So I've been absent from this group for...well, ages. Here's an update

Treatment and medication
1

Hi everyone, since a lot of people in this group have changed over since last I was here, let me give you some background - sorry, this may be a long read, so I’d recommend getting a cup of tea at this point.

Right, so I was originally put on Citalopram, which to make a long story short, turned me into a zombie and they changed my immediately over to 50mg of Sertraline Hydrochloride. To those who are worrying about increasing side effects, I get your worry, but they do reduce after about 6 weeks and it’ll start to help. But the truth is that these drugs will not cure you. Only you can do that, and to be honest, I’m still not bloody winning! Hell, things have improved, I’ve got a better job, I have a wife now and I’m a bit more competent physically (I’m an archer, so the medication I’m on and a bow doesn’t work well together!).

Due to a few massive life events I’ve slipped back and am now on Mirtezapine and Diazepam to cope with both my depression and anxiety. So just know, that yeah, it can get better, but people like us are pretty much are gonna have to keep fighting tooth and nail to keep ourselves in check. But I’ve got friends who have worse problems than me, so I focus my efforts on getting better so I can support them.

To the people here who are new, regardless of what I’ve said, things will get better in time if you stick with it and give your doctor the full information. Yeah, ya might slip up, but believe me, it’s ok to not be ok. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, that’s what it’s there for, but ask early. It took me 6 months to get counseling! I had to rely on my sister until then which put strain on her, and my wife as well as she struggles to handle me, especially when I have a full on panic attack and collapse. I swear A&E should have a cup with my name on by now…

I’m pretty crap at replying due to my own anxiety. But PM me if you do have specific questions, I’ll try to get back to you. But know, the come-up from these anti-depressants does drift off, if it doesn’t, go to your doctor and get it changed immediately. Things get better, but be aware that it’s still a bumpy ride. And if you feel unwell again, catch it early and get back to your doctor. :slight_smile: I’ve had this for 20+ years now, so play it safe all and be careful. And again, I’m happy to answer any questions.

2

I’m in the same boat as you mate, however I always pull through my dips . I was plain sailing till xmas and then boom! It hit me, I’ve upped my sertraline to 200mg from 150mg. It’s been 2 2weeks of feeling terrible , I can’t remember feeling this bad but my wife Insists I did ,not sure weather to ride the upped dose out for another 2 weeks or consider something else ?

3

HI THERE,

I’m just wondering if you have experienced any sexual side effects? I FIND THAT I never want to have sex and I CANT Have an orgasm??? ITS actually making me depressed ;(

4

hi Neementh.
Thank you for your write up. Like you I have been fighting it for many years. pure will power kept me going.
Now Im on Sertraline about 18 weeks. and some days better than others. but improved from before.
Considering returning to doctor for advice.
Sounds like you are doing well.
Good positive write up

5

Yep! I had no desire and couldn’t get an erection for weeks! don’t worry, it passes :slight_smile:

6

ya i dont think itll pass for me. i have been on these meds for years

7

2.2 weeks or 22 weeks? Big difference. If 2.2, then yes, continue on, if 22 weeks, then get to your doctors.

8

Further more, Don’t try Levitra (Vardenafil) to try and help, I almost ended up in A&E, ride it out, it’ll be ok in time. Though I know it’s distressing.

9

Good work! I was on Sertraline for about 6-8 months before slowly reducing, it’s a slow process, but it sounds like you’re doing well. Keep it up, and be patient. The drug helps, but it’s what you do and the changes you make that will make the real difference to your health.

10

How come? What dosage and how long? If you’re having that much of a difficulty, and please, don’t be embarrassed, you should be talking to your doctor about this. None of us here are medical professionals, so if it’s got to that point after this length of time of making your depression worse, you need to open up about it.

11

hi
i have been on stertraline for 6 months now and upped to 100 8 wks ago and i am so ill
high anxiety no apeptite and lost control of everything
feeling very isolated

12

I’ve been on 150 for 4 years , upped to 200 for 2 and a bit weeks