Anyone recently started antidepressants and wants to chat/share progress and support

[Sleepy21]

I have posted a few times on MN about recently starting Sertraline, asking for others experiences - just wondered if, like me, there were any new/recent starters who wanted to just chat and post on their progress, challenges and good bits too! I find it really helpful rather than just thinking about it alone. Would love to connect with others who are still adjusting on any anti-depressant x

Thanks.
It sounds as if you’re doing better than you were and isn’t it good waking up without the dread!

Hi ladies. I've taken my first 50mg sertraline tablet this morning, prescribed for postnatal anxiety while I wait for MH talking therapies support. It's been 3 hours and I feel really awful. So on edge and spaced out. I've also taken propranolol which GP prescribed whilst I get used to it and to dampen panic feelings, not sure it's doing much tbh. Do I just have to sit this out? I'm with my baby upstairs whilst DH is solo parenting my 2 and 4 year old. So tough, I just want to feel better.

Hi all, how are we all doing?

I’ve had a quieter week, although still went to the cancer group on Monday. They’re trying to get me to join in on Wednesdays as well as they’re creating a tapestry with everyone adding a little bit about their cancer story so I am tempted to join in. Doing all these things even just a few weeks ago would have been completely impossible for me and I know I wouldn’t be doing it without the meds.

My increase to 100mg has gone smoothly. I’ve had some little wobbles like I was having on 50mg but I didn’t have any side effects like I did when I first started them so if anyone is worried about that then hopefully you’ll be like me.

DH is doing ok. The doctor cleared him to get back to work so last night was his first shift back. He actually managed to get sick pay so while we were down some money it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as we were thinking at least.

@Hopingrae - so sorry you’re going through this while you’ve got young kids. How have you been today? I had PPD after having my second (first was 4yo when second was born) and their dad (now an ex) was really no use at all so I’m glad you’ve got a supportive DH. Some people do better taking Sertraline at night, I’m better in the morning but it did make me really sleepy at first and I know when you have a little one it could be harder to find the right time to take it. I hope you get the therapy soon too. My anxiety is SO much better now the meds are working but it did take a few weeks which feels like forever at the time too. Big unMNetty hugs from me.

So sorry to hear this @Hopingrae

My first experience with depression and anxiety was also post natal and I found the meds kicked in faster back then. I hope they work soon for you.

Yes there is a bit of waiting it out but you will get better. It just takes a little bit of time.

It sounds like you have your hands full and im also glad you have a supportive DH.

How long do you have to wait for the therapy?

Glad to hear of yours and DHs progress.

@baroqueandblue how was your weekend? So glad to hear you are waking up without dread.

I had a very busy weekend. Like some of you, this would not have been possible 2 months ago.

In fact, the summer Holidays passed by with us doing very little. I did more with Dc in the last few days than I managed through the whole summer holidays. I've had a really positive week but have had an increase in migraines and times when I have had to completely stop and rest.

I've also felts anxious at times, which I wouldn't have felt before. I'm mostly anxious about going places.

I have one last session with my therapist this week. She has been amazing and I've taken a lot from her. I have lots of bits written down which I think I'll stick onto my WfH office wall.

Good to hear some of you are feeling much more on track, even if it's not all plain sailing. @Midseptemberwoes and @Tarkan I really get the sense you're feeling some benefit from taking your ADs, and it's encouraging to read about your perspectives on how you're noticing improvements. Life sounds more manageable for you both in certain ways. Yay! ☺️

I'm ok but not great. It's the beginning of week 6 for me on sertraline 50mg and I would say on the better days I'm having feelings of being a bit wrapped up in cotton wool, which is nice. But it's definitely not consistent yet and unfortunately that's not helped by being on antibiotics, which I have to take for another 2 weeks and 2 days. Anyway, I've mentioned that already. Just to say I don't know if I'll feel the full effect of the AD until I finish the ABs, which is disappointing but I have to plow on. I've got some daunting life stuff to face once I'm feeling better, and I'm hoping that the sertraline will ultimately give me enough of a lift to start properly addressing other problems. Fingers crossed.

Best of luck to everyone still in the very early days of taking their new medication. I'd say even though I'm not noticing massive changes in my mood yet, I'm convinced enough to keep taking mine. We'll get there 💐

How's everyone getting on this week? I guess with this being a 'starters' thread people have generally moved beyond it by now, which is lovely. I hope you're all having better days and feeling better supported in your mental health.

