Urgh, starting my antidepressants...

[gemp54]

So I've recently started my sertraline tablets from the doctor. It might be a coincidence but mood wise I'm feeling a bit better (probably just because I'm actually doing something about it rather than the meds have actually kicked in yet) but I've been getting a really shaky numb hand, especially at night. I had it a little bit before but since I've taken the meds it seems worse. I've read that some of the anxiety symptoms can get worse before they feel better. Has anyone else had this? I keep waking in the night with a numb arm and hand and I can feel it on and off during the day as well. So annoying, I hope this will go away! Xx

[Annie55406]

Well, if numbness continues and doesn't seem to diminish at all, perhaps you should

check in with you doctor. If you are getting professional help with your depression

and checking in with that doctor regularly, tell him/her about your arm / hand.

If those symptoms in your hand started at about the same time as you began taking Setraline, it may be that there is a connection between the two. You also may feel a little better purely because you have done SOMETHING to get help. You have already seen that happen to some extent with your mood because a doctor began helping you with your depression and also put you on medication.

When I began meds because of depression, I generally started feeling better in about a week. That is somewhat sooner than most people begin to feel a change. You may get relief sooner than the average person does, as well. Your feeling better is probably

due to both of these reasons.

Please keep in contact with us.. The people here do care, and that helps

your outlook, too.

Hang in there !

Annie55406

[gemp54 in reply to Annie55406]

Thanks for the reply. I've mentioned it to the doctor and she asked a few questions etc but doesn't seem too worried. It all started when my anxiety got worse and then ramped up again when I started taking the tablets. My anxiety did get worse when I started taking the tablets but seems to be calming down a bit now. The numb/shaky feeling seems to be a bit better now and it hasn't woken me up the last 2 nights. I've still had it a bit during the day bt tends to be when I think about. If I can get stuck into something and forget about it I sometimes have quite a few long periods where I hardly notice it, sometimes not at all. I'll keep an eye on it but I'm starting to think its just another lovely anxiety symptom I have to deal with. Xx

[Annie55406 in reply to gemp54]

If she doesn't seem to fully understand your situation, maybe you should find another doctor. Ask your general practitioner for the name of someone else who i good.

Keep us informed, OK ? Remember …… we care !

Annie55406

[gemp54 in reply to Annie55406]

Thanks, I think she does understand but I think what she meant was she thinks its an anxiety thing which hopefully the tablets will improve rather than something else. I'll see how it goes and I have another appointment in a week and a half so I can talk to her about it again then if I need to. Xx

[Annie55406]

OK, Kiddo. We will wait and see, right ? Remember we're behind you all the way.

Annie55406

[gemp54 in reply to Annie55406]

Thanks I have noticed.an improvement now I've been on the sertraline a bit longer. Also, I noticed I seem to be tensing up my arm when I get stressed so that might be something to do with it. I'm trying to consciously relax my muscles and see if that helps. Xx

[Annie55406]

I was thinking that it might be a good thing for you to do something like take a class on something in which you are totally interested . If you get your mind absorbed in things far away from your daily concerns, it gives your brain a rest from the strain you are experiencing. It works for me, so why not try it for yourself ?

Good luck. Come back and tell us how things are going, OK ?

Annie55406

[gemp54 in reply to Annie55406]

That sounds like a good idea. I'm currently on maternity leave at the moment and going back at the end of June. Although I'd much rather be at home with the children I think it might do me good to be a bit more absorbed in something to keep my mind on something else. Xx