Any old handholders? Thinking of reducing Sertraline

[20DigitCombination]

Hi, I posted on the old handholding threads when I started on Sertraline around 18 months ago. Luckily, it was the right medication for me and I found the right dose,100mg. I didn't realise how anxious I had been until the medication started working and my depression has lifted to the point that I feel happy(ish) most days!!

I'm now wondering whether to reduce my dose to 75mg. Yes I know I could see my GP but I'd like to hear others' experiences. I'm not thinking of coming off Sertraline yet, just reducing. I currently sleep the best I've ever slept so I don't want to lose that.

I'm working on this, too. I hate how numb it makes me feel. I have gone down from 150mg to 100mg so far without any huge side effects: nowhere near as bad as when I have come off previous SSRIs.

Definitely speak to your GP and they can work with you on a plan for reducing including what to do if you find it hard, and they will then check in regularly with you as you do it.

I find SSRIs disrupt my sleep. I have vivid and sometimes lucid dreams and wake up exhausted. I can only get restful sleep in the daytime which isn't logistically possible. But they affect everyone differently.

Thanks both. I also have very active/lucid dreams/nightmares but that's better for me than not being able to get to sleep. I hope that a small reduction in dose might mean good sleep but fewer dreams!

Have you tried melatonin for sleep?

No, I haven't tried melatonin. My sleep issues have always been around anxiety and over thinking.

I'm on day 3 of 75mg and no side effects yet.

I was originally on 50. Had to up to 100 for a while, then reduced back down. No issues at all.

If your feeling good, speak to your GP/mental health nurse. But if you are feeling good should you let sleeping dogs lie?

@20DigitCombination

Glad that it is going okay so far.

Just wanted add to add another positive story, I came off sertraline without any issues. As long as you are only making gradual changes it should hopefully be fine.

Good luck.