Re: Been trying to manage without medication but is it time to give it a go?
Originally Posted by
Lady Penelope
At the moment I have 50mg and am splitting them in 2. I could try and split the tablet into 4 and take 3/4 of a tablet but it’s not very accurate even with a pill cutter.
I don't know if this will help as it depends on the tablet structure, but if it is scored try making the first cut at right angles to the score and then use the score to centre the blade for the second cut.
or is there any point is splitting the 50 in 2 and taking 25mg morning and evening to spread it out?
It may help for the first 2-3 days. Sertraline has a half-life of about 24 hours and plasma levels of most meds will stabilise to a steady-state at 5 times their elimination half-life. Once at a steady-state it doesn't matter much when and how the med is taken. At least that is the theory. In practice some, e.g. me, seem to do better taking ADs in 2-3 split doses, especially with those that have half-lives around 24 hours, or less. Doctors often discourage the practice as compliance frequently drops. We are contrary creatures and the more often a med needs to be taken the more likely we are to find it all too hard and give up.
or maybe I should just be brave and go for the 50!
It probably won't be that much harder. Side-effects tend to be less severe after a dose increase than they were when first taking the AD and to diminish sooner, but as with everything about ADs, there are no guarantees. They can be unpredictable meds. It pays to have a sense of humour. Cuts down on the tears.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.