Should I continue or stop the medication? Will withdrawal hurt me just as much?

23-year-old woman2 years ago
Following several health problems, I developed a chronic anxiety that makes me suffer from several physical symptoms. My doctor prescribed me sertraline, I have several side effects, I don't really like it and the withdrawal is scaring me...
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Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
Hello, ma'am,
What dose of Sertraline are you currently taking, and since when?
What side effects are you experiencing?
What information did your pharmacist give you?
Thank you for your time!
23-year-old woman · 2 years ago
i am taking 50 mg and have been for 10 days (with one week at 25mg).
Many insomnia, digestive problems (nausea, bloating, constipation, stomach aches), abnormal taste, it creates another stress for me..
they told me that it could take a long time before it stabilizes but I don't like to continue.
Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
Thanks for the feedback!
If the symptoms you are experiencing are intolerable, in my practice I suggest another week at 25mg before increasing to 50. I prefer to go more gradually to allow for tolerance
In my experience, the side effects tend to diminish after 2 weeks maximum.
Having said that, I don't know if it was mentioned to you, but the mechanism of action of these medications can unfortunately cause a slight and temporary increase in anxiety
23-year-old woman · 2 years ago
okay thanks for the info, maybe it will be better to continue longer at 25mg. And I don't know if you can give me a clear answer on this, but, will my body get too used to it and feed on this drug? In the sense that when I feel better will I be able to stop it right away in a gradual way without going through a difficult withdrawal that would restart a chronic anxiety (noting that usually I have always managed my anxiety, it's a temporary chronic anxiety that was created in the face of health problems) or my body will never be able to do without it?
Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
Good questions!
The medication does not cause tolerance, dependence or addiction. However, when the time comes, it is recommended to stop it gradually, in stages
I understand that taking a medication every day is not easy. It reminds us of the condition we live with. However, taking this medication is not a sign of weakness or lack of resilience. On the contrary, it took a lot of courage to tell you and your doctor that it is not okay. I want to congratulate you on that. I want you to know that you are not alone in this.
Finally, in order to reduce the risk of recurrence or relapse, it is recommended to wait 6 months without symptoms before considering stopping the medication, in cases where this is your first episode of the anxiety disorder.
It is recommended to wait for even longer intervals if this is not your first episode.
23-year-old woman · 2 years ago
okay, I want to thank you for the tremendous understanding of my situation! And I really appreciate the time you put into the answers. I am a person who is extremely afraid of depending on medication as I have never been depressed/anxious to this extent, never sick with anxiety. And I don't want to have to deal with this chronic anxiety that has developed to create addiction problems. I just want to get back to my normal pace of life without feeling bad about myself. So what you would do, if you were me, is to really continue with the Sertraline?
Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
Your doctor has deemed it appropriate to start this type of treatment, and your pharmacist has not found any contraindications to starting it.
It is a treatment that has been proven effective for a very long time and is usually very well tolerated.
It can help manage anxiety and does not cause dependency. If it allows you to go about your daily activities, I would recommend continuing it. I understand that it will take 4-6 weeks at an effective dose (at least 50-75 mg per day) to learn more
At worst, you can discontinue it (gradually) if it is ineffective or not tolerated, with the help of your pharmacist. There are many other options, including psychotherapy, which is covered by most group insurance plans.
Sincerely,
Tom Samaha, pharmacist

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