balance itself out soon

olderthanyouthink · 05/04/2018 16:24

@TinyPawz yep, can't see you on the spreadsheet but I think we might have the same due date.

I got pretty crap at taking my pills but since finding out I'm PG I've been trying to be better because I find it so stressful at the moment

niceupthedance · 05/04/2018 16:29

I read your other thread, did you describe your behaviour to the gp? And he gave you anti depressants? I'd go back for a second opinion, sorry.

TheFillijonk · 05/04/2018 16:29

I've been taking it for a year to help with anxiety. It has really helped, I still get a bit of anxiety at times (before my period, oddly) but on the whole it's been a positive thing for me.

What are you unsure about?

phoenix1973 · 05/04/2018 16:30

I was on 100mg daily for 18 months then weaned myself off for a further 6 months.
It took 2 weeks to help.
I got headaches and my vision got worse. These effects did go though.my memory lessened and i was not as sharp as normal. Tricky in a new job! I just got used to folk thinking i was dim. Fine now though.
I stopped taking them because i could no longer orgasm. I would use again but not atm as ive just started a HARD mentally demanding job so need to be sharp.

PaddyF0dder · 05/04/2018 16:31

Side effects don’t always occur. They are normally mild. They are generally self-limiting.

St Johns Wart is also an active antidepressant. But dosage is unregulated. I’d stuck with the sertraline personally.

TheFillijonk · 05/04/2018 16:31

Sorry, just looked back at your OP.
The side effects leaflet IS scary, but they have to include any possible side effects, it doesn't mean that you will get them.

What dosage have you got?

Original poster

Pearlnecklaces · 05/04/2018 16:36

Nice, yes I did describe my behaviour, I was totally honest, I said pretty much what was on my other thread
Friend thinks it could be menopausal but I'm not convinced

OP posts:

JoyTheUnicorn · 05/04/2018 16:37

I'm on it mainly for anxiety. I scored high in the depression questionnaire, but I'm autistic and it's difficult to pick apart what is depression and what is caused by autism and living in a very stressful environment.

It hasn't really helped with sleeping, and I still overthink, but it's definitely easier. My physical anxiety symptoms have lessened.

I was so worried about side effects, but I'm so pleased I took them.

Original poster

Pearlnecklaces · 05/04/2018 17:25

I've just picked up prescription and read the leaflet, there's no way I can take them!! it's horrendous

OP posts:

MyRelationshipIsWeird · 05/04/2018 17:33

Yes it's definitely useful for anxiety too, but takes a little longer to take effect from what I've read.

Re the side effects, basically anything that anyone experiences while taking the drug on trial is put down as a side effect, whether or not it is caused by the medication or something else entirely.

Have a look at this link about placebo side effects. I know I am very gullible suggestible. The day I picked up the Sertraline from the pharmacy and read the side effects I noticed an achey neck, heartburn and had a headache - I hadn't even taken a tablet yet! Please do consider trying them for a short while and see if they can help you.

Original poster

Pearlnecklaces · 05/04/2018 18:51

I've just had to stop myself buying sleeping tablets from an online pharmacy 😯

OP posts:

olderthanyouthink · 05/04/2018 19:47

@Pearlnecklaces I'm so sorry you're feeling the way you are.
Please call Samaritans (116 123) or go to A&E/call an ambulance if you feel like you're a danger to yourself

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