Please or to access all these features

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Are my symptoms 'bad enough' for sertraline

3 replies

TigerMoon · 30/01/2021 10:56

My doctor recently suggested sertraline to help with low mood/anxiety but I'm not sure if my symptoms are bad enough for anti-depressants if that makes sense?

I've struggled with low mood on and off throughout my adult life (I'm 45 now). Some years are better than others but I'd say for the past 5 years I've felt much worse. I struggle to get excited about things I used to enjoy (the thought of holidays, meals out, etc). and find socialising with friends something I dread - rather than look forward to. I also worry about death a lot - particularly at night. And I get irritable quite easily.

However I don't have the more 'severe' depression symptoms that I associate with needing anti-depressents - so I guess my question is whether others with similar symptoms have found sertraline beneficial.

I don't want to spend the rest of my life feeling low - but equally don't want to start taking anti-depressants if it's not needed (but I've tried all the usual exercise/healthy diet/giving up alcohol suggestions). As you can see, I keep going round in circles!!

For background - I was diagnosed with early menopause two years ago so already take HRT and the doctor has suggested that in addition to this a low dose of sertraline could help with the low mood.

OP posts:
LindaEllen · 30/01/2021 12:00

Your symptoms are interfering with your enjoyment of your life so yes it's absolutely worth a try! I'm almost 4 weeks in with sertraline at the moment so I can't really comment on how good they are as I haven't felt much change yet and may need to tweak my dose, but mine was more of a constant low level struggle rather than crises etc.

TigerMoon · 30/01/2021 16:11

Thanks - I think I will talk to the doctor again. I hope you manage the right dose and see the benefits soon!

OP posts:
Panozzo · 30/01/2021 16:35

Sertraline was a wonder drug for me! Definitely worth a try, hope it helps you too.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page