I'm finding things tough. Between therapy and the sertraline there's a lot coming up for me that's difficult to face. But I want to get better, so on the days that I can I'm taking baby steps and trying to come unstuck, very gradually. Seem to be taking one step forward and two steps back some days, which is disheartening. But then I have days where I take two steps forward and only one step back, so I'm able to stay hopeful.

Whatever you're doing today, I hope things feel easier for you than they did before you started whatever AD you're taking 🌞

I think that's the hardest thing @baroqueandblue . Its such a slow process with set backs along the way.

Today I am tired. I'm waking about 1pm every night and awake for a couple of hours. Then up at 7am to get the kids to school and work at 8am. I'm working from home today and actually think I need to sleep on my lunch break.

Does anyone else wake and struggle to get back to sleep? I'm considering a sleep supplement or tablet.

Sorry to hear your sleep is being disrupted @Midseptemberwoes . I've had quite a lot of that too, waking between 3am and 5am and feeling wide awake for 2 or 3 hours and then getting really sleepy. (And giving in to that some days, which makes me feel bad about myself when I don't wake up again until 10,11 or 12.) Mine might be levelling out now, not sure. Oddly, for the first 4 or 5 weeks I was hardly dreaming, or could barely remember any of them when I woke up. And I thought it was strange coz so many online sertraline users refer to dreaming really prolifically and intensely. But that also seems to be evening out now, so it might just be a matter of time before I feel properly balanced with sleep and that.

You've got really busy, demanding days though and you can't be expected to put up with broken/lost sleep, it's probably the last thing you need. Might your GP suggest/offer something helpful, maybe just in the short term while your system gets more used to the medication? I've heard melatonin can really help but last time I checked it was tricky and/or expensive to get hold of. Otherwise you could Google herbal options. I don't know if they still make Dr Stuarts herbal teas but they used to do a really effective sleep one.

Here's the one I was thinking of. You might find it in a health food shop rather than have to pay p&p to get it sent to you. The reviews are great. They also do a less powerful one called Tranquility, which has scullcap in it. (Knocks me out!)

https://drstuarts.com/products/valerian-plus?variant=40005324832934

Thanks for this recommendation, I am going to see if I can get this.

My GP would prescribe something but I feel like I'm already taking so much medication now that I'm reluctant to add any more.

Do you have plans this weekend?

Sorry you’re finding things so rough @baroqueandblue Are you still on 50mg of the sertraline? Just wondering if an increase would be worth trying. Baby steps are great though, it could be frustrating at times but hang onto those days where you’re taking two steps forward.

I’ve struggled a lot with my sleep too. However I’m lucky that my DC are both young adults so no school run and I’m currently not working so I’ve basically accepted the fact that I’ll just sleep when I can and nap when I need to. I know I’m really lucky that way though that I don’t tend to have much on and the things I do have I can mostly cancel if I really haven’t slept.

@Midseptemberwoes- it might be worth discussing it with your GP as baroque said. I’m so wary of supplements in case they interact with any of my medication (I have fibromyalgia, a heart condition (SVT) then also HRT to deal with my surgical menopause from the cancer as well as the antidepressants, pretty sure I’m rattling around most days with all my different meds for everything LOL) but they might even be able to advise on things that would work for you and not affect the ADs.

I had my first post-cancer check up today so I slept really badly with anxiety from it last night. Thankfully the call was at 9am with the gynae oncology nurse from Macmillan and she was really lovely. She’s referring me to the clinical psychologist at the local Maggie’s centre and also recommended I use Maggie’s just to drop in for a cuppy and a chat at some point. She was telling me about the gynae group that meets there too once a month so think I’ve got another group to go along to.

The mindfulness course I’ve been doing at the other cancer charity has been going well. Some things are maybe not really for me but it has been beneficial in some ways at least.

DH is doing ok. I can’t remember if I said but he’s back at work now and just taking it as easy as possible. He’s getting a short course of CBT through his work which has opened up a lot of things for him. He lost his dad to cancer in 2012 so hearing that word for me opened up a lot of stuff for him and he shoved it all down to be there to support me. I’m actually going to check if Maggie’s or the other charity I go to have anything for family members to go to if that could help him after his therapy finishes in a few weeks.

