I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years (about 8 in total since my early 20's) but only recently sought help from my GP when I started having 2 or 3 panic attacks a day.
I was prescribed Sertraline 25 mg daily and Propranolol 80 mg daily (40 mg in the morning and 40 mg in the evening). After one week the Sertraline was increased to 50 mg daily. 3 weeks on and today I have been upped to 100 mg daily.
I had bad side effects when starting on the 25 mg (increased depression, increased anxiety, headaches, nausea and diarrhea) but these past after the first 4 or 5 days. When I was increased to 50 mg they came back, albeit more mildy and past after the 3rd or 4th day.
I am apprehensive about increasing the dosage again now as I have to travel a lot this weekend for a large family engagment. I am worried that I may start having panic attacks again as I settle into the higher dose and I am wondering whether to stay on 50 mg with the Propranolol over the weekend and up the dosage on Monday when I am home and have a few days to relax and can ride out any side effects.
Has anyone had side effects increase the third time they upped their dose? Or was there no real change?
I have never had Sertraline but because my little knowledge of medication provided you are functioning ok and can get through the weekend it shouldn't do you any harm to wait until il after the weekend to increase the dose. Hope the family engagement is good and that you are able to enjoy yourself. I wish you well
I am so sorry you are going through this, especially at this time with the family event. I have not yet been put on meds for my depression-anxiety-nervous breakdown since today was my first appointment regarding this issue. I am tryng to get all the information I can regarding medications that may be prescribed for me so I will have some knowledge going into this. Your has been a help to me as you have listed medications, dosage and timelines with your side effects. I'm sorry this does not help your situation but it is very helpful to a newbie. Best of luck and I hope to follow your progress.
I am in a similar predicament, I am currently on sertraline 150mg and this will be the third time it is increased, the Drs now recommend 200mg. Personally I take this at night and sleep through any side effects however I do feel groggy and find it hard to concentrate each time the dose is increased. I am set to go on a family holiday soon and really don't want to be on a downer because of the increase but don't want to be in this horrible funk I have found myself in for the last few months. It's kind of a catch 22, but to save questioning from others who don't know about my depression I'm going to wait till after the family holiday.