Anxiety suddenly returned while stable on sertraline

[opalescent]

I'm so upset.

I've been on 50mg sertraline, and have been for around 10 weeks. I thought it had worked so well, I was feeling so much better. I even peaked last weekend, attending a social occasion that I would normally dread, and instead had a fabulous time, and felt like my best self.

Suddenly, 2 days ago, my anxiety started to creep back in. Today I feel like I'm back at square one 🥺. Foggy head, heart racing. Staring into space. Feel like I'm acting all the time, and trying to be normal, when I'm actually totally preoccupied with how awful I feel.

Why might this be? Could it be just a blip? Or do I need an increased dose? I can't believe how quickly it came on ☹️

Hopeful bump 🙏🏻

I've had almost the same sort of blip on 50mg of sertraline, just in the last few weeks, after being on it about six weeks. I have stuck it out as overall I'm still so much better (much less depressed) but am also wondering about an increased dose. I was SO calm for several weeks and sleeping brilliantly for a change. But I've just started a new job, my 9 year old has covid, and various other stresses going on, so I'm not sure if I should wait it out.

Maybe talk to the GP?

Sorry I don't have answers!

Speak to your GP. An increased dose might help but it is still early days.

Thanks both. @CherryAndAlmond, it sounds like there are some clear triggers that might explain your blip. I think I'd also be inclined to watch and wait in your scenario, and see if things settle again.
Things are very stable here, no obvious triggers that I can think of, so I will chat to the GP next week. I'd really like to stay at 50, as I feel like it will be harder to eventually stop if I'm on a higher dose- but that's probably just my anxiety talking!

Sorry I don't know how we are meant to feel on SSRIs fully, but when I was taking them I didn't expect my anxiety to disappear completely, I think that would have felt unnatural to me if it had. Are you able to have therapy alongside the medication? So you can find other ways to manage the anxiety when it shows up. I think I would find that helpful for longer time anxiety management.

I have been on 50mg for 2 months definitely a bit better but had a real blip last week so GP has upped it to 100mg. I’ve also started hrt. For me sleep is the main issue but she says once anxiety is under control that will come back but I’m not convinced!

Thanks @millymoo1202, how long have you been taking 100mg now? How have you felt since doubling the dose? Have side effects come back?

Been ok so far as was worried about side effects as felt awful initially still not convinced it’s right meds for me but giving it a go. I’ve had a huge life event in last few months and it’s been a huge catalyst for my anxiety/insomnia