This was prescribed to me in an effort to assist in my general anxiety/health anxiety. I took one today before reading up on the side effects and concerns on the forums and now I am concerned. I am leaving for a trip this week and would rather not be stressed about potential side effects. I am considering not taking another until after my vacation and supplementing with my xanex as needed for the trip. My questions are:
1) will taking one pill and waiting a week for consistent compliance be harmful?
2) I am a daily drinker, as it is how i relax with my
Husband and friends. I don't want this decision to interrupt my chances at a normal life (I.e my
Normal) as this is the entire reason why I am taking it-- for a more normal life.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Have you Looked up Post ssri sexual dysfunction? Please do. That will answer your question.
Best,
Alex
I wouldn't have thought it would be a problem waiting until after your hols if you have only taken one tablet. I was quite lucky in terms of side effects. I find with drinking I'm ok with a couple but I flip from feeling okay to not remembering anything though people tell me my behaviour doesn't change and they hadn't noticed. Also feel low the day after if I have one too many and suffer worse hangovers. I tend to avoid it now and generally feel better for it as I find its easier.
I would try and wait and see until after hols. I took sertraline 25mg for a week had fuzzy head and dizziness and collapsed at work having had a momentary blackout. Having Type 2 Diabetes could explain it with low BP but GP put it down to the Sertraline so I came off it after the week. I then read posts on this forum and was so shocked at peoples stories I wonmdered why the hell we take these tablets. I have not got a normal life and am a very unhappy 60 year old man but this has only compounded my troubles. I cannot now drive for the time being as i had to report the blackout to the DVLA. MY income has been cut by 30% as these were driver jobs as a support worker. There are some good accounts on here of it working but it all seems live a lottery to me.I wish you all the best!
Hi! I can't see a problem if you have only had one 25mg then wait until you get back. I started on 50 mg then was upped to 100mg. Now 2 months in and any side effects have settled. The trouble is everyone reacts differently and the majority of forums are weighed down with negative experiences. I also attended a Talking Therapies stress/depression/anxiety course and am trying to put things in perspective. Slow steps. I will continue with sertraline as at least I now feel calm, though still low mood. My GP says to give it time as there are definite improvements. I am also a daily drinker and have been honest with my GP. It seems the problem with excess alcohol is that it reduces the effectiveness of all antidepressants - they kind of counteract each other. The advice I was given was to drink less this week than you did last, then again the following week, etc. even one drink less is a step. For me there is no point in trying to stop completely, however I know it is my crutch and reward for getting through the day!! Again small steps. Also don't give yourself a hard time, do the best you can each day and concentrate on what you have achieved, not what you haven't. Have a great holiday and good luck xx
Hello: I was in a similar situation and decided to wait until my business travels were completed and I was back at home for a long enough period to try the medication when I was home to monitor it. I relied on my Xanax during that trip for extreme anxiety - especially when flying - which worked. Just be careful with Xanax and alcohol. I had a very frightening experience with it and almost stopped breathing. Good luck to you and enjoy your holiday!