Sertraline and Side Effects....

[ed14]

Hi guys, I haven't posted anything for a while, but thought I was doing ok when my doctor pute on Sertraline 50mg for my depression.

First few weeks were ok, few headaches but nothing I couldn't cope with, I even felt calmer. Going into the third week, felt more upbeat my family even noticed the difference, so I thought at last this is going to work and I will feel better.

Week four and for the past two weeks after, the headaches got more severe, as if I could feel my pulse in my head, I took bad stomach cramps, and became constipated, my bones ached and had a stiff neck. I went to the doctors yesterday to be told my blood pressure is very high, which it never is, and my pulse was high also. We have now out it down to the Sertraline and the side effects, but I can't stand this anymore, it's getting worse instead of better. I know I can't suddenly stop these, but have read that people cut the tablet and take a half each day for a few weeks, then a quarter then stop.

Has anyone had side effects like this and then tried to stop these?

Any advice would be great.

Thank you.

Elaine x

[Hidden]

Hi I am surprised your doctor didn't tell you to stop taking them immediately if you are having such serious side effects. The withdrawal symptoms wouldn't be as severe as the effect it's having on you now. I would go back and see your doctor and ask for advice. x

[darkshadow]

Hello Elaine. Sorry to hear about your difficulties. I was on 100ml of Sertraline after my hubby and a close friend died within three months of each other. I was shattered and fell into a clinical anxiety depression. Sertraline certainly helped me. The only side effect I had was a dry mouth. This was in 2006. Since then I've had the dose increased by 50ml as I became weepy especially in the mornings. I've had a further loss this March in the death of my oldest, dearest friend. I am still crying every morning and feel that I'm out on a limb with no support and I feel so lonely.I cannot increase my dosage of Sertraline and actually suspect that they may be causing much of my distress. All drugs have side effects and it's sometimes hard to know what to do about them. My doctor told me I can't stop them suddenly and also that I'd have to be without any medication at all for three weeks before I could be prescribed another antidepressant. That terrifies me so much that I just carry on as I am although that is anything but ideal.

Sorry for such a long post but I just wanted you to know that others have the same problems as yourself. Doctors are our main source of information and help. The thing is they don't always provide a solution. If Sertraline is raising your BP, you need to see your doctor now. You may have to change to another kind of antidepressant.

Please let us know how youget on.

Kind thoughts.

Myra.x.

[Hidden]

Generally by the fourth week the medications should have begun to work., It would seem that you were getting relieve for a short period of time.

When we go to the GP and they check blood pressure and pulse sometimes these will rise when in surgery. This also can be the case if you have not sat for a while and have been walking. When this happens generally the doctor will ask you too sit calm and try again after a period of rest

I do not know what your GP has said regards your medication and what He has said regard your condition. Some of the problems you are suffering from can be a result of your condition, Sometimes you may feel stressed in your head and neck.

Are you still on the Sertraline ???

Has the GP explained your feelings or are you having further tests or treatment, only your GP can treat Depression. We can give support and explain how Depression affects our Members.

We are always here for you to give support and understanding.

What has caused your depression we may be able to talk your problem through and give you some sort of release

Remember we are not medical etc and we are here to give you support and understanding of this awful condition.

BOB

[Maman2144]

I too am on sertraline, 200mg per day and also get headaches and a stiff neck. I had put this down to my anxiety, as I find it hard to stop worrying and relax. If it affects you so badly go back to the GP. Can't offer any more advice, it's already been said. Just sending best wishes. Regards Lorna

[Dens]

Elaine, I am one of the lucky ones with no side effects to this drug HOWEVER I had other meds that made me feel terrible, Gaberpentine for one did nothing so after a year of taking it, I stopped as I thought if I was taking a poison, which these are really, such as poisonous mushrooms we'd stop immediately so I did just that and within a week, as our system needs time to get rid of the build up, I felt so much better. I am not suggesting you do this but you know your body better than anyone. Dens x

[Hidden]

I ma taking these now and i have noticed that alli want to do is sleep whereas before i survived on only 3-4 hourts sleep

[darkshadow]

What a huge range of side effects there seems to be with Sertraline! I have high BP anyway so, in my case, it would be hard to know whether or not Sertraline is the cause if it goes higher. They are certainly not doing the job for me now. They were a Godsend for the first few years but not lately. On 150ml, I shouldn't be crying every morning--mostly all morning. This gives me a sinus headache.

I'm sorry I don't have a helpful answer for you and I don't think the doctors do either. I'm trying to decide whether to go back to mine or persevere in the vain hope that there will be an improvement.