CarolineOmoon: 25 years on Sertraline

[Caroline0moon]

Hi, I was prescribed Sertraline 25 years ago for post natal depression.  Doctors seem happy to keep me on it. I am now 53, post menopausal and getting myself as healthy as possible.  I have tried to come off meds several times with the involvement of doctors but they seem happier to keep me on them.  My doctor has not reviewed my meds for 7 years and thinks I take 200mg daily.  I have very very slowly (over 4 years) got down to 50mg (half a tablet) every day, and am just starting every other day.  I have almost complete sexual dysfunction which I am very very sad to read may be permanent.  I would love to know if there is anything natural I can take to help with the tapering and the dysfunction.

My diet is very low in carbs, high in eggs, nuts, green vegetables, cheese and oily fish.  I practise yoga too.  Any advice will be gratefully accepted.

Edited July 7, 2021 by manymoretodays
name to title

[arbor]

Hello @Caroline0moon

Welcome to surviving Antidepressants.  

 

To give members the best information, we ask members to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements in a list format.  

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

Congratulations on reaching 50mg of Sertraline a day.  Here are some topics that can address your taper further.  Allow me to just note that we don't endorse skipping every other day as a method of reduction as it's important to keep your nervous system as even keel as possible during this time.   I urge you to read these closely. 

 

Important topics in the Tapering forum and FAQ

 

Keep it Simple, Slow, and Stable

 

If you have a question or comment about a specific symptom, supplement or treatment, please search to see if we already have a related topic, we usually do.  Then you can benefit from previously collected information and add to the discussion.  This keeps the site organized with all available knowledge in one thread, easily accessible through searches.

 

The search function on this site doesn't work very well.  The best way to search this site for specific information  is to use your favorite search engine. Type in survivingantidepressants.org then the symptom, treatment, supplement or information you wish to search for.

 

If after searching, you can't find what you're looking for, you might consider starting a new topic.

If questions come up about dosage and methods of titrating, I encourage you to reach out to both moderators and other members.  There's a wealth of experience on this site.

 

It sounds like you're eating healthfully and taking good care of yourself.  I'm sure that will help your system as you make the transition off Sertraline.  We don't suggest many supplements, but 2 that many of us find helpful are magnesium and omega-3 fish oil. Here are the links for info about those. It is suggested to add one at a time, and start with a low dose to see how it affects you. 

 

Magnesium

 

Omega 3 Fish Oil

 

I understand your concern about sexual dysfunction.  Not everyone experiences the condition to be permanent once they have had a long enough period of time off of the drugs.  This link under Symptoms and self-care may be useful: 

PSSD Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction - Symptoms and self-care

It's very sad that our doctors are not more engaged in what is conducive to our health.  You may want to take a look at these links:

Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker

Your Drug may be you Problem by Dr. Peter Breggin 

 

This is your Introduction site where you can ask questions and connect with other members.

I'm glad you've found us. 

Arbor

 

[Greatful]

@Caroline0moon  Welcome.  You have done amazingly well tapering down to 50mg.  Slow but steady.  How are you feeling? Do you have much for withdrawal symptoms? Take a look around , there is so much information here on SA.  There is a lot to learn.  I was amazed how the meds affected our brain.  

Keep posting to let us know how you are doing and if you have any questions.  

 

[Greatful]

@Caroline0moon  How are you doing?