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Relapse after stopping sertraline

6 replies

Cheeseoncake · 30/08/2023 08:34

not sure what I’m trying to achieve by posting but hopefully someone has some wise words for me.

I was on sertraline for 2 1/2 years due to perinatal depression. This past year I felt so well and 100% recovered. In the spring I decided to lower the dose from 100 to 50. It went well. Then I missed a GP appt for the prescription renewal and decided perhaps I could just stop it. I finished up the tablets I had and for two months I felt just as good as when on them, aside from some irritability and slightly less patience, but nothing unmanageable. I felt ao proud and happy, thought I had put that chapter of my life behind me finally. I knew I’d always be more at risk for anxiety/depression but I thought I’d be ok for a while. Fast forward 2 months from stopping, one day, pretty much out of the blue, anxiety levels go through the roof. Scary thoughts, low mood, the whole lot presented back uninvited just like that. It felt completely chemical, there was no trigger for it aside from the end of our summer holiday trip. I’m now back on sertraline and feeling the horrendous side effects that come with it. Beating myself up for ruining something that was going so well. Why did I decide to stop?? It’s not like they give out certificates of achievement for it! Feeling really stupid and like I now ruined things for myself again.

OP posts:
JSmithIloveyou · 30/08/2023 10:09

What side effect? Sertraline is well known for vivid dreams.. is that what you mean?
Did you start off on 50 and up to 100 or straight to 100?
I've been on Sertraline for 8 years and having been on antidepressants for 30 years l find these suit me best.
I must have tried everyone..but we are all different... what works for one doesn't work for another.
There doesn't have to be a trigger.. lack of serotonin in your brain..( chemical).

Cheeseoncake · 30/08/2023 11:00

im spaced out, nauseous, restless. I remember the same happened when I started 2 1/2 years ago. Just feel so stupid for stopping in the first place

OP posts:
Cheeseoncake · 30/08/2023 13:26

Also scared it won’t work this time….

OP posts:
TreeHuggerMum1 · 30/08/2023 13:50

Can you start on a lower dose to ease the symptoms?

Cheeseoncake · 30/08/2023 15:07

I thought about it but so scared of making any change now!

just can’t stop beating myself up about stopping them. Such a stupid choice

OP posts:
Dani217933 · 04/09/2023 21:21

Cheeseoncake · 30/08/2023 15:07

I thought about it but so scared of making any change now!

just can’t stop beating myself up about stopping them. Such a stupid choice

I did same on a different medication now feel destroyed howvyoubdoing?

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