Sertraline, will I have to take it for life?

Question

After taking this drug for 10 years for mood swings and anxiety I managed to stay off it for 2 years. However my life is bad again and I need to go back on it. I fear that I will be on it for life now . I am so worried about the long term side effects on my brain and body and I feel a complete failure for needing this drug. Is there anyone else who feels the same with their meds?

Answer 1

one of the problems in the medical profession is that once you've got a diagnosis, you're stuck with it.  i was diagnosed with asthma 26 years ago.  for 14 years i had to have my inhaler with me at all times.  then i lost my health insurance and couldn't afford to go to the doctor to get the prescription, so i had to switch to the more dangerous OTC bronchiodialater (how's this for stupid, i need a scrip to get the safe medication~let me save my anti-legislation rant for another forum)

shortly thereafter, my cat died, and i could suddenly breath again.  i had been misdiagnosed with asthma when all i really had was an allergy to cats.  i have been off asthma medication for 12 years now, and have not had an attack since my last prescription ran out.  but for some reason, i still hold a diagnosis for asthma.

i would go to a different doctor, and not tell them about your past diagnosis or the medication that doctor prescribed.  

as for sertraline specifically, it's an SSRI, a prozac class drug.  these were invented for SHORT TERM treatment of acute depression, (which usually lasts less than six weeks.)  most people today on SSRI's have been on them for years and the pharmacological industry is now marketing them for animals.  

IMO most drugs are FAR over-prescribed.  SSRI's are dangerous, and have been linked to increased depression and increased suicide risk.

I will not take them.  on the other hand, i have known people that are quite happy with their results.  for the chronically mentally ill, especially those with bipolar disorder and schitzophrenia, their medications can be as important to their survival as insulin is to a diabetic, and until something better comes along, that's the only show in town.

but we are inventing new medicines and treatments every single day.  what you may have needed for life yesterday, you may be able to recieve a one time treatment for tomorow.  

my advise, as i said before, i would see a new doctor, and not tell them about your past diagnosis or medications.  if the doctor recomended SSRI's i would discuss alternatives.

Answer 2

=[ Don't feel that way. Some drugs we need to keep the seratonin levels at norm. I'm on citalopram after using fluoxetine and I don't think I could live without it now. It'll be okay for your body, it won't do any damage so don't worry about that. Be glad you're helping yourself through these times. Don't worry about depending on medication either. There's millions of people on medication every day. Try alternative therapies aswell as taking your medication then wean off it slightly and see how you go.

You're not a failure and never think less. Be proud you're taking action.

Hugs and chin up my dear =]

Leah x

Answer 3

I use to take some medications but got completely off of everything when I started taking Stemulite and Mona Vie.

Both products are all natural, both help deep sleep, and I  have never been so thankful in all my life.

You can goto http://powerofstemulite.com and download the report. Even though it is designed for fitness fanatics, the impact that Stemulite has on emotional well being is without measure.  

Answer 4

You shouldn't need to stay on it for life. It may be worth having a chat with your doctor as there are other better drugs now available it is just a case of finding the right one for you and your circumstances

Answer 5

just stay on it your body gets dependent after ten years anyway