Antidepressants

I was given Sertraline by my GP when I recognised I was severely depressed - largely work-related, but it spilled over into every aspect of life. I had initial side-effects like dizziness and nausea, these did clear up, but I’m having terrible trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. I was up all night last night, went to bed when husband got up and slept for about 5 hours, but still feel exhausted.

The depression has broken up quite a lot, so, despite sleep problems, I’d be reluctant to give up sertraline unless another anti-depressant was substituted..

Please read Lost Connections by Johann Hari.
I’m only half way through but very interesting about antidepressants and anxiety.

Hoping you can get sorted.

I took Sertraline while feeling anxious when my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was fantastic, although it worried me when we had a family upset (serious illness) and I felt nothing at all. Anyway the doctor said that many people hate coming off it as it is such a good drug and they miss it. can see that. I came off by simply stopping when I felt better and then later discovered this was sheer lunacy according to the people who know about this stuff. I was absolutely fine and it worked well for me that way. I think there are times when you really need tbis support and such drugs can be so helpful. I did not have any side effects so perhaps I was lucky.

Sorry to hear you are suffering. You are not alone.
I take Citalopram and have not had any side effects. Can't advise on the new drug you are taking, but I do hope you find something that helps you with this debilitating condition.

I dont know much about all of this. And nothing about the drug.

What are you like during the day?

There are numerous different antidepressants fancythat. Some suit some people better than others. I have never had side effects with venlafaxine, function perfectly normally during the day and sleep well at night. I have never been dopey, if that’s what you mean.

All antidepressants take about 6-8 weeks to work, although side effects such as nausea only last a couple of weeks as your body gets used to them. Why don’t you have a chat with your GP about your concerns. It may be worth following your GPs advice and take them for a few weeks. If you’re still not feeling better then pop back to see the GP again. I hope you feel better soon.

I was on antidepressants, on and off, for years. I tried St John’s Wort by replacing a dose at a time with it. I found that there were no side effects and weaned myself off everything else. As for sleep disturbance, I have PPS which causes sleep disturbance , leading to anxiety. Radio 4 X is a great help and distraction. Worth a try. Good luck .

Unfortunately people with epilepsy cannot take St John’s Wort.

Another non pharmacological thing that may help is listening to Binaural music. The theory is that it in some way calms the brain activity. Be that as it may, I found it worked for me when I had a period of anxiety and panic attacks (not minor). You DO have to lie in a quiet place eyes shut for a minumum of 15 minutes to get the benefit. Google it, if you think you'll give it a go search Youtube - so you can try it out for no money at all - nothing to lose.

I tried Sertraline, but the nausea was horrendous. I was then changed to a low dose of Mirtazapine starting with half a tablet every other day increasing to I tablet every other day, then finally 1 tablet daily. So far so good and thankfully I am only taking for mild anxiety and not debilitating depression.

I was on citalapram very long term use workedlike magic for me then started get an acquired condition called long QT syndrome (dangerous long heart beats) so was prescribed sertraline just didnt do the same job still not right so was changed to duxolatine its early days but i hoping this one will be good i was told its a newer better medication than the other 2 good luck x

I have 2 friends who take it and both said it makes them tired.

Sorry, not much help, Sertraline made me really dizzy so switched to Citalopram. I couldn't do without it. Everyone's different. I tend not to read the side effects leaflet on anything.

I’ve been on 100mg for three years, for anxiety. It’s absolutely fine, no problems, although I am tired/sleepy always. I think that’s the combination of all medication together.
Your system will adjust itself, and you’ll be fine

Not tried that, I'm on mirtazapine its a fairly new drug my gp told me, I'm on it for same symptoms as you and it works fine, no side effects except a dry mouth at night, i can cope with that.

Very interesting and informative comments. I’ve been prescribed Seetraline 25mg. Took just one and felt dreadful afterwards: short breathing, nausea, and general unwell was. Have not taken it again. Perhaps unwise and ought to start again and persevere.

Anyone dealing with anxiety I would recommend this site. I found it really helpful.

www.nomorepanic.co.uk/forum.php

I have been on sertraline for several months, starting at 50mg. I had problems sleeping at first but it eventually sorted itself out.

The biggest problem I suffered for months was total loss of energy and exhaustion. It gradually easing off but I still have good days and bad ones 😔

I was once prescribed them - but never took them. It was a great comfort to know that they were just in the cupboard, ready if needed. I was told I'd feel sick for a couple of weeks until I got used to them. Side effects vary individually - and some are temporary.

If I ever felt bad, day after day - or was awake night after night, I'd risk the side effects and just take antidepressants - as I'd have nothing to lose.

Thank you all for your comments/ I couldn’t find the thread so have only just read them all.

Hi I've been on and off sertraline for a few years, I'm currently reducing from 50 to 25
I decided to come off as it robbed me of emotion and caused tinnitus and restless legs, any one else had this concern

Hi I'm cutting sertraline from 50 to 25 anyone out there on the same journey?

Many people experience different side effects with antidepressants . They can also become addictive.

You can take them in the morning or evening as long as you take them them the same time every day. If you’re getting sleep disturbance I would guess maybe mornings would be better for you .

Distraction and/or breathing techniques and visualisation can also help with night anxiety

Some research suggests for some people they are no better than a placebo