Yes another one ... sorry! I've read some of the other posts on here which, unfortunately in a sad way, have helped me a lot. I had started to panic but now I know it's absolutely normal and I'm going too fast! I would like to know where I can find the original article(s) explaining about the "reduce by 10% of original dose etc etc ... " I'd like to read it in its entirety. Can anyone help?
Only if anyone wants to know, FYI, my Sertraline Journey ...
I've been on 50mg per day for about 18 months now. The doctor who prescribed these was my old doctor where I used to live. He was lovely and so understanding about my issues (which all started when I was admitted to hospital with nothing more than a chest infection back in 2010 but which kicked off all kinds of issues for me that I never thought possible, resulting in overwhelming health anxiety and depression). Anyway, my old GP was fab and I wish I was still his patient, but we relocated and were forced to change practices. I am not keen on the new practice. To be fair to them, they don't know me or my history, but it's interesting to read here that they give poor advice on withdrawal issues. I wanted to come off the meds as I feel better in myself and thought the time was right. I do not want to be dependent on them indefinitely so I made the appointment. I was faced with a trainee - no issues there, they all have to start somewhere. He advised I reduce to 1 x 50mg every other day for 2 weeks and then just stop. That sounded like a very short withdrawal so, being wary, I myself made the decision to do this for a few weeks rather than just 2 and then stop. I was away on vacation when I did stop which I thought was a good idea as my mind would be occupied and initially I was absolutely fine for several days, then BANG! Panic attacks like never before!! Claustrophobic issues (I've never suffered with that!). Agitation. Insomnia. Shaking. The whole lot!! So, rightly or wrongly, I put myself back on to the 1 x 50mg every other day and things settled down. I have just tried again to stop - after all, my medically trained GP told me it would be fine, but same again, a few days without issue, then this morning I woke up worse than ever. So I have taken one today and am going to book an appointment with my GP to get my prescription reinstated because this is going to take a while me thinks!
I am still determined that I want to come off the Sertraline, but it's not going to be a quick process, despite my GP's reassurance that I will be fine after just 2 weeks at a lesser dose. Hence why I am looking for this information on what your body goes through when withdrawing, the nervous system etc. I already feel a whole heap calmer while writing this than I did at 6.00am this morning!!!
Thank you for reading x