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Struggling

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Hoover2112
Hoover2112

GP put me on Sertraline 3+ weeks ago. I ahd been on Citalopram for years and then switched ot Fluoxetine last October which intiially worked well and were great for mood but the anxiety came back and I ahd a knot in my stomach 24/7. I am going to ask to go back on tnhose as Setraline are giving me jaw clenching, paranoia, sensitvity to light, Apathy, feeling shattered when I wake up, congestion in my sinuses, little interest in work, staring into space, oversensitive... It's just not settling  and the thought of straight forward anxietywhich I am "used" to on Fluoxetine sounds a dream at the moment - maybe go back on for a month before trying something else.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • CG1964
    CG1964 Hoover2112

    Posted

    So sorry to hear that you are struggling and the sertraline is not delivering any relief.

    personallly i didn't begin to experience any positive effects until the 5th week at least.

    so you might consider giving it a bit more time.  I know the side effects are devastating - increased anxiety overwhelmed me day and night.  

    Good luck with whatever you decided and i hope that your day today is better than it was yesterday.

    • Hoover2112
      Hoover2112 CG1964

      Posted

      Thanks CG - I will see what the doctor says but your words are encouraging. I know the "worse before it gets better" but this one is a tough one and Ive never had antyhing hit me this hard. Maybe I just need ot give it more time. Did you ahve the jaw clenching? I also had this on Citalopram for 4 years and unbeknown to me it also affected other muscles. I used ot ahve a niggly back in bed which affected my sleep and had about 4 years fo chiropracter fees to sort my back problem - turns out when I stopped Citalopram the backpain stopped. I dont want to continue if the jaw tension stayes wiht Sertraline albeit the back seems okay. Fluoxetine seems to be the lesser of the 2 eveils at the moment. Thanks for your support. smile
    • CG1964
      CG1964 Hoover2112

      Posted

      i didn't have the jaw clenching but had pressure around my eyes, loss of appetite and the shakes to name a few - looks bad when you list them and at the time it was very difficult.  I am still experiencing ups and downs now in my 6th week @50mg after 3 weeks @25mg.  

      actually currently in the midst of a massive panic attack - but i am going to break down and take a Ativan that my dr prescribed for emergencies -  I haven't had to take one in weeks, unfortunately had an anxiety blip last night before bed that lasted all night and with no sleep i am not functioning - have to give my brain/body a rest.

      Hope this is just a temporary setback and not something more.  wish me luck.

    • Hoover2112
      Hoover2112 CG1964

      Posted

      Hope it settles down for you CG - nover really get to that level its just a constant flatness most of the time for me. I was straight onto 50mg. I run my own business but the apathy is making it a little hard to function in that respect. ANy minor issue is blown out of proportion. At least i found wiht the other meds when I hit rock bottom i would come round and start fighting again. I start comfort eating - always been thin so its not a massive deal. Excercise helps massively but outside of a PT session I cant be bothered going running.

      I'll revert ot the docs advice on Wednesday - got therapy tomorrow but even that was a chore last week in this state of mind.

  • Hoover2112
    Hoover2112

    Posted

    Decided to revert back to Fluoxetine if the doc will let me. Tried to get in last night as feeling very low - full - today - "probably wont let me have an appoiintment" (it's a joint surgery and the doctor is at the one a few miles from the local). Feel worse on these than I did before any meds! Head mood was good on Fluoxetine but anxeity was a problem but better the devil you know for the short term - at least I "know" my anxiety. Got some holiday weekends coming up and would rather know what I am dealing with when I do. Appt was booked for tomorrow AM so hopefully get back on track - dropped ot 25mg this morning in prep...
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