What should I do? Anyone else had this problem?

[Kaaayla]

My doctor has told me couple days ago to up my dose of sertraline from 50mg to 100mg but I’m scared because it will make my anxiety worse for couple days

[Windsorgardener5087]

If you have trust in your prescriber it will be okay. Usually going up in dose is better than going down 🙂

[Natsteveo]

Hi kaaayla

Going up won’t hurt you it does actually help my dr has upped mine to 350mg before you can always reduce your intake later on when your started to feel a little less anxious..you’re going through so much at the minute it could help to take the edge off a little babe

Nat xx

[Lm92]

I think you should listen to your doctor. I took sertraline for a very long time and it never made my anxiety worse. What makes you think it will make your anxiety worse? Have you had it happen before with sertraline? I really think you'll see a drop in your anxiety levels if you'll try your doctor's advice.

[Kaaayla]

Iv been on sertraline for years I actually have been on 100mg before dunno why I’m panicking it’s because a doctor said it could increase your anxiety at first and my anxiety is really bad atm anyway so I’m going to get double anxiety! Been up all night with chest pains thinking about heart attacks pains in my ribs killing me just need these negative thoughts out my head!! I’m so obsessed with my heart!!!

[Lm92 in reply to Kaaayla]

Oh sweetheart, I'm sorry. I have health anxiety about my heart too. Just because the doctor said it was possible doesn't mean it will happen. He just wanted to prepare you for that possiblity. If you've taken that dose before then I 100% think you'll be just fine to go up. I know it's scary. I've been there before. Just remember it's your anxiety trying to trick you.

[Kaaayla in reply to Lm92]

I know my anxiety is so bad right now I know I’m having a heart attack I can’t breathe what is wrong with me 😭😭😭. So scared I’m 25

[Lm92 in reply to Kaaayla]

You're not having a heart attack. Your body is just releasing a lot of adrenaline right now. Think about how when someone startles you and you get that "rush" feeling. That's adrenaline being dumped into your bloodstream to help give you the energy to run away from what your brain thinks is a danger to you. When you have anxiety disorders the way you and I and so many others here have, then your body is almost constantly having that adrenaline rush. That causes so many physical symptoms: heart racing or pounding, chest pain, vision changes, fast breathing and on and on. Then you have our brain that likes to trick us into thinking the worst. It "has" to be my heart. I wish I could give you a big hug right now. I've been where you are so many times. I'm 40 now, but my anxiety about my heart started when I was around 21. You're going to be okay, hon.

[Kaaayla in reply to Lm92]

It’s so so scary! I hate it all Iv known around me is death at such a young age.. first it with my gran that was very very close to then was my dad and now my mum has been so ill first cancer then she was rushed back in the other night she woke me up and she couldn’t breath. So all in the space of a month she has found out she has cancer now her lungs are very bad now the suspect a heart attack still waiting for scan and waiting to hear from them. It’s so scary. Also years ago my cousin dropped dead suddenly at the age of 17 of cardiac arrest 😢

[Annie2609 in reply to Kaaayla]

I was looking for some posts about Sertraline as I have too bad anxiety in regards to starting this medication. Then I found this post and wanted to say, I totally understand what you are going through. I had the same story in my family, everyone got sick / died young.. my father, my mother and even my only 2 direct cousins (one from heart attack at 38). So I had really had heart anxiety, since I was in my early 20's. Lots and lots of heart tests, just to find a merely mitral valve issue which never required surgery or anything. Now I got older, turning 50 this year, and I can tell you, I still have heart pains, taking some medications, but never had a major life-threatening event. And the only pills that worked for me, after trying many heart pills, angina treatments etc.. are the anti-anxiety ones. So, if you cannot handle your anxiety at the moment, which is normal as you go through some tough time with your mom, give the anxiety pills a good try, it will help you at least for a while.

Hope you feel better soon,

Annie

[Kimberl]

Could you go in some where for a few days until your use to it?

[Want2BHappy3]

How do you know? Did the doctor tell you that? I’m sure he wouldn’t do it to hurt You ?

[Jessicawarriner]

I would listen to your doctor they no beat and I am sure they want what is best for u and your health right now just be positive if u are suffering now with anxiety then having the meds upped will really help u may take more of the edge off keep your fingers crossed it will be ok just have a few days to rest and be at home have someone with u it will help u don’t have to be on the high level forever but for now it’s what u need and I would take the doctors advice I am on the lowest level of esctalapram there is but it’s only because my anxiety was a low level anxiety I still have panicked moments but it’s so much better on the medication even at the low level but esctalapram is a very strong drug it’s one of the stronger ones out there so if I was on sertraline i would more than likely be on 100mg myself