On Sertraline for 3 weeks - what happens if I stop taking it?

[HoxtonBonnet]

Hi, I have been taking Sertraline for 3 weeks. I have not felt any benefits yet to my mood, which I know is normal. At the moment I feel permanently low and have a 'chemical' taste/feeling in my mouth and throat all the time. I don't feel like myself at all and it's really scaring me.

The issues I have are long term and if the pills worked I would imagine I could end up taking them indefinitely. I am becoming really worried about how hard it would be to come off them. Also, the long-term effects they could have on my brain. I would rather go back to feeling like me and trying to deal with my issues in other ways.

If I come off them now, will I feel unwell or is it too early for that? I work in a school and have to go back to work on Monday. I'm really worried about how it would affect my ability to work.

Hey,

3 weeks really is quite soon to decide to come off them. You've not given your body a chance to get used to them, and the side effects you mention are normal and usually fade.

The side effects of coming off sertraline are often the same as starting it. You should talk to your GP about your concerns and see what they say. You've managed 3 weeks, you would most probably start settling down and noticing an improvement soon - is there any chance you can see it through just for a little longer?

Don't just stop taking them without talking to your GP though.

Also, there's nothing wrong with taking ADs indefinitely if they make you feel better and allow you to live your life!

Thanks @LindaEllen. I had a bit of a wobble last night and started feeling really panicky about taking medication. I have spoken to dh and he thinks I should keep taking it now I have come this far. If I still feel worried, I will look at tapering off during the summer holidays so it doesn't affect work.