Thanks @Tarkan

Oh my word, you have so much going on, it's no wonder you are exhausted. I'm glad you are getting to manage things at your own pace and making really good steps attending groups.

How does DH find the CBT so far? I have just finished my 6 CBT sessions and have to say it's the best therapy I have ever attended. Its logical, makes sense and doesn't dwell on the past, which is what I need.

It’s been tough for him but good too from what he’s said. Apparently it did open up a lot for him so he has ended up in tears after a couple of sessions. I’ve made sure I’m scarce during his appointments (they’re just video calls) so he has privacy to discuss anything he needs to. His next one is actually today at 5 so I’m about to get myself ready and take a wander into town. I also play darts and we have a game tonight so just going to go warm up after looking around the shops.

I actually do also recommend darts as a bit of a stress reliever. 🤣 Not necessarily proper games (getting stuck on a double 1 for ages is frustrating LOL) but just throwing pointy things at a board is like a little bit of therapy at times.

I hear you. The limit to how much medication I want to be taking from day to day is very low, and partly because a lot of medicines seem not to interact very well with each other and I end up feeling worse! 🤨

I've got a bit of work in the morning and then I'm out for lunch with my sister and the kids. After that I'll just potter about at home, read, watch TV, listen to music. Sunday, if the rain's not too bad, I'll try and get a walk in. Might be meeting up with one of my oldest friends who recently had a hysterectomy, she's down here at her mum's for the first time since her surgery, so hopefully we'll fit in a cuppa.

How about you Midsept, any nice plans for you and/or your children?

Hello again @Tarkan!Wow your post is really inspiring, you're being so proactive with your healing ❤️ I admire you for joining those different groups and picking up new skills and meeting/opening up to people. Your idea to find out if there's a family members group through Maggie's is so thoughtful too, something along those lines could really help your husband. Especially if he has any residual grief from losing his dad years ago. You sound very supportive of one another.

Yes I've been on 50mg from the start but not sure about increasing just yet. I will probably give it another couple of weeks and then decide. I think it's probably inevitable though because I'm not getting much from 50mg, although some days it's definitely helping. Are you finding that your dosage is making the difference you need at the moment? I do worry a bit about the sleep stuff but mostly only because I like to feel a bit more in control of my sleep pattern if at all possible! ☺️ Like you, I don't have many other commitments at present that I absolutely have to meet, and I feel very lucky to have this time to adjust and recover. Although saying that I will need to address certain things once I'm feeling more up to it, and I'm not relishing that prospect! I think the way you're extending yourself to get involved and stay active in the ways you are is helpful to hear about in that respect. At some point I'm going to need to be more Tarkan! 💪

I also have fibromyalgia, was diagnosed about 9 years ago. It's one of those illnesses that's a kind of baseline, isn't it - never really goes away (I'd say mine has even progressed) and when we're dealt other health blows it's already hard to do life 🤨

Your DSis sounds like a great support to you. Hope you enjoyed your lunch.

I also have a Dsis and nephews nearby who give me a lot of support and motivation to get out.

Will you get to meet your friend today?

Do you think you'll increase your sertraline?

I had planned an easy going weekend and have been plagued with a really severe migraine. I'm going to have to see the GP about adjusting my preventative meds as I've had an increase over the last few weeks. Not sure if starting prozac has had an effect on this. My GP is not very good unfortunately. He tends to ask what we want, instead of giving his medical opinion.

Really sorry to hear about the increase in your migraines 😞 And it has scuppered your weekend, which is horrid because I know you're working during the week. Do you take triptans, September? And if you do, is the one you're using at the moment losing its effectiveness, or do you feel like you need more? I know they only prescribe 6 at a time or something mad like that! Have you been referred to a neurologist in the past, or could your GP do that this week? I know it might be a long wait but at least you'd know it was on the horizon somewhere. I started the sertraline literally the day I saw a neurologist early last month, because while we were talking I realised just how depressed I'd got in the last year. And she prescribed me zolmitriptan, although I haven't picked up the prescription yet coz things haven't been too bad recently. But I can understand why you're wondering if the fluoxetine is aggravating your migraines, it can be so hard dealing with triggers can't it. I was worried sertraline might bring mine on but I've mostly been OK so far. How are you feeling this morning? It's nice here today and if it's nice and sunny where you are I hope you feel well enough to get out in it for a bit.

