I have GAD and was on sertraline for 8 years, felt I didn’t need it anymore. So I weaned off of sertraline starting July until December 2021. Big Mistake! The anxiety came hurling back. So I restarted sertraline at 25 mg for 1 week, then 50 for 5 week, totaling 6 weeks back on sertraline. The past 6 weeks have been absolute hell on earth, increased anxiety, a 6 week long panic state. One of my my questions is, is this normal? Shouldnt it at least have gotten a little better? went back to my doctor yesterday and he thinks that the 50 is too much and told me to reduce to 25mg. I did that this morning and I think it’s helping but I can’t say because there is nothing ever instant with sertraline. And my other question is does this sound like a good idea to drop to 25mg after 6 weeks?
I have general anxiety disorder. I was on sertraline for 8 years and maybe I don’t need it anymore
Question posted by Jonut on 30 Jan 2022
Last updated on 31 January 2022
Answers
From what I understand about withdrawing antidepressants, I weaned off 30mg very slowly a few years ago, it has to be done very carefully. Six months is too quick. What you have experienced is not uncommon.
You will stabilise but it may take a while longer as your body basically has to readjust. I think the doctors suggestion of 25mg is probably a good idea as he may have the intention to titrate you slowly to ease you back in.
In the meantime try to rest assured that the medication will work and allow the space and time to heal.
Hi. First I have to ask of you are seeing a GP or a Psychiatrist. I ask because the Psychiatrist understands theses medications much better than a general doctor. I also went off of sertraline when I was feeling good. I had to go back on a year later and it took months to find the correct dosage. It was very difficult. That being said the Psychiatrist told me that for sertraline, 100 grams is what she sees as the average effective dose. Right now I am on 75mg. I have been on this for almost three weeks and my body is still adjusting. I think after we have been stabile for awhile it is very frustrating to have to recalibrate our bodies. Keep working with your doctor to find the best fit for you. They did give me other medications to ease the anxiety while the sertraline was in the initial stages. Good luck.
Hi no I didn’t go to a psychiatrist I went to my gp and he saw that i was very anxious and thought I should drop to 25mg and it seems a good deal better. I think I ramped up too fast. He gave me some Xanax to help. But the sleeplessness is the big problem that we have. What do you do about that. And I will try to see if tree is a psychiatrist to talk to but as you know they are set to find and book there days
You are so right about that. It took two months for me to be able to see a Psychiatrist! They gave me mirtazapine at a low dose for sleep and it really helped. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Related topics
anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline, disorder
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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