First Days of Sertraline

[Miababe]

I have been on antidepressants for most of my adult life for anxiety/depression. I was on Escitalopram for 14 years but recently found the carbohydrate cravings worse and I had reduced my dose as far down as I could. The menopause hit and HRT has taken care of most symptoms except irritability. The menopause clinic suggested increasing the Escitalopram to help this but I wanted off. I took Prozac for one month but had a loose bowel and so stopped for 4 days and have taken Sertraline for the past 4 days.

My head is all over the place I work up last night with a panic attack and my Dr gave me 2mg Diazepam in case I need it at the weekend. The worst of it is the ruminating thoughts though. 6 days ago I found out that an old boyfriend of mine going back years had died. I was very shocked and now I cannot get him out of my head. I think the drugs are making this worse and I keep thinking what if I never get over this. It's all so dramatic will it stop soon please? What can I do?

I would just like to add that Escitalopram gave me my life back and I have lived really without too much anxiety and no real panic all that time so perhaps being a bit overweight is worth it. I'm confused

It’s changing drugs. I am changing drugs right now and have had exactly the same symptoms; anxiety and panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. If you can go up more slowly in dose then that’s an option. If not you’re going to have to PRN it out. You are not alone; I just had an anxiety attack in a Christmas-shopping-filled John Lewis! Xx

FionaSkates Sorry to hear about your anxiety attack in John Lewis that's horrible. I hope you are OK now and thank you for helping me.
I have lowered the dose to 25mg and I'm going to try taking it at night and not in the morning. Can I ask you did you have buzzing in your ears as well? How long have you been on Sertraline?

Personally I have chosen a drug that works for me and chosen to live with the little bit of weight gain. I do a lot of exercise - weights and running. So I’m fit and muscly but also large around my middle. I am peri- menopausal but so far haven’t needed HRT. I have bipolar so the drugs they offer me will be different but if you have a drug that works for you and keeps you on a good equilibrium, to me, that is precious. Although it may just need more time, I think some antidepressants can make you feel worse before you then feel a lot better. All the best getting everything sorted.

FestiveStEmilion Thank you for your support. I think a lot of these drugs cause carbohydrate/sweet cravings. Its great to hear that you have found a drug that helps you. I might have to return to mine but I need to give it time.