Suggest Remedies For Knotting Sensation In Upper Abdomen While On Sertraline

Posted on Sun, 17 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 Answered on

Mon, 8 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I ve been on 200mg sertraline 8 weeks. Are depressed mood and motivation the last symptoms to lift? How can i get rid of knotted feeling in upper abdomen

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Depressed mood can take 6 to 8 weeks to start improving. You are on the tail end of that. If you don't feel at least 50% better in another week, I would cross-taper to a different antidepressant. Motivation can be the last thing to lift, but your mood should be improving by now.

Dr Sheppe

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (8 minutes later)

Yes mood improving, but still got knotted feeling.....had both pneumonia and labyrinthitis in last 2 months also. Will that hold back my depression?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, physical illness can extend the course of a depressive episode.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (58 minutes later)

How can i relieve the knotted feeling? Apart from taking propranalol, deep breathing and distractions?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
This anxiety should improve with antidepressant treatment in the same time frame that depression should improve. Cognitive behavior therapy may also help. I do offer text-based therapy via my private link below if you are interested.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj