Is Sertraline going to work or should i switch?

[Lizchick]

Are the symptoms I am experiencing a side effect of sertraline? I  am on day 16 of taking 50mg sertraline after switching from cymbalta to try and find a saferdrug to try for pregnancy.  Week one I was emotional but that settled down and week two was manageable and i felt generally calmer.  However by day 14 anxiety smptoms worsened and i am feeling flushed in the face and tingly in arms and waking early feeling unable to cope with nerves and sweating.  Should I stick it out? My GP isn't happy for me to take cymbalta in pregnancy and I don't have many options left.  I have tried fluoxetine and had the syndrome and was really ill.  Can't take citalapram.  Help!  Thanks Liz (in uk).

[RubyWitch]

Did your doctor have you taper slowly off the Cymbalta before starting the sertraline? If not, that may be part of the problem.
We all react differently to medications, but sertraline is one of the easier ADs to adjust to..........side effects pretty mild for most of us, and are usually completely gone in a few weeks.
One of the most important, and difficult, aspects of getting on an antidepressants is learning to be patient. I'd say give the sertraline some more time but definitely keep in contact with your doctor.
Have you considered therapy? Many people can handle their depression with therapy alone. (But never berate yourself if you also need meds)
Peace
Greenlydia

[Lizchick]

thank you for your response.  I am on day 19 now and am feeling loads better than i was.  The sweating has stopped and I just feel tingly and a bit poisoned under my skin but definitely an improvement.  Fingers crossed it'll carry on settling down and help with my PMDD too!  I do consult with a homeopath and have some calming remedies that have helped me and she thinks I am making good progress.

Thanks

Liz x

[franceslee]

I would say to give the meds a little more time to work, they say it can sometimes take up to 4 weeks.  If you get to whre you just cant handle the side effects I would contact your doctor.  Maybe she could give you some herbal remedies to try.