Sertraline
Yep, me,it was the best thing I ever did.
OP
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- Apr 6, 2012
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First two days were like hell for me. Felt like my world was imploding, and incredibly restless (literally walking aimlessly from room to room)
Went back to the GP who immediately prescribed Mirtazapene instead, but reading the label it said not to take that until the Sertraline had been out of my system for two weeks so decided to persevere with the Sertraline until my next appointment...
And it started to work!
Early suggestions are that I've got either bi-polar or rapid cycling bi-polar (probably the latter) and it's sort of nullified the little things that used to make me fly in to a rage and take over my day. I can see already my mind isn't creating a negative or sarcastic initial response to things, and the overthinking/rumination has slowed right down.
Went back to the GP who immediately prescribed Mirtazapene instead, but reading the label it said not to take that until the Sertraline had been out of my system for two weeks so decided to persevere with the Sertraline until my next appointment...
And it started to work!
Early suggestions are that I've got either bi-polar or rapid cycling bi-polar (probably the latter) and it's sort of nullified the little things that used to make me fly in to a rage and take over my day. I can see already my mind isn't creating a negative or sarcastic initial response to things, and the overthinking/rumination has slowed right down.
Sertraline is far better than Mirtazapene based on my own experiences. Mirtazapene caused really vivid and really violent nightmares to the point where I believed it was real and rang someone i attacked in a dream to apologise. That was awkward.
I've been on Fluoxetine (Prozac) more or less constantly for about 8 years now and it works great for me apart from when I think I'm better and stop taking it!
Everyone is different though and sometimes you need to try a few before you get the one that hits the sweet spot.
Good luck with it all.
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OP
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Absolutely agree. I was told by my GP that most people barely notice they've taken Sertraline, but I started the thread because I was having such an intense reaction to it. Turns out that it was just it settling in to my system and that my GP was way too quick to try taking me off it!
Next step is working with the Mental Health team and sorting some counselling (been having a really rough few years) but at least I know why I've caused some of my issues, and start putting things right again.
Hopefully this thread will help if someone else is going through similar things.
Good luck in getting yourself back on track, I did C.B.T. As well and it helped me understand why I felt like I did.
I've done CBT a few times and I'm a big fan of it. Was the first thing that really worked for me and I go for a top up every few years. It isnt for everyone and like the meds sometimes you have to try a few things before you find one that fits.
Huge respect to you for acknowledging your issues and seeking help. As cliched as it sounds it is honestly the hardest bit.
OP
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What does the CBT involve? Is that like mindfulness or something along those lines?
Cognitive behavioural therapy. Teaches you to understand your triggers and to understand that there is nothing wrong with doing things for yourself.
Was put on it, but I got home and the GP called and told me not to take it, due to my Epilepsy. You would of thought they knew about that. Back Mertazapine and Olanazapine.
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Its fantastic people can talk about their struggles in life and have total respect but are tablets the answer ,don't they just numb the issues instead of fighting whatever the issues are.. Sorry if i sound unsympathetic i don't mean to just can not see how tablets will help in the long run.
Depends on what it's for. Some people experience short term depression and the tablets are just to help get through that period. For others it is more long term. Lifestyle choices and changes can have a massive impact but again it depends on what the issues are.
For myself my tablets keep me in a happy medium; no extreme lows but no extreme highs either. It also helps me control my temper which benefits not only me but other people in my life but I have had to make lifestyle changes too.
There is no black and white when it comes to mental health issues and people respond differently to different treatments.
OP
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No harm in asking the question Rob, no worries! In my case I've thought I was battling depression for the best part of a decade now. Tried totally cutting out alcohol, done the exercise, eaten well...
With this new approach, and thinking more in terms of my issues being bi-polar rather than depression, it's more about a chemical imbalance that has been heightening my moods. Basically, I need those swings to be "numbed" and find that middle ground again.
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Great news that things are settling for you Bobbage.
You would be surprised how many people are on meds these days for depression and anxiety. It is a heck of a lot. On here alone, there are a LOT of people taking meds for depression or anxiety. A lot of people don’t like to talk about it.
