New to antidepressants (sertraline) - take it or leave it

[Stas1]

I was feeling really down for the several months. I am waking up with no energy and trying to smile and looking happy as I have a little son (1,5y). I have spoken to my Gp about all my other worries and feelings etc. He has prescribed me a sertraline 50mg. I have never taken any antidepressants so I have taken my first dose today but then I have started to read about them. It looks like when people are starting to take them, they are on them for several years! This though has worried me a lot as from one point of view is acts as A very strong addiction. And all of the possible long-term sides effects are even more worrying. I don’t really want to start taking antidepressants if I would need to take them for several years and I don’t want to suffer from other medical issues (for example sexual issues). Could anyone tell me what do you think about this please?

[hypercat54]

I am on sertraline. It isn't a strong powerful drug just a common antidepressant used by many people. All drugs even over the counter ones have side effects and these might be worse until they have fully kicked in your system which can take up to 6 weeks.

I find it very helpful.

[Stas1 in reply to hypercat54]

Yes I know that every drug has it’s side effects. It’s just that for example citalopram have much fewer side effects so I’m also wondering why it is not the first choice. And also I’m not sure whether it’s worth to suffer while body adjust and then again when on detox. Whether it’s just not better to wait for the therapy (Long time currently) and to avoid any bad results of thanking antidepressants if you know what I mean

[Hidden]

They all come with side effects. I personally found sertraline very difficult to come off of. I’ve tried a few. My brother found the same getting off of it was hard major. It can help though. There’s so many of them out there. I had difficulty goi g up on the doses they start you at 50 then go up. I had non stop panic attacks going up. This drug does help a lot of people though. I know three people on cipralex and they’re doing very well at low doses. I have troubles with medications they don’t know why they even tried antipsychotics I do ok then do horribly after a few months. I hated those never again. The best one for me was old drug Paxil lol. A friend of mine takes Effexor and does really well on that one. It’s take and see what works for you.

[Stas1 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah I’m really afraid of the Body adjusting to this and then detox after finishing therapy. I have a child (1.5y) so I need to be able to care for him fully. And I’m scared of long-term consequences and that if I’ll start taking them I won’t be able to get off them

[Hidden in reply to Stas1]

You have to weigh if your anxiety depression warrants it. I don’t know your whole thing if it’s something new or from being a mom. My sister had postpartum for years after her first one. And she was not thinking clearly couldn’t tell she needed it herself that’s the problem. You still have to take care of you to take care of your child too. So if you need it it’s always much worse when you start then too. But .. it could be good later. Can you afford a Naturalpathic? They may be able to help you with it too. Just get all your bloodwork hormone panel fine prior to save money. Lots of women need antidepressants after babies and in menopause it’s nothing to be ashamed of it could make a huge difference. I just had a hell of a time coming off of it. They all are hard a bit after months just found that one quite rough for tapering but you may handle it. Hated cymbalta gained weight lazy. There are adrenal support supplements you can’t take if bipolar not sure about breastfeeding pregnancy I think not. I found those helpful but pricey they also took a month a bit less to really work great sometimes I noticed in two weeks. I had a lot go on in my life and my hormones. So sit yourself down and ask yourself where you’re at and what your plan is and plan b. If you’re in a crap place need the meds research the meds and decide.

[Stas1 in reply to Hidden]

I have never spoken to anyone about this. And my conversation with Gp lasted not even 10min. I wasn’t prepared for questions I should ask. I just called. So after taking first tablet On Saturday and reading leaflet I got worried and I have started browsing internet to find out answers. Waiting for talking therapy could be even few months currently so I think I won’t waste that time and try those meds. Thank you.

[PzSu]

Hi, your pharmacist might be a good person to talk to. They usually have more time than the GP and can be really helpful. Short term antidepressants can be hard going but in the longer term they can make a huge difference in how you feel. After a couple of weeks you should start to see some little improvements and then gradually you'll get back to the real you but think in terms of this being part of things that help you get well again and be patient and kind to yourself. I struggled with depression when my children were young and again now menopausal but looking back found and am finding AD do really help, just takes time. My experience has been that when I am well it is easy to taper off and then stop them and whilst I need them I see it as supporting a chemical imbalance rather than an addiction.

[BrightonRocker]

Was on Sertraline a couple of years ago as, I needed something to help with depression before I could get therapy. Initial side effects lasted about 3 weeks then helped for about 3 months. Came off them as side effects returned. Antidepressants work for some people but, not others. My experience showed me that I needed to understand my depression not, damp down my mood with pills. Not had bad depression since but, would not rule out antidepressants in the future. You need to try different pills and therapies to find what works for you.

[Hidden]

Just because you are taking AD medications does not mean your will need them for the rest of your Life. Generally it may be over six months or less or longer, it will be rare you will be on them for the rest of your life. Your Doctor has prescribed them, you take them, allow five weeks for the medication to work Possibly you may get side effects for a time, eventually you will get better and then you will be able to move on to a more positive time in your Life

Try not to worry regards side effects or withdrawal of the medication, your Doctor will watch over you at that time, you will be fine

BOB