I have recently started taking 50mg sertraline daily. I was taking this medication earlier in the year and found it very beneficial, my mind completely slowed down, I was much more rational and my heightened emotional state was completely reduced down to a much more mellow state of mind. I have started taking it again a few weeks ago and have found that I am extremely lethargic but only when I'm in my own flat and constantly need to sleep. I have more worryingly experienced a blank mind when I'm trying to think about work or anything that involves problem solving, such as working out a restaurant bill or even writing emails/ letters (this is taking a very long time to write with multiple breaks). I am getting frustrated as I love my job and I'm very ambitious so I want to get back as soon as possible but I physically can't think of anything work related my mind just goes completely blank and feels tired out and eventually I get a headache that feels like I've been clenching my jaw too hard. I feel extremely guilty as otherwise I am physically fine so I don't look or seem ill on the face of it and can hold normal conversation with people. I was wondering if anyone had experienced anything similar to this or knows anyone who has? How long it takes to get back to functioning normally? Should I consider increasing my dose up to 100mg to help with the mind blanks? Is there anything I can do to help, such as reading exercises etc?? My doctor said that it sounds like I've had a burn out with taking on too much at work and buying a flat at the same time but I didn't think this would mean having a blank mind with certain areas of my life. Any help/ advice would be much appreciated. Thanks
Try meditation, rescue remedy, deep breathing exercises
Hi,
Sorry you haven't had more replies. I can relate to the mind blanks when it comes to problem-solving or decision-making. However, I have put this down more to my depression and only partially a side effect of the meds I used to take (I've now chosen to come off the Sertraline that I was on and am feeling more clear-headed....but still wouldn't trust myself to make any life-changing decisions just yet!)
You're not firing on all cylinders at the moment but it won't always be like this so allow yourself some time. I'm a big reader so I do keep my mind active (and distracted from the negative thought cycles). But sometimes my mind gets overtired and I need to relax with some mindfulness exercises and a lot of soothing music :-)
How about writing things down when you need to or using a close friend as a sounding board if you need to sharpen your thoughts for particular decisions. If you are feeling burnt out, be kind to yourself. Let me know how you are getting on.
Hugs & best wishes,
Digsby xx
Hi why did you come off it the first time? I was told need to stay on it 6 months after you start to feel well. Also what the break in between stopping and restarting?
I was on it for a while year before and got on great following work related stress breakdown. After 18 months and new job with worse stress restarted sertraline but didn't help at all. Ended up in hospital and put on mirtazapine as wasn't eating. Changed back to sertraline two months ago as hated massive weight gain.
So far ok. Ish. But exactly like you numb brain. Don't feel down or anxiety just feel nothing which I didn't have on mirtazapine. Praying every morning to get back my old zip for life.
Also on very low dose of quetiapine for sleep taken at night. Saw psychiatrist on Thursday last first time in ten months who said stay on same doses until sees me again in three months.