Why I’m Glad I Increased My Sertraline Dose

Please note – I am not a medical expert. Everything in this article is my personal opinion and experience. Always speak to your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Before I tell you why I’m glad that I increased my Sertraline dose, I will give you some background in case you haven’t heard the story. I have been taking Sertraline since 2018, a few months after the birth of my son. My mental health took a nosedive, and I needed help. I’d been on Sertraline before and found it a massive help. It was a difficult decision to go on it again, but I’m glad I did it.

You may remember (or may not; I won’t be offended) that I wrote a post in 2020 about reducing my sertraline dose. My mental health had been doing great for a few months, and I felt ready to reduce my dose from 50mg to 25mg. 

It went well for a few months before I returned to square one again. I spoke to the doctor, and we decided to increase the dose to 50mg. My mental health went back to what I call my ‘normal level’. I was able to survive the day with a couple of wobbles and panic attacks only now and then – nothing I wasn’t used to.

My mental health survived lockdown. Actually, having my husband home all day working from home was a massive help!

Then 2021 Happened

Unfortunately, 2021 wasn’t a great year for my family and me. We lost both my dad and my auntie within five weeks of each other in June and July, respectively. Yet somehow, my mental health also survived this. Yes, I was incredibly, unbelievably sad, but thankfully I didn’t sink into a depression, and I didn’t suffer from many panic attacks. Possibly due to being in shock? Who knows. My anxiety trigger is death, so I fully expected to crumble completely. 

I think it finally caught up with me in October and November of 2021, which is when I really began to suffer. I was having panic attacks and was in a state of unrest and panic during the days. Being constantly in fight-or-flight mode was exhausting. I needed help. 

So, I Increased My Sertraline Dose

I called the doctors, and I explained what I was experiencing. I asked if my dosage could be increased to 100mg, and he agreed. He was incredibly kind and understanding and suggested how I could help myself.

I must admit, the first two days on the increased dosage did make me feel a bit spaced out. I also changed the time when I took my medication. Whereas before, I would always take it at night, the doctor suggested that I switch to taking it in the morning.

The 100mg helped. However, I did need a further increase to 150mg.

I admit it took a good couple of months to feel level again, but I am so glad I increased my dosage. Every day is no longer a battle or a struggle. I’m able to actually go about my day and not fear a panic attack coming on or worry about how I’m going to protect myself from the anxiety rising and spoiling my evening.

I’m no longer a prisoner to my own mind. My mind is no longer distracted, and I feel lighter than I have in years. It feels amazing.

Medication Is Not The Enemy

Before 2021 I always thought that once my mental health improved, I could wean myself off my medication. But now, I’m wondering why I would want to do that. Medication is not the enemy. It’s like having a friend holding your hand and helping you along every day. My day-to-day life has been made so much easier. I can focus on tasks and not be on the verge of a panic attack every day.

Now, this may be different for some. Other people may not have the same reaction. This is just my personal experience with 150mg of Sertraline.

I obviously still have some days where the anxiety has a little bit of a hold over me, but nowhere near what I used to experience. And I am so thankful for that.

Conclusion

And that is why I am glad that I increased my sertraline dose. As stated above, I am not a doctor; this is my experience. 

But I wanted to let you know there is nothing wrong with being on medication/antidepressants/tablets/happy pills, whatever you want to call them. If you need them, it’s okay to take them. Tell people or don’t tell people; it’s your choice. 

If they help, what does it matter? 

Always check with your doctor first; don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. If your current medication isn’t working, let them know. 

If you’ve previously taken medication and it didn’t work, it doesn’t mean it will never work for you. It might be that you were on the wrong type for you or weren’t on them long enough to work.

For anyone struggling with their mental health right now, I see you, I hear you, I feel you. Please don’t suffer in silence.