Sertraline

[Neckarski_94]

Been prescribed Sertraline for depression and anxiety. I don’t dare take it as apparently it can make it more difficult to keep blood sugar stable. Plus all of the other side effects!

 

[LittleGreyCat]

Have you discussed this with your medical team, and looked for possible alternatives?
It could cause complications in your care if your team think you are taking the drug but you are not.

Also, with respect, is it possible that this refusal of medication stems to some small extent from your anxiety?

 

[JoKalsbeek]

Been prescribed Sertraline for depression and anxiety. I don’t dare take it as apparently it can make it more difficult to keep blood sugar stable. Plus all of the other side effects!

How about trying it in the lowest dosages, and seeing what it gets you in terms of side effects...? You won't get the perks, most likely, especially since most SSRI's need a while to work, but side effects tend to crop up mighty fast, if they're going to be there. So you'll know what's what and go from there: gradually increase or don't go there at all. Some side effects can be a pain in the rear, but abate after two weeks. The bulk of them don't have to show up at all. Maybe it ups your blood sugars a little, but for all you know it's a steady rise and you can take care of it with just a few moderate adjustments. Something to discuss with your team or your chemist? How badly do you need help, chemically? Because if it is a matter of survival, or having a vastly better quality of life, it's likely worth a shot. And if it's not for you, then you can always say so.

The thing is this... The benefits of this drug might outweigh any issues it may give you. It is something to discuss with your team, but in the end, you're the patient, you decide. But like @LittleGreyCat said, they do need to know if something's being taken or not.

Also, well... Ye gods, I never thought I'd say this, but... Therapy? Have you tried it? No idea if you have, sorry if I missed it or forgot (Thanks, ADHD), but my anxiety and depression have been helped quite a bit though something called Schema Therapy. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schema_therapy ) mainly because I was running out of options and I thought I'd try it before my options ran down to zero. It's nowhere near as scary and upsetting as EMDR can be, you just learn to approach yourself with some much-deserved kindness. Sounds simple, but it isn't. And when you learn where certain (anxious) responses come from, you can dial a panic down a notch by realising just how (un)realistic your fears are, where they come from, and just... Defuse the situation before you run into a full-on panic attack or melt down. I have a couple of melt-downs a month now, if that, and they're short. Used to be ten or so per week, sometimes multiple times a day, especially on the weekends. I dunno. My situation is entirely different from yours, and I realise that... But I just want you to know that even if this medication isn't an option for you, because you don't want to take it, or because you try it and don't like any side effects that come up (and maybe none will!), there's usually more options... I mean, Amytriptiline could maybe help too (also for depression and anxiety), or anything that just makes you feel.... Like the person you want to be, who you are underneith the depression and the fear.

Whatever happens next, whatever you decide... Try showing yourself a little kindness. It's as good a start as any, and no side effects.
Hugs,
Jo

 

[Tony337]

Hi
I used to take sertraline and for a good number of years too.
It had no effect on my sugar levels at all.

Medicines have side effects on some but not others but by law drug companies have to list them.

If you have been diagnozed with depression and anxiety and given a drug to combat it then choose not to take it then logic dictates you will continue to suffer with depression and anxiety.

I wish you well

Tony

 

[Lamont D]

I was on sertraline for three years, as I had a breakdown during covid for a number of reasons.
When I and my GP decided to reduce and finally come off it. It was the right choice for me before and after.
I have a condition where BG levels need to be maintained and controlled in or just above normal levels.
The drug did not alter BG levels and the drug had no side effects.
There is the option of other meds, especially if you do have side effects.
But do speak to your GP.

 

[Neckarski_94]

Have you discussed this with your medical team

No was only prescribed it yesterday.

is it possible that this refusal of medication stems to some small extent from your anxiety?

No not really. I just don’t want to feel crappier than I already do.

 

[Neckarski_94]

Also, well... Ye gods, I never thought I'd say this, but... Therapy? Have you tried it?

I have self referred myself to something called NHS Talking Therapies.

 

[Rachox]

I am emerging from a few years of suffering depression and anxiety, so I’m now gradually reducing my Sertraline in consultation with my GP. Sertraline and counselling have helped me through those tough years, if your GP recommends you try it, I would. I didn’t notice any change in my blood sugar levels whilst on it.

 

[Lamont D]

I have self referred myself to something called NHS Talking Therapies.

Talking Therapies is the first step to evaluation before they find a counsellor.
I, like @Rachox have been through counselling for my chronic anxiety and mild depression.
Being on sertraline clearly helped me through the tough times, it helped with the dark thoughts and always questioning myself, the why and the reasons behind it all.
Also facing my big life changes.
My feelings of inadequacy, and many more and the hard one for me........
Why am I so different from the majority of everyone else?
Why have I got this condition?
Why me?
What was the cause?
If I've done wrong, someone tell me?
The counsellors were brilliant, got me through it all.
But as usual no one could tell me why?
It's something that I have to live with and I can cope with it.

It's hard!
It's not very nice,
It will take time.
But talking and listening to those who can give you the tools for coping, will help you.

Hope this helps a little.
Best wishes.

 

[JoKalsbeek]

I have self referred myself to something called NHS Talking Therapies.

Excellent! I hope it helps put some of your demons to rest. Life tends to be better without them.