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Autism and Sertraline

MJJ24

Hello all, 

I have had anxiety for a long time and recently been diagnosed with autism. I have been taking Sertraline tablets for around 7 months now and started them before I knew I was autistic. It is hard for me to say whether they worked as at the same time I started taking them I also spent a lot of time signed off work and ended changing to a less stressful job and so did start to feel a bit better but it is hard to say whether this was situational rather than the medication. 

I guess I just want to ask really if anyone else is on Sertraline who is autistic and whether they feel it is helpful or not. I read so many mixed things online and it is hard to know really. 

Thank you in advance :) 

  • in reply to martintheactor

    I'm interested in the side effects you had before. I've tried Sertraline and another that I've forgotten the name of. I had the same awful side effects both times and didn't get past 1 tablet because they made me feel so bad and my pupils went completely different sizes. It was awful. I'm too scared to try any other anti depressants now but I so wish that I could. But with 2 completely different medications doing the same thing, I'm too scared of it happening again. Were your side effects the same or different when you tried the 2 before?

  • in reply to Bunny

    Interesting, my colleague with adhd and BPD also advised me medical cannabis but I’m somehow negative. Meds didn’t help me, only gave me side effects. 

  • I think Bunny hit the nail on the head here. There are plentiful sources which tell you that effectiveness of different medications will vary person to person. I personally had nasty side effects on two anti-depressants prior to my current one, and only with a conversation with a doctor did we find one that appears to be working after two increases of the dose. They are in consort though with a medication for anxiety. These were all prior to my diagnosis about a month ago.

    For me, I do in fact take Sertraline and it helps even out the depressive mood swings. My anti-anxiety helps shorten the effects of anxiety attacks. However, your mileage can and likely will vary.

  • in reply to Bunny

    Appreciate the links Bunny.  Some of my own health symptoms have now made sense, after recent diagnosis, including anxiety.  I was definitely at or heading towards burnout prior to xmas, poss not helped by a really busy year at work.  I'm starting therapy next week & now getting some others things checked out by GP too

  • Hi and welcome to the community.

    The problem with antidepressants - or any other medication - is that the effects can vary enormously from one person to another, so unfortunately there's perhaps limited benefit to asking what has or hasn't worked well for others.

    The NAS says:

    "Although antidepressants are generally considered useful and safe, there is very little research into whether they help treat anxiety specifically in autistic people. What research there is suggests autistic people may be more likely to experience side effects such as drowsiness, irritability and reduced activity.

    Antidepressants should be carefully considered and closely monitored by a medical professional."

    My own experience with antidepressants (for combined depression and anxiety) hasn't been positive. I've tried Sertraline and various others, but they didn't help and/or caused intolerable side effects. I'm currently taking medical cannabis instead (under the supervision of a psychiatrist in a private clinic), which I've found helps to calm my mind and generally "take the edge off" things.

    As  said, I suggest booking a follow up appointment with your GP - to discuss your thoughts, concerns, and any other potential options (whether with dosage or a different medication, for example).

    You might also like to consider asking them for talking therapy referral (or making a self referral, if allowed in your area). If you're interested in doing this, I'd recommend borrowing or buying this book first, which many of us have found helpful. It includes discussion of various types of therapy and counselling, together with advice on choosing the right therapist or counsellor - all from an autistic person's viewpoint:

    The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy

    Finally (sorry for the long post), you might find the advice here helpful:

    NAS - Anxiety

  • Hi, I was prescribed a SSRI when I was 18 as I had persistent low mood and anxiety. I didn't find it particularly helpful even at increased levels. I've been on various SSRI including sertraline and a SNRI on and off over the last 30+ years.

     I was having a routine medication review at the tender age of 50 when I was ask if anyone had ever suggested that I may be autistic.

    Sometimes an increased dose or a different medication can be beneficial especially when combined with some sort of talking therapy. I wasn't that lucky but at least it finally lead to my assessment for ASD.