Is it safe to take sertraline and quetiapine long-term?

58-year-old woman2 years ago

Hello, I take Sertraline 125mg daily for chronic anxiety disorders as well as 25mg of Quetiapine and have been for several years. It is difficult for me to have a "normal" social life because I have to take the Quetiapine between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. if I want to be functional at work the next day and I don't drive more than 20 minutes after taking it. I have no motivation, no drive and get sleepy if I try to concentrate and I'm not talking about the gradual weight gain. LL 56 years old

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Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Hello, thank you for your question!

Some people will need to take their antidepressant for a very long time, especially those who have had several episodes or whose condition prevents them from being as functional as you say

It should be noted that consultations with a psychologist, in addition to taking the medication, are more effective than taking the medication alone. Most group insurance plans provide this type of service.

As for the increase in weight, this type of medication causes it mainly by increasingappetite. A healthy and balanced diet, along with moderate physical exercise (150 minutes/week) can greatly help with this, but also with anxiety disorders.

On the other hand, for quetiapine, I can't comment because I don't have all the history, background, treatments tried before, etc. For example, if the 12.5mg dose had been tried.... Your pharmacist could help you by personalizing recommendations to your doctor if you wish.

However for sleep, the most important thing is to look at non-pharmacological measures to improve sleep hygiene and quality. Here are some of them:

At least 1 hour before bedtime, you should turn off any type of screen: computer, phone, TV, and handheld readers as well. Most of them emit a type of light that is stimulating.
Regardless of bedtime, I suggest getting up at the same time each day, which will help establish a sleep routine eventually.
Keep the bedroom for sleeping and intimacy only. No reading, work, or TV in bed. This way, the body will associate the bedroom with sleep as soon as you enter it.
Avoid naps during the day, and avoid stimulants like coffee as much as possible, especially in the afternoon.
If you have been in bed for 15 minutes and are not falling asleep, I suggest you get up, go to the kitchen or living room for a few minutes, and then return to the bedroom. This can have a reset effect.
Just as importantly, you should absolutely avoid looking at the clock while you are in bed as this can be quite stressful.
If you have a lot of worries, write them down in a notebook or journal at night, so you can be reassured that they won't be forgotten and that you can address them the next morning.

These strategies can take up to 2 weeks to implement, so take your time, gradually, be patient and willing too.

If they don't work at all, I suggest you see your doctor to reassess your needs.

I hope I've been helpful, please feel free to ask any other questions you may have!

Tom Samaha, Pharmacist

58-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Thank you. Living alone, I tend to stay with my best friends until I get sleepy: TV, computer, cell phone... I'm going to try to get back into reading or knitting.

I've already eliminated the clock and the alarm clock from my bedroom... but I had to replace them with the alarm on the Cell that I read the news and my emails on when I wake up.

I tried drawing or painting but I could spend the whole night without falling asleep (it's my passion)

The next day, it is rather difficult to concentrate on columns of numbers (accounting).

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

I understand, thanks for the feedback

These are habits that may take several weeks to incorporate into your routine

Also, you may find some days easier or harder than others. The important thing is that the "good" days are more frequent than the not so good ones

Sincerely

Tom Samaha, Pharmacist

58-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

We'd love to!