Re: Been trying to manage without medication but is it time to give it a go?
Originally Posted by
Lady Penelope
I was referred for more CBT and prescribed Fluoxetine again. I had terrible side effects with it so stopped it after 6 days.
Unfortunately, ADs can produce more severe, and/or different side-effects the second time. They may also be less effective requiring a higher dose to achieve the previous level of control.
I have the fluoxetine and the sertraline at home and keep getting the boxes out and looking at them and reading the leaflets.
If someone created an AD that worked by simply staring at the box they would corner the AD market, especially for anxiety as many of us have not only the primary disorder but also severe pill phobia. Ime, reading the leaflet increases the risk of both not taking the med and experiencing all the side-effects listed when we do.
Then I change my mind and remember how horrendous the side effects were in Feb and look again at the Sertraline 50m and think at taking 25mg for a week to see how I get on. I know I have to make the decision myself but would be grateful for your thoughts please.
Fluoxetine is generally more activating at the beginning which probably contributed to the side-effects severity, plus as per above, you were taking it for the second time. Given your fears I suggest you take only 12.5mg sertraline for the first week and increase the dose by 12.5mg every 7 days until you're on 50mg (you should get your GP's okay to do this). Psychology is at least as important as chemistry and biology when it comes to side-effects. Expect to suffer greatly and the anxious mind is very capable of producing our worst nightmares in wide-screen technicolour. Most pharmacies sell pill-cutters which make dividing tablets more precise and less bloody. I can't remember how big 50mg sertraline tablets are. If they are too small to quarter then ask your GP to prescribe a box of 25mg tablets to get you started.
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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.