Re: Been trying to manage without medication but is it time to give it a go?
Originally Posted by
Lady Penelope
I would be interested to know what the statistics are for Sertraline. Most things I read about SRRIs are negative and I wonder what percentage of people they help.
Unfortunately, there is little data available for the effectiveness of ADs for anxiety as most of the research is into depression (which is curious given the prevalence of anxiety disorders is significantly higher). The other issues are studies are often too short lived, typically ending at 4 weeks, and almost none that go beyond 6 weeks, plus they rarely test up to the maximum recommended dose. In my case I've always needed to take the maximum, or above to get a good result. Based on study criteria my PD would have been classed as treatment-resistant and I would have spent the past 33 years imprisoned by agoraphobia. Instead with high AD doses I was able to continue with a very demanding job until retirement and travel the world.
For depression response rates are typically around 35-45% for the first SSRI tried, going to 60-70% on the second, or third. SSRIs tend to be more effective for anxiety than depression.
It seems like they are a last resort for a a lot of people and many stop taking them within a few weeks due to the side effects.
Yes, but not helped by many doctors treating their patients as mushrooms and not warning them about side-effects, prescribing either too high a starting dose, or ramping it up too quickly. Often they also tell patients that ADs will work within 2-4 weeks so people lose hope when they don't experience anything but side-effects during that time.
Also some people take them for a good few months and they don’t work so the have to start again with a different drug.
Depends on the med switched too. You won't go back to zero if changing to another SSRI, and would still retain some 'credit' when switching to most TCAs.
I suppose people who have a positive experience are not posting looking for help and support.
Support groups are not good guides to the effectiveness of any treatment and they is especially so with anxiety/depression groups and ADs. Most people have none to only mild side-effects from ADs and as you say, they aren't the ones you'll find posting here.
__________________
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.
Reply With Quote
It takes about 5 days for sertraline plasma levels to settle to a steady state after a dose increase (or decrease) and side-effects then usually begin to diminish so the worst is now probably behind you. 