Most of the older users on here will remember Shaky. It was tragic what happened to the poor lad. Upset a lot of people and got people talking a their problems.
I’ve had loads of different types of meds. Struggled with most of them. Some making me starving but unable to swallow, some making me absolute rage and some sending me so high, I dare not tell you some of the crazy things I did. Then I found one that worked.
If the doctor is saying rapid cycling bi polar 2, I would be asking to be referred to a psychiatrist, as taking an antidepressant may make you go high a lot and you may need another pill to keep you at the middle. My bi polar turned out to be PTSD but I may still slightly be on the spectrum.
Had counselling 3 times and CBT once. First two times counselling, I thought it was a load of shite and stupid. 3rd time, it really worked for me and I was at it many many months. Depends how much shite you have had in your life that needs working through. CBT wasn’t what I needed, thou I did the course and can see how it can help a lot of people.
Sussexrob, it’s difficult for people to understand if it’s never happened to them. It can seem strange, to some, that a pill will ‘cheer you up’. The tablets don’t numb you, they help you to think straight. I agree with what Paddy says.
Some people are broken and need the med to keep the chemicals in the mind to the correct levels. Just like a pacemaker keeps a dodgy ticker ticking.
You would be surprised how many people are on meds these days for depression and anxiety. It is a heck of a lot. On here alone, there are a LOT of people taking meds for depression or anxiety. A lot of people don’t like to talk about it.
Most of the older users on here will remember Shaky. It was tragic what happened to the poor lad. Upset a lot of people and got people talking a their problems.
I’ve had loads of different types of meds. Struggled with most of them. Some making me starving but unable to swallow, some making me absolute rage and some sending me so high, I dare not tell you some of the crazy things I did. Then I found one that worked.
If the doctor is saying rapid cycling bi polar 2, I would be asking to be referred to a psychiatrist, as taking an antidepressant may make you go high a lot and you may need another pill to keep you at the middle. My bi polar turned out to be PTSD but I may still slightly be on the spectrum.
Had counselling 3 times and CBT once. First two times counselling, I thought it was a load of shite and stupid. 3rd time, it really worked for me and I was at it many many months. Depends how much shite you have had in your life that needs working through. CBT wasn’t what I needed, thou I did the course and can see how it can help a lot of people.
Sussexrob, it’s difficult for people to understand if it’s never happened to them. It can seem strange, to some, that a pill will ‘cheer you up’. The tablets don’t numb you, they help you to think straight. I agree with what Paddy says.
Some people are broken and need the med to keep the chemicals in the mind to the correct levels. Just like a pacemaker keeps a dodgy ticker ticking.
It's also about being able to respond differently to triggers.
Good to see fellas talking about their mental health. No experience with sertraline, but many anti depressants have a cumulative effect, so can take time to build up, and to wean off.
As for CBT, it seems to be the default form of therapy for the NHS, and you are only referred to psychiatric care or other forms of therapy if during the course of your counselling something comes up. Try it. You may find some of the strategies useful, but be aware if it doesn't work for you it's not the end of the world, theres a range of counselling approaches, and many now use a form of eclecticism, blending different forms.
As for CBT, it seems to be the default form of therapy for the NHS, and you are only referred to psychiatric care or other forms of therapy if during the course of your counselling something comes up. Try it. You may find some of the strategies useful, but be aware if it doesn't work for you it's not the end of the world, theres a range of counselling approaches, and many now use a form of eclecticism, blending different forms.
It’s doesn’t numb for me, depression is a chemical imbalance in your brain, the medication re sets the balance, I've had a few stints with them, on one stint I went 18 months before I felt what I considered to be “normal” you can be in a room full of people and feel like the loneliest person in the world, you could have nothing at all to worry about, but feel guilty for not being happy. I can spot the warning signs now, but still brush it aside thinking it will pass, then it just creeps up on you. Then you want to go to bed and not wake up and stuff like that. It is difficult for people who haven’t been there to understand. You don’t sound unsympathetic at all. Far from it.
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Hi i started on Sertraline in Nov 19 after my ex stopped me seeing my 2 kids and I have found it of no use at all unfortunately.....
Ask for an alternative mate. Or a different dose.