Anxiety

Hi all,

Ok long post incoming sorry!!

So I was put on Sertraline 17 years ago (50mg) for general anxiety disorder. The GP took me off them (cold turkey may I add!!) when I was pregnant with my little girl. After I gave birth I wanted to go back on them due to continued anxiety. I’ve been back on 50mg for around 10 months, however I don’t feel like it’s doing much, if anything my anxiety is worse now than ever before. My question is, do I increase the dose or is there a chance the medication has stopped doing its thing and I need an alternate? I have been to the GP numerous times and all they’ve advised is ‘CBT’ but this doesn’t work for me. Any advice really welcome because it’s really getting me down now. The physical symptoms are awful x

Thanks in advance! X

[hypercat54]

Sorry to hear this. 50mgs is a very low dose so try 100mgs and see if that helps.

I used to be on 100mgs but it didn't really help so went up to 150 and the difference it made was marvellous.

So ask to go up to 100 and give it a good couple of months to see if it helps.

I guess you are in the UK too? CBT is always the first option they offer under the NHS and the main reason is it is cheap and more easily available than others.

I understand what you say but you have to go through this first before you have a chance of moving on to a better treatment for you. Its necessary to jump through hoops first though.

Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks so much I will try 100mg xx

[Avidreader7]

I’m learning that sometimes when you stop something abruptly you can’t easily get back on at the same dose and could cause more symptoms until you adjust and stabilize although you have been on it for ten months so maybe not but I’m learning a lot about being prescribed more medication when really it’s withdrawal symptoms

[casablancalover14]

I think you need to talk with your doctor before you start trying to change the way you are taking your meds. It might help you, but then it might make matters worse. I hope you can find the right dosage for you. Keeping you in my thoughts, because anxiety can really wear you down.🙂

[PopGirl82]

Can you see a psychiatrist for meds? Perhaps some of your stress is brought on by being a new mom. It might help you to find some parenting support groups. Good luck!

[Teddy45]

you need to go back to your doctor and asked him to raise the dose to 100 mg I’m a psychiatric nurse and I have also suffered with anxiety and depression and I was on 50 mg of sertraline and they put me up to 100 and I’m a lot better now. I hope this helps. If it doesn’t you can get back to me. Good luck.

[cleaningfairy]

firstly I am sorry anybody has anxiety because it’s tough and draining.

Like other comments I would say go back to your GP explain you feel like the dose doesn’t seem like it’s giving much support and say you want to try raising the dose a little to see if it helps. Remember it’s your body and mind and GP can’t feel what you’re feeling so tell them you feel like it isn’t helping.

Keep returning until you feel more comfortable with the dose or even changing medication completely trial and error. We can’t stop/ cure it but with the right treatment it can help to live with it and it be more manageable.

So speak to the Dr , I find a combination of things helpful depending on how bad my anxiety is.

For example if you’re feeling so bad you are agitated and can’t sit still it is pointless trying to meditate, so I do relaxation, breathing, calming hobbies cbt , self talk that is positive and of course my medication, I’m still learning about MY anxiety and take it moment to moment and be kind to myself

[Tabby-5]

Why your GP would take you off suddenly is so dangerous! Get another opinion!

I don't know what CBT is other thank therapy is it something else? I am so sorry that you feel so bad and were not tapered off slowly of given another advice from a different doctor.

These medications are dangerous to just stop!.

[Hidden in reply to Tabby-5]

It was around 2 years ago now I was stopped on them x

[Midori in reply to Tabby-5]

Probably for your unborn child's protection, Medication can affect the baby through the umbilical cord.

Ask your doctor to put you on the higher done again, unless you are breastfeeding, as it can also get into the milk.

Cheers, Midori

[Gigijj]

mine stopped working and they put me on something else. It can definitely stop working.