Emashy77

[Emashy77]

Hi all,

 

New to the site after watching the Panorama programme 🖐️

Long history of taking AD's starting in 1995 following a difficult time.  Started on Prozac and think i've tried every different one going since.

Have tried multiple times over the past 20+years to come off the tablets but always been told that I clearly still need them as I just felt awful without them.

Only significant time without AD's was in 2011/12 when pregnant but soon restarted on them after having my daughter due to PND.

Currently taking 50mg of Sertraline having attempted yet another withdrawal in January 2023.  This was clearly too fast (prior to hearing all about the 10% method) and so on 21/07/23 was restarted on my previous 50mg dose.  Stabilised on this dose and do feel much better right now.

Having watched the Panorama programme however I am more determined than ever that I want to stop these once and for all.

 

Based in the UK so had a chat with my GP today.  I requested she prescribe me liquid Sertraline to which I was told she was not allowed due to cost.  😡  I was then told to simply drop to 25mg one day a week and then 2 days a week etc etc.  Thankfully I had researched on here that this wasn't a good idea and I was unwilling to do that.

She has said that she would need to seek special permission from the clinical governing body to prescribe me liquid sertraline or I could buy it myself.

So I wait......

 

Thank you.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, @Emashy77

 

You've probably seen Tips for tapering off sertraline (Zoloft)

 

Yes, the liquid costs more but the NHS will provide it, give this to your doctor PRINT OUT leaflet: Guidance on stopping antidepressants by UK's Royal College of Psychiatrists

 

[Emashy77]

Thanks @Altostrata for the welcome. 

So after my GP consultation this was the text they sent me with their decision- 

Dear Mrs A

Dr Wyatt has asked me to check this. The sertraline liquid is not routinely prescribed due to high cost, and can only be justified for patients with an established swallowing difficulty. There is a sertraline 25mg tablet (although there may be supply issues because it is not used frequently. Alternatively sertraline tablets can also be crushed and dispersed in water. This may allow you to have a smaller dose than just half a tablet. (Crushed tablets may taste bitter or unpleasant and may have a local anaesthetic effect on the tongue). 
Thanks, 

 

I guess I best get very clued up on preparing my own liquid!

[Emashy77]

Oh and I quoted the very helpful guidance you sent from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and that was ignored 🙈

[Emashy77]

Well blow me down! Following on from my GP texting to refuse the liquid Sertraline I’ve just had a call from the original doctor I spoke to who has said they will now give me it as they see there is a clinical need. Shocked is an understatement!! 
so happy to get to start my tapering!