Advice please

[Reidwattonbase]

Hi I’m wondering is I could get some help, I have been on sertraline 150 mg for around 6 weeks, I am still struggling with my anxiety, but mostly I have got the shakes, is this done to the medication?

Thank you

[Misty-Loves-Tea]

Hi,

It might be a good idea to speak with your Dr about how you are feeling.

Is this the first time you’ve been prescribed Sertraline? I ask as the dosage seems a little high ...... usually it starts at 50mg to 100mg. Obviously your Dr uses their expertise when prescribing and I am not medically qualified, just aware it’s slightly in the high side!

I hope you soon feel better.

Misty x

[Reidwattonbase in reply to Misty-Loves-Tea]

Hi Misty

Thank you for your reply I started on 50 then went to 100, my anxiety still being really high it’s been upped to 150. Yes going to make a Drs appointment for this week.

[Misty-Loves-Tea in reply to Reidwattonbase]

Hi Redwattonbase,

Let us know how you get on!

Also, just checking, be sure not to consume alcohol whilst on Sertraline, and do eat regularly! (but avoid Grapefruit).

Also, remind your GP if you are taking any other medications in case of contraindications (adverse affects).

Best wishes. Misty x

[Reidwattonbase in reply to Misty-Loves-Tea]

Thank you Misty, I’ll let you know how I get on. X

[hypercat54 in reply to Misty-Loves-Tea]

I drink on sertraline. You don't have to avoid alcohol on it.

[Misty-Loves-Tea in reply to hypercat54]

Can You Mix Zoloft / Sertraline and Alcohol?

Zoloft is a popular drug that is prescribed for depression and anxiety. Many people believe that it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft. While there isn’t comprehensive research on this combination, the FDA advises against mixing the two.

Zoloft and alcohol are two substances that interact with the brain. Combining them can lead to the increase of the side effects and interactions that each drug can cause. For example, Zoloft can cause a potential upset stomach. By mixing Zoloft with alcohol, serious stomach upset can occur.

Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft can make your symptoms worse. This means that, for example, if you are taking Zoloft to treat depression, drinking alcohol can make your depression symptoms worse and limit the effects that Zoloft has in treating these symptoms. This is because alcohol is a depressant and can reverse the effects that Zoloft has on the serotonin levels in the brain.

[hypercat54 in reply to Misty-Loves-Tea]

I'm not advising to get drunk on sertraline, but I'm fine with 3 pints on it. It's not dangerous per se or one of those meds which specifically says do not drink in big letters or anything.

[Misty-Loves-Tea in reply to hypercat54]

Hi Hypercat54

Every individual is free to make their own choice, and if you choose to drink whilst on Sertraline, that’s absolutely up to you, as I am sure others may do too. 😊

However, the manufacturers DO advise AGAINST taking alcohol for the reasons I highlighted in my previous post.

It’s not about mixing Alcohol being “dangerous” it’s about trying to maximise the clinical therapeutic benefit of the medication to give best results and improved mood.

Each person will react slightly differently to the medication depending on their health, age, other issues & their own mental health.

My intention here is to give safe, general advice inline with current medical guidelines.

I see regularly (I am a Practicing clinician), the pain & suffering anxiety & depression can cause to sufferers and also how their moods can be negatively impacted with even the smallest quantities of alcohol.

Hence this small offering of advice, information and guidance that may help ease the symptoms or suffering for someone who might not be aware! 😊

[hypercat54 in reply to Misty-Loves-Tea]

My Dr told me the reason why meds have general do not drink warnings on them is because we will usually go to the toilet more and flush the meds out of your system too quickly. However unless there are specific dangerous to drink alcohol warnings on them, having several drinks a couple of times a week will have very little effect on your meds. For example if your sertraline meds are flushed out of your system a few hours too early you are not going to become ill or end with pain etc.

We have all missed the odd day for whatever reason but there is enough accumulated in your system already to tide you over. This is lived experience and common sense approach rather than the blanket one which clinicians are so fond of trotting out. A 1 size fits all.

[Pearl67 in reply to Misty-Loves-Tea]

Beautiful, gentle, accurate, advice!! Thank yiu.

[Orangerose in reply to Misty-Loves-Tea]

Brilliant reply Misty loves tea 😊

[Hidden]

Shakes, never heard about that with this medication

Although now I would recommend you make an appointment with your Doctor the explain this problem. You need to understand with AD medications that you will still have health problems or concerns when suffering Anxiety.

Make a list of what is going on that will make it easier to remember what you need to say and explain

BOB

[Reidwattonbase in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bob

Thank you for your reply will be seeing my Dr this week.

[Hidden in reply to Reidwattonbase]

Always around

BOB

[Hidden]

Hi...apparently shakes or body jitters is a side effect for some people...I've read this on the UK NHS website when I was checking for myself....I've been prescribed Sertraline but I haven't started them yet, it did say that most side effects should wear off after a few weeks though x

[Reidwattonbase in reply to Hidden]

Hi Suzie

Thank you for your reply, I’ll have a look on the website, hopefully they will go after a while. X