sertraline and propranolol

[BlueMarina]

I was on 50mg of sertraline for 7 happy years. Then I decided to quit, tapering slowly. After 2 months off the med, anxiety came back, I had a relapse. I’m now back on sertraline, same dose, but after 7 weeks I still have anxiety. I decided with my GP to start taking propranolol as well, as I had done the first time around. I had 40mg last night and 40 this morning. Anxiety has actually increased. Is this normal? The first time around propranolol worked straight away.

[Blueruth]

I don’t know the reason but emotional issues are never just a chemical solution. If you want to reduce or remove a med you must have resilience skills in your tool belt…ways to calm yourself. A plan to handle them because they do happen.

[BlueMarina in reply to Blueruth]

Hi Blueruth, I know every trick on the planet, read every single book, tried lots of psychologists, CBT, hypnosis, NLP, videos, meditation, mindfulness, EFT, but when my amygdala decides to go into overwork, to get the right balance of meds is the most successful tactic. But your suggestions are indeed very valid, one needs to do both.

[Blueruth in reply to BlueMarina]

That’s good. So many come on here thinking meds are the solution. Only thing I suggest is they shouldn’t be thought of as tricks. Brenè brown is also a good teacher. She specializes in resilience.

[BlueMarina in reply to Blueruth]

I don't know her, I'll take a look. Ok, tools, not tricks.

[hypercat54]

Even if you had been on a med before it will still take weeks to get fully back in your system. It is common to feel worse until it does. So give it around 4 weeks or so then if not helping go back to your doctor.

[BlueMarina in reply to hypercat54]

I will do that, thanks.

[designguy]

More than likely your anxiety is blowing things out of proportion which is common when you're triggered and making a med change. Anxiety is truly a paradox, the more you struggle with it the more it persists so try to be ok with the uncomfortableness of it and know it will pass and give it time. Your amygdala is activated and needs to calm down and it will take some time for the adrenalin to leave your system and lower your cortisol allowing the anxiety to dissipate.

[BlueMarina in reply to designguy]

Thank you for your words of wisdom and reassurance. Yes, patience is the key.

[designguy in reply to BlueMarina]

You're welcome, hope you are feeling better.