I have a lot of anxiety despite my treatment?

24-year-old woman2 years ago

Hello, I consulted a doctor for severe anxiety with severe inner agitation. They prescribed me sertraline with rivotril. I am on my 6th day of sertraline. I feel a strong inner agitation and I get up every morning at 5 am. My muscles all over my body are shaking, especially my calves and eyelids which prevents me from going back to sleep and causes me even more anxiety. I have taken blood tests and everything looks good. If it was anxiety, would Rivotril have taken away the restlessness? Because it only makes me sleepy. I am worried.

0 like

12 views

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Hello, Mrs

Sertraline can at the beginning of the treatment increase slightly and temporarily the anxiety, it is an effect of its mechanism of action

Rivotril can help relieve some of the symptoms, but depending on the extent of the symptoms, it may not be 100%

It is therefore strongly suggested that, in addition to medication, a follow-up with a psychologist be undertaken. The combination is more effective than medication alone.

Sincerely

Tom Samaha, pharmacist

24-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Can I try taking a magnesium supplement if I am taking sertraline with FLECANAIDE and rivotril? To see if it would help with muscle twitching?

how long does it take for the side effects of sertraline to last?

is it possible that rivotril puts me to sleep but doesn't calm my restlessness + muscle twitching?

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

As a precaution, I cannot suggest magnesium supplementation unless there is a diagnosed deficiency: it may have an effect on heart rate and contraction

Sertraline may have this effect for 10-14 days if not less.

If your anxiety is high, yes, you may feel the effects of Rivotril less.

24-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Thank you!

if not, what are the causes of internal agitation and muscle twitching throughout the day over several days?

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

Anxiety could be one of the causes for this.

24-year-old woman · 2 years ago

Then for the magnesium, I read that it was good for the heart?

i don't have a huge problem, only extraystole. If I try 1-2 tablets for 2 days is it serious?

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

I cannot predict the effect of magnesium. What I can mention is that I do not suggest it considering:

1- no proven effectiveness for anxiety

2- its effects on cardiac concentration.

24-year-old woman · 2 years ago

I don't know if I should stop taking sertraline.

i don't know if I should stop taking sertraline. I have been taking it for 6 days and I wake up at 5am every morning and can't get back to sleep. I feel extremely restless

Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago

It is unlikely that you have begun to feel the beneficial effects of Sertraline. If necessary, I invite you to contact your pharmacist who will reassess the dose with you.

0 like

Answered by

Naji-tom Samaha

Pharmacien depuis 2011, clinicien associé et tuteur de laboratoire de pratique professionnelle à l'Université de Montréal, j'ai développé un grand intérêt pour la communication en santé. Les gens recherchent plus d'informations que jamais sur Internet, ce site offre un accès innovant aux professionnels de la santé les plus accessibles du réseau, et j'y embarque sans hésitation pour aider à partager mes connaissances.

Care team

Institut national d'excellence en santé et services sociaux

The institut national d'excellence en santé et services sociaux has the mandate to promote clinical excellence and best use of healthcare and social services resources to ensure their sustainability for the population of Québec.

Looking for reliable answers?

Explore questions answered by real health professionals!

Explore publications