Just started on Lustral (sertraline) yeste... - Anxiety Support

Anxiety Support

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Just started on Lustral (sertraline) yesterday - feeling scared.

LucyLocket profile image
2 Replies

I have been trying to deal with anxiety issues and panic attacks which have gradually got worse over the past couple of years. At the moment the main anxiety is health anxiety but this is coupled with not being able cope with a loss of control so that, for example, I become terrified if my child is playing at another child's house and worry makes me feel sick to the stomach. I've also been getting what the GP says is IBS alongside all this - this comes and goes and has flared up over the past couple of months again. This is all happening alongside having an autoimmune disease which was finally diagnosed as primary sjogrens syndrom last August - I think this has knocked me off balance as well.

I did try and go on a course provided by the local psychology service for anxiety and panic but unfortunately they messed up and put the wrong address on the course details - by the time I'd managed to find the correct venue I was late and had to walk into a room full of people which brought on a panic attack. I couldn't bring myself to go again. I have been trying to deal with all this by myself - I go to tai chi and listen to self-hypnosis cds etc but it doesn't really help.

Yesterday the GP persuaded me that it would be useful to try a medicated approach to bring me back to some kind of equilibrium where other approaches may then work. He has started me on Lustral with a week's worth of diazepam to ease possible side effects and I took the first tablets last night. I slept very badly (no change there as I haven't slept properly for years) with my body shaking. I've got worsened diahrrea this morning too which I knew could happen but is yet another worry when this is one of the symptoms that I'm trying to get under control.

I don't like taking prescribed medication at the best of times and when I read the enclosed leaflet with the Lustral it was very scary as the possible side effects included health conditions which I'm scared about. I don't know whether to give these drugs a chance - I'm due to see my doctor in two weeks - or to stop taking them although that just brings me back to square one. My poor hubby is trying his best to reassure me about all of this but I don't know who else to turn to and he's really got enough on his plate.

I'd be interested to hear other people's experiences.

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LucyLocket
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wallflower_fairy profile image
wallflower_fairy

Hi LucyLocket,

I've been on Lustral before but I was fortunate enough to only get some side effects - I know when reading the leaflet they sound unsettling and upsetting but remember the worst resulting health conditions are so likely the number is close to 0, it will only be about 1 in 6000 or something like that. Remember, they wouldn't be on prescription and the doctor wouldn't prescribe them if they didn't believe it would be appropiate for you. But if you continue to have unpleasent side effects like the diahorrea or issues sleeping before the 2 weeks is up then just speak to your doctor again and ask about trying something else. :) Although I would like to point out that I don't think the medication gets into your system for a period of time (it may even be 2 weeks) and starts doing the job, so I'm not sure you experience any of it's effects whether they are good or bad. When they eventually started working for me, I remember they helped me to feel a lot calmer and like I was in control.

The choice is yours but my advice is to give them a try. :) I reckon the benefits would out weigh the costs.

Getting diagnosed with an autoimmune condition can be very unsettling and difficult to come to terms with, so of course this probably hasn't helped you psychologically - I was diagnosed with Fibro and it's been quite a journey, and I know they're different, but I can assure you it does get easier, there are some trickier bits, but once you pass the most difficult parts (which I'm sure you'll be ready for), then everything should calm down, you will find peace, get to know your body and find practical ways of managing your condition. In the meantime, have you considered joining a support group? I know you mention about feeling over whelmed in specific social situations, but it may be something to consider if you feel more able to do so.

There is also HU community for sjogrens: sjogrens-aus.healthunlocked... it works in the same way as this one, with as well as friendly and supportive users who understand what you're going through, experts who really know their stuff.

It might also be worth seeing if you could get some counselling to discuss your problems and feelings. You have so much to deal with that's it no wonder you're feeling over whelmed...but you can do it Lucy! They say we are given this life because we are strong enough to live it. Perhaps after a few 1 to 1 you might even feeling ready to do take part in group counselling? Just a thought.

Keep blogging and please let us know how you get on, we're here if you need us. :)

Best wishes,

wanderingwallflower xx

wallflower_fairy profile image
wallflower_fairy

sorry, so unlikely*

I also forgot to say I decided not to read the leaflet in too great a detail because I didn't want to cause myself unnecessary worry. xx

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