16 weeks on sertraline. Was doing great but feel like i've gone backwards 😢

Treatment and medication
1

Hi Everyone,

I have been on sertraline for 16 weeks now, 75mg for the past 7 weeks. I really felt like I had turned a corner and was starting to feel like the old me again.

The past week has been awful, anxiety and racing thoughts has been constant and my mood has been so low again. I don't understand because I was doing so well.

Other than sertraline I have made some lifestyle changes - cut out caffeine, going to yoga and other fitness classes. Trying to be more mindful and I am also having CBT sessions so I was in a positive place until last week and I cannot understand why it has changed.

I also started taking magnesium and vitamin d supplements.

Does anyone have any advice or positive words? Thanks x

2

My doctor said that after a while your body gets adjusted to medicines, 75mg is also quite a low dose for anxiety. The usual dose is 100-150mg.Maybe you you need to increase the dose to 100mg. You are doing a lot of progress, changing lifestyle is essential. There will be ups and downs, don't let negative thoughts and mood affect your recovery.

X x

3

Hi Alexandra,

Thanks for replying, I have an appointment with the doctor on Friday so will speak to her about possibly increasing the dose.  I really wanted to avoid going to high with the dosage as I worry about coming off the meds at the other side and I also don't want to lose all feelings with a higher dose.

What dosage are you on if you don't mind me asking? x

4

I am just starting this journey.. I've been on 50mg for 4 weeks, just few days ago inceased to 75mg based on doctor's suggestion. So it's my week 5. I don't feel the decrease of anxiety yet... But I do feel a bit happier, so I hope it will help me in the following weeks.

5

Hey Paula,

Mine was a similar story, don’t get disheartened. The good thing is you’ve been making positive lifestyle changes.

I was on 50mg for around the same time and recently upped to 100mg. 50 is more of an intro dose for many. 100 to 150 seems to be the dose that’s required for many.

I’m feeling much better already but know it could be a bit up and down for a while.

Worth having a chat with your doctor. I don’t want to be reliant on a high dose all my life but if it’s get you to a better place and taper properly (5% a week) you’ll be fine.

Maybe worth nudging up to 100 but always, always speak with your doc - I’m not qualified, purely my experience

Try to focus on all the good stuff and don’t be let down by a little block along the way - you’ll get there

Ben 

6

Hi Ben,

Thanks so much for replying, I was feeling great so it's a bit upsetting. I have the doctor on Fri so will speak to her about increasing.

I'm glad your doing well, how have the side effects been on your increase? I felt terrible when I first started x