Alternative medication?

[Positive2022]

I have been taking sertraline for PND (desperate to come off of it bur GP thinks unwise at the moment). I have tried citalopram but didn't find it very helpful. I'm really struggling with what I assume is side effects of the medication and would like to know if there is an alternative option. I'm too embarrassed to contact my GP again as I have taken up so much of her time. I am pretty proactive with self help but at the moment need the extra help. Unfortunately, due to lockdown I have lost all my support and don't really know who to reach out to. I am a key worker and need to be well for work at the moment. Any advice gratefully received, thank you ❤️ and Happy Easter 🐣

[Lau94]

Hi poppy149 I’m on sertraline and had been on it previously for about 4 months, when I came off it the first time I had such a bad time again and went back on them. Had to go through the side effects again which was horrible but now 9 months on the side effects have gone and still stable! I’m waiting for ivf when the whole covid19 is over and been told I’ll probably have to change anti depressants which worries Me. If you don’t mind me asking how long have you been on them for? Just sometimes can depend on why they won’t take you off them or for how long the side effects last.

Really hope things get sorted for you 💛xx

[Positive2022 in reply to Lau94]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster for me (my situation is a little complex....) After fertility treatment and a very traumatic birth which left me very unwell for months due to a large postpartum haemorrhage and in need of surgery to be able to have more children my emotions have been so up and down. I was slowly making progress until the world descended into chaos with covid 19 (surgery cancelled twice both at the very last minute and therapy put on hold). All understandable but has left me feeling very low. I didn't find citalopram was making much of a difference so changed to sertraline a few months back. I have been suffering badly with insomnia and night sweats which I now suspect may be medication related as I read these can be a possible side effect. Just want to get myself as well as i can and feel like i am moving forwards rather then stuck in neutral. I feel I may end up needing to discuss this with the doctor but just feel so embarrassed 🤦🏼‍♂️🙉

[Lau94]

Covid 19 definitely isn’t helping is it I’m the same, I like to get out and keep busy to help my anxiety but being stuck at home makes me feel trapped and uncomfortable Although I totally understand with everything going on it’s just a scary time with all the unknown. I occasionally get night sweats and on and off for the first 3/4 months I had trouble sleeping and had awful nausea, I would say I finally starting to feel more myself around 5ish months or so after starting to take my sertraline even though the docs said it would take a month or two it did start to help around then but to feel almost myself again it did take longer. I would talk to your doctor with how your feeling try not to feel embarrassed I know it’s easier said than done but looking after how you’re feeling is a must and they would want you to be feeling okay with the medication your on I’m not sure on names of other medications but they should be able to offer alternatives for you xx

[Positive2022 in reply to Lau94]

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm sorry you had a rough time on the medication too but pleased things have settled down for you. I was up from 1.30am last night and ended up emailing my surgery. I don't doubt there is a psychological aspect which probably isn't helping especially with how everything is at the moment but if there is an option for some help i'll gladly take it. I've also had bad nausea too but it's the sleep issue that is having such a profound impact on my ability to function. I really hate taking up my doctor's time at the moment. I'm very lucky that i have an amazing GP who has been so supportive but I do feel uncomfortable taking up her time for non urgent care. Thanks so much for your support. You've given me the reassurance I needed to hear. Take care and fingers crossed the world returns to normal soon ❤️

[Charleexn2]

Hi Poppy, there are so many different antidepressants which you can try if you’re struggling with side effects. How long have you been on sertraline for? Side effects can settle if you’ve not been on them long. Are they helping mood wise?

It’s about finding what works for you. You can also get anti d’s that you take at night which aid sleep too eg Mirtazapine but if your LO is teeny and not sleeping through maybe not a great idea.

Please don’t be embarrassed to contact your GP - you say she is supportive and amazing so I’m sure she would rather you speak to her about side effects than you trying to find an ‘alternative option.’ Despite what’s going on in the world at the moment, you matter and I’m sure your GP will agree. xxx

[Major2116]

Hi hun. I've been on these kinds of medication since january 2017. I was on sertraline for a long time before swapping to citalopram last year.

I was pregnant with my son whilst taking sertraline. My anxiety was horrendous. After speaking to my doctor, midwife and mental heath nurse that I was referred to, I was told sertraline was one of the safest types of medication to be on whilst pregnant. My son was born a healthy 8lb 13oz with no health problems.

I'm now 12 and a half weeks pregnant and still taking my citalopram.

Being on a steady level with my anxiety and being able to.deal with it is more important for myself and baby than being up and down causing stress to us both.

Your doctor wont think you're pestering hun. If you need to chat,, just message me.

Charli xx