Sertraline safe for me?: GP refused to... - Mental Health Sup...

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Sertraline safe for me?

NHSseemstonotcare profile image

GP refused to change my medication ( fluoxetine ) even though been on it for 19years. Instead he reffered me to mental health. Now they have said I should go onto Sertraline, I went to the NHS website but there it states people who are Diabetic, Epileptic, or have eye conditions like Glucoma should not take this medication. Yep, I am a type 1 Diabetic for 43 years, NO low blood sugar awareness hence I am on a pump and continues sugar testing sensor connected to the pump ( Funded by the NHS so that should tell you something! ), Epileptic 30 years ( and my trigger IS low blood sugars ), and have 4 eye conditions one of which is Glucoma ( also cataracts, retinopathy, and maluopothy ). Mental Health knows all this. Is it safe for me to take this Sertraline, or is he trying to kill me, either by design or medical negligence? Curious if any others have had any serious problems with this medication, as I am not sure if I should change to it or not?

P.S. Sorry to any medical professionals that might take offence, but 40+ years of having to deal with them I know some are complete idiots and dangerous. It's always best to check believe me!

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6 Replies

The problem is no-one here can say what medication will suit you, your GP will take advice from Mental Health, we are not Health Professionals.

If you feel your GP has problems dealing with your health for any reason change to a different Doctor in same Practice, You could look up on NHS Information site, web other GPs in your area and move on.

BOB

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Hi there are no medical professionals on this site, only fellow sufferers. Why not check with your pharmacist as they are the experts in drugs and interaction and they know more than a doctor about these.

Were they aware of your other issues when they prescribed sertraline? If so maybe the risks are worth it for the potential benefit.

And no the NHS doesn't care - what made you think they did? We have to be our own advocates these days. x

Stilltrying_ profile image
Stilltrying_

Yeah definately worthchecking. I'd ask the pharmacist to check interactions.

Yes some of them are complete idiots I agree and that's who we've been subject to. Shocking when we are vulnerable in the first place.

Oh sorry, because I came here direct from the NHS Mental Health website I thought there might have been some sort of support from them here, lol, what a stupid thing to think lol. I appreciate the advice though, getting any sort of reply is a first, especially so quickly! Lol still waiting for MIND ( 2 emails, six months still no reply. Elefriends posts, no replies, a month. ). And of course mental health, yes he knows my full medical history and all medication i am on, hence so surprised when I received the letter telling me I will be going onto Sertraline, by the sound of it it's the worst one he could have chosen, hence the post asking if anyone is on it that has similiar conditions? Lol, seriously, lol, I really didn't expect anyone to respond, lol come to expect no responces now when I ask for any help. I think this might be the ONLY place to even attempt to get any sort of help, thank God i have found it!!!! Lol if word of this place gets out lol I reckon you would have a million posts an hour seeing as nowhere else actually cares.... Thanks for just being there, it means one heck of a lot, thought I was totally alone....

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Yes this is a good resource as we all help and support each other.

I would disagree with sertraline being the worst ad as I am on it and it works well for me. I don't have your medical issues however. x

Lol, that's what I meant, sorry should have been a bit clearer. It was just the thought of putting me on something that not just affects one of my conditions, but all three major ones,lol, threw me a bit. Got an appointment with GP in two weeks time so hopefully will find out more, and find out what they think about this choice?

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