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Mental health

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Original poster

Wobbly over starting sertraline

14 replies

Bi11yOneMate · 11/04/2018 11:27

Firstly how do you know when you are bad enough to risk the side affects of an AD?

And I'm worried about it affecting toddler ds who I'm still feeding.

And when would be best to take it as I still bedshare - morning or evening?

I have a history of eating disorders - anorexia (very severe - very low weight) then severe bulimia for 10 years.
Was well with "just" depression and anxiety for the next 10 years then went on a little diet to loose baby weight - and had an anorexia relapse.

Started bingeing/ purging again, was getting heart palpitations, very low resting heart rate and blood pressure. Got a bit scared so went to the doctor who prescribed sertraline and put the heart stuff down to anxiety..
That was a week ago and I've still not started the prescription...

OP posts:

JamPasty · 11/04/2018 18:58

A pharmacist should be able to put your mind at rest about the breastfeeding, or maybe post on mumsnet's AIBU where there is loads more traffic than on this page.

I'm on sertraline and have had no side effects at all. That's not guaranteed of course, but it's certainly worth starting the pills and seeing how you get on with them. Best wishes!

UnwiseOldElf · 11/04/2018 19:49

I am similar, Bi11y. I have some citalopram for anxiety but haven’t yet started them. I’ve been on ADs before but for some reason am reluctant to start again... sorry not much help except I can empathise.

Original poster

Bi11yOneMate · 11/04/2018 21:32

Got the packet out. Looked at it. Had a rum instead

I know absolutely know it is fine when breastfeeding.but that doesn't stop me worrying.

I'm also worried about the heart problems side affects listed in the leaflets, when I'm very worried I've damaged my heart by starving myself for 8 months. - I lost 3 stone in 5 months then spent another 3 months yo yo ing by a stone due to binge/starve. My resting heart rate dropped to 37.... It's currently 43 and I'm no athlete.

OP posts:

Original poster

Bi11yOneMate · 11/04/2018 21:35

Just to say I had one capful of rum which is less than one unit. I measured.... It's about 20ml. And it's the first drink I've had in 3 weeks.

OP posts:

CuckingFunt1987 · 11/04/2018 21:38

Be prepared for having no sex drive or feelings . I felt numb the whole time I was on sertreline and my libido vanished . I felt no emotions at all and was so flat . It may work for you but for me it was an awful anti d . Oh and atvthe start you will feel sick and have headaches for a good week but these do subside . You will have no appetite for a couple of weeks also but it's a normal side effect when starting sertreline

Original poster

Bi11yOneMate · 11/04/2018 21:45

No sex drive would be pretty crap - DH is getting fed up as it disappeared due to my depression/anxiety and I was hoping an AD would help fix that!

Loss of appetite would be fab though as it might stop the awful binges. I'm not throwing up anymore but still bingeing so putting on about 3lb a week....

OP posts:

FurryTurnipHead · 11/04/2018 21:50

I had two weeks of bad side effects, nausea, headaches, tinnitus, blurry vision. But then they disappeared and the drug kicked in and I can honestly say it saved my life. I'd take it again in a second if I needed it, despite the side effects. I took mine in the morning.

Original poster

Bi11yOneMate · 11/04/2018 22:29

FurryTurnip - can I ask what exactly it helped with?

I'm really weighing up cost/benefit. I mean I function. Yes my anxiety is quite bad but I rarely get panic attacks anymore. But I'm flat with no joy and often feel "unreal". Struggling to enjoy my kids, when actually this should be the best time of my life. Instead I worry worry worry and get cross and snappy because I'm anxious.

OP posts:

donerwillbehere · 11/04/2018 22:32

I took this ..... best thing I have ever done ✅. I no longer need it , but if I did I would take this again in a heartbeat . Hope this helps

Original poster

Bi11yOneMate · 11/04/2018 22:34

Thanks yes it does

OP posts:

myidentitymycrisis · 11/04/2018 23:14

I just came off this because it made my anxiety skyrocket.
Every one has different reactions depending on what they need from the AD in my experience.
For example, i had no headaches, my appetite returned to normal, but did get stomach upset, diarrhoea and nausea, and interrupted sleep.

The only way I found out was to try them though.

tccat · 12/04/2018 10:15

I also have a prescription but am too scared to take it due to side effects
After a lot of research I've bought some 5htp instead, it seems to be doing the trick, I feel a lot calmer

April13 · 12/04/2018 10:45

I took it whilst breast feeding, no impact to DD, still taking it 18 months later. 2 weeks of bad side effects then I was fine x

JamPasty · 12/04/2018 21:56

The thing to bear in mind about the stuff listed on the package insert is that they have to list everything, just in case, so you get the most horrendous-sounding stuff in there, the vast majority of which will never happen.

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