Sertraline and feeling blunt/numb

[Freshair1]

Been on Sertraline for almost 2 years I think. Prescribed to take the edge off crippling post natal depression and anxiety. Am noticing that I don't feel 'happy'. As in, I don't feel physiological signs of happiness - giddy etc? I know objectively I am happy when I watch something or something is exciting but I don't feel it. And I don't like it. On the one hand I like that it takes the edge off constant rattling nerves but not sure I like feeling nothing. Sex drive is almost non existent, appetite not good. Anyone else relate?

Maybe need a slightly lower dose? What dose are you on?

I feel content and optimistic on sertraline. I manage the ups and downs of life with a level head.

Yes, I relate. I've been on sertraline for nearly three years for anxiety and depression following a stroke. Whilst it's been amazing for dulling the anxiety and depression I also miss the highs and happiness of life. So much so that I am thinking about coming off it. The thought of not taking it terrifies me though as I don't want to go back to being anxiety riddled all the time.

Snap!! I'm on 50mg.

Try 25mg, half a tablet

I forgot this happened. Yes. Not just now but I have been on and off them since 2018 and was like this before coming off last time.
Recently felt I was starting to wobble again and started on 50mg so guess I'll have this coming in a few weeks.

Have you tried any other AD? It might be that you need a switch

I tapered off with the help of added in Ashwagandha. Sertraline is amazing in many ways but it's like life is lived behind a veil a bit.

A veil is a great analogy. I'll book to see a doctor in that case to discuss tapering.

Yes, I felt like my emotions were on a straight line and would never deviate. I missed experiencing the highs and lows so did come off them, which was hard but worth it.

Sertraline saved my life postnatally but I don't think it is a long term fix. I went back on them for anxiety years later whilst also doing therapy which was great.

I was on 150mg.

Like @QueenoftheNimbleFlyingCat I believe I would not be here without Sertraline but it is a double edged sword. There is growing evidence that patients that have been on it are at higher risk of dementia. I knew this but I would be dead anyway so I took it.

I had some high strangeness when I tried to increase the dose. That was what had me trying the Ashwagandha in the first place. I found that it ...umm..made me psychic for want of a better term. I am a professional and registered person in a caring field and not given to woo but I had undeniable weirdness in that I was able to see occurrences a few seconds before those occurrences. I knocked it back to the dose I had been on and it went away.

I needed it again two years later but took the Ashwag and managed with just that although I would say I only had half the benefit of Sertraline. I believe Ashwag is great for helping get off Sertraline.

Sertraline is an old drug but it works well. You have to kiss goodbye to your sex life whilst on it. Tom Hardy could have offered me a mil to shag him and I would have preferred a brew.