Came off sertaline. Now struggling

[Justwanttobeok]

I have been taking sertaline 100mg for 2 years ( previously on it for 2(year)

I had serve anxiety/ intrusive thoughts and ocd) due to post natal I’ve been doing so well and I have come off them fully now two weeks ago. I’m struggling so bad I came off same way as last time but having a bad time this time.

What should I do ride it out or go back on them. I’m so anxious I feel like my heart is pounding and I’m so restless. Help!

[Broken_Doll]

Hi,

Did you decide to come off of Sertraline by yourself, or under your GP’s guidance?

And did you taper off of them, or go “cold turkey”?

Have in mind that if you go back on them, they don’t have an instant effect. It can take up to two weeks to feel an improvement in symptoms.

I would advise you to seek medical guidance as you sound like you are struggling. Anxiety is horrid! I suffered pretty terribly for some time following my brain injury. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy!

I hope that you feel better soon!

[Justwanttobeok in reply to Broken_Doll]

Thank you for responding broken doll.

I didn’t seek medical help this time but I followed the advice the gp told me last time. I haven’t gone cold turkey I’ve been sensible.

Every thing has been so great for 6 months and I felt totally ready. In the last two weeks of weening off, I’ve had a major fall out with my sister. Lots of things happened at work.which is prob adding to anxiety. Thank you I get what you mean about it getting back in to my system.

Anxiety takes over my life I’ve managed to talk my self out of it and I’m not feeling as serve as I did when I wrote the post. Maybe that’s already I sign of improvement. I think I needed to write it down. Thank you for listening x

[Broken_Doll in reply to Justwanttobeok]

Hi Justwanttobeok!

That’s good I’m glad you followed your doctors advice regarding coming off of them.

That’s such a shame that you’ve had a tough couple of weeks, those type of issues could tip anyone over the edge let alone when you suffer or have suffered with anxiety.

Aw I’m glad that you feel a little better for getting it out there!

You are very welcome x

[Kirk5w7]

Hi, The fact that you are struggling suggests to me that now perhaps is not the right time, when i drop my antidepressants i dont find i struggle.

I can tell now, after 30 years of needing them both pre and post BI, just when is the right time. I usually wait a few weeks after that” what am i taking these for? I dont need them” moment.

At the moment i dont need them but if i feel i do believe me I’ll be straight back to them. Why struggle when your brain is not making enough of a chemical, if you had high blood pressure or some other problem you’d take the pills and not question it.

For some reason we see taking anti depressants as a failing and we need to stop taking them and “man” up.

You need to listen to your body and do what is right for you.

Hope all goes well for you.

Janet