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Mental health

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Original poster

Preemptive sertraline?

7 replies

Catnipcapers · 10/05/2023 07:32

Just wondering what people think. I've lived with anxiety since a teenager, usually manage ok but I'm not stranger to panic attacks. I had a period of time on sertraline after having DC and again during covid and both times it helped a lot. Currently perimenopausal and have found it harder this year to manager. Additionally by the summer work is going to become very very stressful for various reasons (NHS to start with!) and widowed MIL has just been diagnosed with cancer and is likely to be staying with us for a while. Would it be reasonable to start some sertraline now rather than getting myself into a pit later kn down the line? What would you do?

OP posts:

Bellybootcut · 10/05/2023 07:38

I did exactly the same last year. Similar situation to you. Very prone to debilitating bouts of anxiety and work stresses looming. Went on sertraline 50 to make sure I'd be OK. It worked very well for me. Still taking it now as its such a life changer for me. Not in a rush to come of them.

InAMuddl · 10/05/2023 09:47

I think this is a really sensible thing to be thinking about, and it’s definitely worth a conversation with your Dr. You have a lot on your plate and know it has helped before so it makes sense.

Original poster

Catnipcapers · 10/05/2023 19:30

Thank you both, I am going to ask the GP but its nice to have the reassurance that it's a sensible option.

OP posts:

goinginsaneinthemembrane · 10/05/2023 19:59

It's funny that I came across this post as I am considering the same (for different reasons, I had post natal anxiety with DD, I'm having DC2 in 7 weeks and can feel the anxiety and OCD getting worse and think it's time to take it now rather than wait until things are awful again)

I think it sounds like a good idea in your case

pickledandpuzzled · 10/05/2023 20:05

I did, when DF was diagnosed terminally ill and again when another family emergency cropped up. I had diazepam for that one, too. Just a few for emergency use.

Original poster

Catnipcapers · 10/05/2023 22:29

Sorry to hear about your DF. Thank you both too.

OP posts:

DRS1970 · 18/05/2023 16:07

I think it is reasonable to ask to go on Sertraline in this circumstance. It just shows you have insight into your triggers and quite reasonably want to be proactive in preventing yourself becoming really ill again. GL.

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