It's funny, the best laid plans and that - my sister got a last minute bit of private work yesterday, so lunch was cancelled. And my friend has texted to apologise coz she can't leave her mum this morning (alzheimers). So my weekend is different from how I imagined it, but it has been OK. I was working myself for the first half of yesterday morning and it was interesting, then last night I had some admin to do which I'd been dreading but I actually got quite into it lol. Got other bits I can do today if I feel like, but mostly I want to make myself get out for a walk coz it's going to rain most of this week and I've been so hermity the last few months.

I really hope you feel a bit better today and get to do something nice 💐

Sister has just texted - the kids are going to Activate at the O2 tomorrow morning so I'm tagging along and we're having lunch at a restaurant in the O2 afterwards. It'll do me so much good to see them for a few hours. And my brother-in-law is doing a last hurrah barbecue this afternoon, so I can go if I feel like.

It's great that you have your sister and her kids nearby, must mean such a lot at times when you're feeling up to getting together.

I've felt a real lift today so far. Like the sertraline is actually helping now! 😃 Aside from your migraine symptoms, does it feel like the prozac is having a good consistent effect on how you're feeling?

Yesterday I really felt the benefit of the sertraline - ended up getting a bus and two trains to my friend's mum's place and saw them both. Her mum has alzheimers and I hadn't seen her for ages so it was lovely chatting to her, and then me and my friend went for a little walk and a quick lunch. I was so glad I made the effort to go over, and I know I wouldn't have done it if I wasn't feeling a bit of a lift.

And I met my sister and her kids today, and also went to theirs for dinner, which was great. But all day I felt like the sertraline had deserted me 🤨 It's so strange how it comes and goes, 6 weeks in. And I find myself thinking I should increase the dosage, but I'm still not sure when to start that. But I have to ask my GP to repeat the prescription next week, so perhaps I'll ask for it to go up to 100mg and start then.

Hope everyone else has had a decent weekend and a good start to the week.

Overall that’s great that you’re starting to see some improvement though baroque. Yesterday sounds like a really lovely day.

The way you’re describing it today is how I was feeling before I had an increase, I could see some improvement but there were still really tough days. Obviously it’s a decision for between you and your GP but I’d say it’s worth discussing it since you’re due a refill of them soon.

I had my most recent review today and I was asked if I wanted to try another increase but I decided to stay on the 100mg and the doctor was happy to put it on as a repeat prescription for me now so no more monthly reviews for now, but she did say if I wanted to try and increase it again just to call.

I’ve had a couple of moments recently when I just feel so much clearer in my head and I could probably say I was feeling calm and happy occasionally and that feels so weird to say after the rollercoaster I’ve been on so I think that’s proof the meds have been helping me a lot. Things aren’t perfect yet but I hope I’m heading towards more and more better days for now at least.

I hope everyone else is doing ok. I know a few people popped in and disappeared off. I hope you’re all doing better but if not then we’re here for you too. 🥰

Lovely post, Tarkan 😃 I'm really pleased to hear you're noticing how your medication is making a difference at times, and feeling optimistic about the longer-term impact. And it's really helpful to know how you were finding things before you increased to 100mg.

Sounds like you might've found your level with it, at least for the time being. I'm sorry you've had such a rough ride this year but fingers crossed this is the early days of a much smoother and kinder period for you 💐

Since I posted a few minutes ago, I've put my finger on why I've felt so blah today. I'm getting a migraine - the pain is coming out now - and it has been threatening since I woke up this morning. But I often miss the meaning of how migraine onset makes me feel until the head and facial pain hits hours later 🤷🏻‍♂️ But I'll be OK, I'm going to take some pain relief and have an early night.

How have you been since Saturday, @Midseptemberwoes? Did you get over your migraine or are you still suffering?

I'm on day 5 of Sertraline. I've not noticed any difference. I am taking it for anxiety and if anything that has got worse but that is also because the thing I have anxiety about (health mainly) is also getting worse.

I am desperate to feel better, to stop living in this constant state of sheer panic, to be able to eat and sleep again.

I am on a very low dose (25mg) and I wonder if it's too low and why they didn't start me out on more.