Trying to cope

I’ve suffered slightly with anxiety and being withdrawn for few years now. Nothing major though. I decided to try HRT and can’t say if it did much for me. I was panicking about my daughter coming back to work (in the same job as me) as I’d be babysitting twice a week with a 6 month old. I think everything built up. I stopped the HRT because I was anxious. But it might have been me not the HRT... Now I’m on sertraline only 25mg for three weeks. I had quite nasty side effects and while some have lessened some haven’t. One doctor says stick with it and maybe up it. One says to come off and try citalopram. Conflicting advice. I don’t know which way to turn. Give HRT another go or not. I’m very withdrawn and have to make a real effort to involve myself with my kids and three grandkids. I’m not the person I want to be. My eldest two have been great. Very supportive. My husband has been amazing and sleeping in the spare room as I’m not sleeping well at all but I can hear him snoring/cough and I struggle then getting back to sleep. Feel very lost and isolated. I’m off with this atm but due bs n week after next. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as it’s a lonely existence

On a plus note I did my first babysitting yesterday and we survived. It was tiring but we made it. Got him again today.

[Charl-]

Side effects usually do die down after 4-6 weeks. 3 weeks isn't really time to tell if they are the right ones.

I'd stick at taking them there's always a rainbow at the end.

As for the HRT is there any reason as to why you couldn't take the 2 together?

You'll know what feels right and what doesn't though, but the meds are there to help you. If in another 3 weeks you feel they aren't really working you can up the dose but remember you are still in Control of that. You can also try a different one if you wanted but with that will come different side effects which again will take a good few weeks to right themselves.

If it were me I'd stick at them for now because you never know, try and relax and let them do their thing. I know that's hard I've been there. But the more you fight the feelings the more intense things become,try and let it be.

Maybe sleep back in the same bed and find some comfort, might help things a little bit. Sleeping in separate rooms might be giving you more anxiety without realising it. Good luck I do wish you well and speedy recovery xxx

[Hidden in reply to Charl-]

Thank you. I’m worried he would keep me awake which is why he’s in there but I’m so hypersensitive right now. Xx

[Charl- in reply to Hidden]

I would have him back in bed. Me personally would want the comfort from him. Each to their own though, as long as you do what feels right for yourself xx

[SeleneU]

I also take Sertraline 25 mg, and side effects lessen after about 4 weeks.

However, if it's causing you to have insomnia, I suggest maybe taking it in the morning instead. If after a whole month you still feel like the side effects haven't ebbed at all, definitely talk to your doctor.

In the meantime, try going for a walk when the anxiety gets really bad because it definitely helped me.

[Hidden in reply to SeleneU]

I take it first thing with food. Do you find the 25mg works. Was going to up it but feeling much better the past few days. Appetite is coming back. Sleep is still disturbed. Hoping it settles. I try to go for nice walk everyday. Depending on what’s going on I usually manage it. Thanks for the advice.