Hi, I'm new to this forum but thought it might help to feel less alone. I've had panic disorder for 8 years, was put on sertraline about 6 months ago but upped to 100mg about 1-2 months ago. Since the dose increase, I've felt very depressed, had intrusive thoughts of self-harm with some attempts of self harm, and can't bring myself to talk to anyone (dr, family, boyfriend, friends) about it. None of this is like me. I'm scared of myself and I don't feel like me anymore. Has anyone experienced this, or has any advice? Thanks x
Hi eb, this is very common, intrusive thoughts, thoughts of harm, they will pass, it just takes time, up to 12 weeks. I started on 25 for one week, then 50 for 3 weeks now on 100 and its been 13 weeks total now. Feeling 100% better. Usually the dose increases tend to start side effects all over again, and had eveything your feeling and more. So hang in there stay on forum it does help. Lots of good people going thru same thing and will give you tons of support. Hope this helps
I stared the drug much the same about 5 months ago. Was increased to 50 ten days ago. The constant mind chatter and anxiety is awful. Now I don't even want to go out for fear of anxiety attack. The depression seems worse , but the insomnia and panic is awful. Wish I could help but I am in the same boat.
Thank you, that is so helpful. It gets too easy to forget that you're not alone and lots of people know feel exactly the way you do. Okay, yeah I've been on 100mg for 5 weeks now. How long did it take for your side effects to settle down when starting on the dose you're on now, do you know? Thanks Tim x
Hi Lorraine, I'm so sorry to hear this! It's horrible isn't it, you feel like a completely different person. Even though the thought of going out is terrifying, it will probably only become more scary the longer you put it off and let it control you. If you go out, if you have an attack everything will still be okay. Have an action plan, a friend/family member to contact and a place to go where you feel safe. I hope you're okay x
Thank you, I know I have to do it, but it's so hard. I have gone from a Zumba,yoga,Pilates,lover to a frightened couch potato. When will this drug kick in
I don't know. You might just not be suited to it at all. I really don't know, being in the same boat. But I'm going to talk to my doctor about the effects it's had on me, you probably should too x
eb, you are never alone as Samaritans are there 24/7. Most people think they are just for people that want to do something horrible, however that is not the case. They are impartial and very supportive, especially in the dark hours. Loads of their 'staff' have had similar experiences to you/us. Do not feel embarrassed about phoining them if you are really frightened.
This is easy for me to say but I would really try to get to your/a GP ASAP. My GP would be livid if she knew that I had not spoken with her about my situation. Please, take a deep breath and do this as the professionals are there to keep us safe.
All the very best to you and, as others have said, hang in there, do relaxation and breathing, listen to music, anything to keep you an even keel, especially at night.
P
Hi Philip, I think you just hit the nail on the head there - I'm worst at nights (when I'm away at University I live with my boyfriend so it's not as bad, but while at home like I am now I'm alone at night), and last night I finally plucked up the courage to call Samaritans and actually speak to them, after calling several times and losing my bottle, at about 4am. I spoke with the woman for about 45 minutes - it was so reassuring, they really are brilliant. I did used to think exactly what you said but she didn't make me feel inadequate or like a time-waster at all, like I thought.
My GP is at University so I wwill definitely see her as soon as I go back, which will be in 2 weeks. Thank you so much for your help x
Oh well done eb. Later in your career you will be able to support Samaritans as I have for years. They can literally be life savers.
Don't be 'alone' at Uni either. You will find there are many others that have challenging times and there will be a support mechanism. People like yourself have the opportunity to bring Mental Health conditions into the same recognition category as all the other stuff that is 'visible'. 'Our' problems are more recognised because of the openness of people in the public eye (sportspersons, musicians and singers, media folk) and their willingness to come out about their conditions.
See if you can find a really good relaxation Ap or CD. I use mine on my IPod and use good earphones as it makes the sound seem like it is in the centre of my head (don't laugh......
Wow that's brilliant! Well done you're doing an amazing service. I looked into volunteering for them a couple years ago but thought it best to leave a few years due to education.
Yeah, it is an ongoing fight isn't it - trying to make sure it's universally recognised as a legit problem. There is a support system at my uni but unfortunately I had appointments with them and the counsellor said to me "Your friends, family, boyfriend, everyone, just see you as The Girl with the panic attacks"...so that was that, never going back.
Oh that's a good idea, I'll look into that. Music does help me a lot. hehehe I know exactly what you mean so we can laugh at ourselves together!
Doctor moved me to 100 milligram in my fourth week a few days maybe 3 days I began to feel better some of the thoughts began to fade but they also gave me Xanax one milligram to help me deal with some of the side effects. About week 10 I started to feel normal again. I was afraid of the Xanax so I only took it when I was having a really bad day I don't take it at all now. Try to stay positive that is the most difficult part we get in our own heads and we make things worse keep the negative thoughts away as much as possible.
Oh wow, 10 weeks! Okay that is very reassuring. I was thinking of requesting to stop taking them (but then I know the panic attacks will return with full force).
Oh that's good - yeah I have also been prescribed diazepam (valium) to help with the really rough days.
Yes definitely - I will try! I feel so much better now on this forum though knowing that all you lovely people are there.
I'm glad you're feeling better now and the meds are working!
How long have you been feeling like this? It seems to me what you are experiencing is derealization. That happened to me for a period of 1-2 weeks and then went away. It was the most horrible state. I wasn’t myself and I couldn’t really feel any real feelings. What was your dose before 100mg and how were you doing on the lower dose?
Just got back from my Dr. She wants me to ride it out for another two weeks, with Ativan low dose for anxiety. Do you know what Samaritans is? I live in Canada and have never heard of it. Sure helps to know others are going through this! Thanks
I think it could be yeah. I think it's been about 3-4 weeks now but has gotten worse. Yeah that's what I feel like...It's like I want to hurt myself just to feel, I don't know. It was 50mg, it really helped at first and I got none of these symptoms but after a while the panic attacks got worse and worse which is why my dose was increased. Thanks for your help x
Oh right, good luck, I hope it goes okay, keep us updated! Yeah, Samaritans is a free 24 hour helpline in the UK that help with pretty much anything you're struggling with. You just call them and talk for as long as you want and about whatever you want. Called them for the first time last night and so glad I did! Are there any helplines like that in Canada you could try?
We have a crisis line that I called once, but they just say go to the hospital, not very helpful. Glad you called them, hope it helped you.
My Mom was from U.K., up in Manchester. Thanks for being there today, it was a tough one
Oh that's not very good 
is there nothing else, nothing you can ring just fora chat and support? It did, thank you!
Oh right, not too far from me!
It's okay I just hope I helped. Hope you're okay, you can talk to me about anything, just give me a message. How are you feeling today? x
Eb, no worries. We are here to help each other out. I think you increased your dose too quickly, going from 50mg to 100mg. Usually, they just increase to 75mg for a couple of weeks and then 100mg so the side effects wouldn't be so bad. Take care. Try not to get stressed out and know that this phrase will pass and you will feel real feelings again, although the feelings may be muted a not. X