Sertraline and GI bleeding

[elizabethgreentree]

I started taking sertraline (25mg) June 9th for anxiety, but I stopped taking them for three days because it caused diarrhea on the 5th day. I then took them again the 17th, and on that same day I got diarrhea again. It was there the 18th also, but it went away. Yesterday I graduated to 50mg after 7 doses of the 25mg. Today, one hour after taking the 50mg, I experienced a streak of blood in my stool and the wipe also had some blood on it. I then went again again the amount of poop was less, but it still had blood on it and my wipe. I have not experienced it again, but I do feel discomfort in my stomach. I have an appointment on the 28th (three more days). What do you think will happen? What should I do?

[TheLightSeeker]

New research shows that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a group of drugs commonly used to treat depression, may double the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, according to researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and colleagues.
"When the drugs are taken with aspirin and other similar pain medications, the risk is more than 600 percent higher."
-- Source: Sonal Singh, M.D., senior researcher and an assistant professor of internal medicine.---

I think you should stay with the smaller dose, till you discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
S/he will likely switch you to another med with less potential
of G/I bleeding.
Avoid taking aspirin or any other painkillers for the time being.
I would suggest you look into demulcent herbs, which provide a protective coating and soothe internal irritated body tissues.
Slippery elm, Marshmallow leaf or root, Licorice & Aloe vera juice are some of them.
Unfortunately your doctor may not know anything about these.
The main focus of medical education is ...pharmacology,
no wonder :(
Best wishes,
Niko