Have been on venlafaxine for a long time together with pregabalin with little success. Am now off pregabalin and reducing venlafaxine with the hope of substituting to another drug. Dr has suggested sertraline with a diazepam emergency back up.
Anyone tried this. My mood is unstable and I have highs and lows, not extreme enough to have bi polar. GP said my meds could cause euphoria at times.
I have been on sertraline 50mg for 7 weeks now, I don’t think I have any difference in my mood or lessened anxiety. But it may be different for you.
Thanks appreciate your responding to me. My anxiety kicks in when I over commit to things. Nothing big. It’s just too many meet ups for coffee/tea, joining an extra class, eg I do a fitness class one day a week for an hour. Took on a bridge class on same day for 2 hours but have had to walk away from both as I became overwhelmed. I cannot commit to any regular event. Was hoping sertraline might help. Not holding out much hope. But will up date again. Have a review with dr in 3 weeks.
I think that everything is worth a try. If it doesn’t work then move on.
Hey there! I have been on sertraline for the last 3 years or so and before that, I was on venlafaxine. I have Ativan as my backup. I didn't feel that either antidepressant did much for me. Like you, my mood is incredibly unstable, and I never considered them to be extreme enough for bipolar either, but I recently spent a lot of time really digging into my mental health. Seeing doctors, and psychiatrists, and doing my own research. Ultimately, I ended up with a totally new diagnosis. ADHD and bipolar. I can't say I am happy about this, but it caused some major medication changes and I feel what I am on now has done more for me than anything else I have tried. I say all this to say, don't dismiss unstable moods just because they aren't extreme. You know yourself better than anyone and that means you have to advocate for yourself more than anyone. Be as honest as possible with yourself first and then bring what you discover to your doctor. I spent a long time telling my doctor I was fine just because I wasn't actively self destructing, but I was not fine and it wasn't until I had this conversation with myself that I was even able to explain the right thing to my doctor. I know they can be difficult to deal with sometimes, and I hate to say it, but you just have to keep trying. It took me 11 years to get even remotely right. Try anything(healthy) you think makes sense. There is no magic pill for this, but there is love and support and medicine and hope. You can do this! 😊
Thanks for your response. I had a diagnosis of cyclothymia , it’s on the lower end of bipolar. That’s interesting that you have had your diagnosis. I have always had extremes. Not hyper enough to be considered mania and yet not in deep depression. Although definitely dark low moods. My high times I was extremely chatty and productive with impulse spending reverting to neglecting myself when low.
What meds are you on now? I had previously been on pregabalin for anxiety, but with drs recommendation stopped taking gradually after 3/4 years.
I am on dexmethylphenidate and oxcarbazepine.(I probably spelled those wrong) I am titrating off the sertraline right now as well, but I haven't noticed any negative difference as I am taking less of it. I still have the Ativan as backup, but I haven't needed it in a long time, I am happy to say.
You mentioned being chatty and extremely productive during your high times and impulse spending as well as almost neglecting yourself when you are low. I can't diagnose of course, I can only tell you my experience, but I noticed exactly those things right before my new diagnosis. Since there are no definitive tests, it can be helpful to track the symptoms you are having and how they affect you for a while. It may give you and your doctor some more insight into the root cause of the situation.
I really don't like just trying things and hoping it works. If you collect some data it may show you a trend you hadn't noticed before and hopefully put you on the right path.
Thanks for response. I was on a similar tablet to oxcarb one, it was pregabalin. Couldn’t tolerate the side effects although it did help with my anxiety. Interesting re ADHD also. I often thought I had symptoms. Not waiting my turn when speaking and getting distracted from doing a task .
Hope your meds are a life changer for you.
Have to see dr in 3 weeks so will see how things go.
sertraline 
Sertraline 
Is it worth it?
Sertraline and pacing 
