Re: Is It The Sertraline
Originally Posted by
Emmalb1981
so I decided that I would go back on the medication same dose as before however only this time round my anxiety has gone through the roof I am really struggling to cope now I don’t know if this is the anxiety or my body adjusting to the medication again, I am six weeks in so don’t know what to do for the best to stick with it or taper off, I know they worked before and I got through it all but I don’t remember it taking this long to have an effect hence I’m struggling to deal with things right now, I feel like I am on edge all the time waiting for anxiety symptom to happen, I’ve got headaches all the time, I am agitated and stressed out I don’t know what to do to calm myself down, I’ve tried telling myself to accept it and go with it but the fear is always there I just want to break down in tears all the time, I speak to my husband but he doesn’t understand, I’m starting a new job in 2 weeks and worried sick I’ll be like this when I start....
An increase in anxiety soon after starting on SSRIs is quite common, unfortunately, SSRIs increase serotonin synthesis and expression within an hour of the first dose and despite what you may have read this is not a 'feel good' neurotransmitter. It is anything but as you've found out. In your case this may be compounded by having been on sertraline before. For reasons that aren't really understood the initial side-effects may become progressively more severe and/or different each time an antidepressant (AD) is restarted. You may also need to take a higher dose to achieve the same level of response as last time too.
I suggest you discuss your situation with your GP as there are ways of easing the heightened anxiety and agitation, etc. White-knuckling through side-effects is counterproductive. The less stress the better at this stage. Paracetamol, aka acetaminophen, is the preferred painkiller for headaches, etc, when taking SSRIs and other serotonergic ADs.
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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.