10 days of sertraline.... just waiting

Posted , 7 users are following.

Just hoping for some reassurance really.... I first took Sertraline many years ago so have put myself back on it after a very low period due to tealtionshio breakdown.. Today is day 10 of tong. All I can manage to do is move from my bed to the sofa and literally watch TV all day. I haven't showered or washed my hair in 8 days. Every day I say to myself tomorrow will be better.... but then it turns out the same. I remember when i took Sertraline before, that the black feeling of depression lifted suddenly one morning. Any feedback very gratefully received from anyone who had these same feelings of just wanting to isolate from everything because it just feels safe and comfortable.... even though it is the opposite to how I was before this depression. Thank you for reading x

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    I'm 2 weeks into Sertraline and it does seem that it can get worse before it gets better. Last week I was feeling highly anxious and not really sleeping: I'm taking it for anxiety rather than depression. I was very anxious over the weekend but I seemed to pull out of it a bit quicker and feel more 'normal' today, although a still a bit wobbly. I think it does take about 3 weeks before it is assimilated into your body, but you should feel some improvement after 2 weeks. At least you're getting out of bed, try to see that as a victory. Call the doctors if you're really struggling. Hope you feel better soon x

    • Posted

      Thank you for replying Sarah. I think I let the depression get a lot worse than i should've before I sought help. I will persevere with it after reading so much advice on this forum about how long it takes to work... this is only day 10 after all. Kind regards x

  • Posted

    I am also on day 10 of increasing my dose (150mg from 100mg).  Everyday it is difficult to leave my room,  deal with kids, sleep in impossible,  and my anxiety is still through the roof.  The last couple of days I saw tiny windows of myself,  which I am trying to hold on to.  It is particularly hard when having a day like today when even changing your clothes seems like a task.  Right now I am trying to get myself to be comfortable in my own home,  but I still spend a lot of the day pacing,  unable to nap,  and unable to occupy my mind.   I know things will get better,  this is the 3-4th time I have dealt with the start up symptoms on Zoloft,  but it can be so difficult.  Things that I am trying to do force myself to do that I know helped me previously were drinking protein shakes (my appetite has been zero),  taking a shower (after my son my husband had to physically undress me and put me in the shower), let yourself cry sometimes,  and try to get some fresh air even if it just means opening a window,  or sitting on your porch if you are really daring.  I am unable to sit through a tv show right now,  so the days have been very long.  Trying to keep myself busy by reading books from other people who have been through severe anxiety and depression.  It lets me obsess about my illness with out actually thinking about it,  you know?  I know these days will get better (some days I actually believe it!) we just have to keep pushing through,  every minute of everyday counts.
  • Posted

    I am on day 13- so 2 weeks tomorrow. My anxiety has been heightened at times, i feel no other side effects(I hope I am now slowly gaining weight)- I do get sick in my stomach sometimes but thats about it.

    I am hoping this works, i have been having some panic that wakes me up at night- but it passes.  I am banking on this drug- i boycotted driving a year ago due to panic attacks and fear pretty much outta no where.  So, i am taking one day at a time- hang in there- each day you get out of bed is a victory-even if it doesn't feel like one!!

  • Posted

    Hi Maria.  I'm glad you posted this.  I'm sorry you are having a hard time, but I guess we can lean on each other.  I'm on about day 6 of an increase (I've been on Zoloft for 19 years off and on). This part never gets easier.  We just moved into a new house and it is a struggle everyday to get anything done.  I'm so glad you guys are here.  I don't feel quite so alone.  ((Hugs))

  • Posted

    It has to get better--- I mean, I know it can be worse, but it has to get better.  Something has to give....I feel so alive and yet held back at the same time--- this is a freakin nightmare.  I like the Zoloft since the side effects for me have been minimal--- but am just ready for it to work already. Since mine is more for anxiety- i thought that 50 would be my high- but maybe i will need an increase down the road as well---- I am only on day 13 so I am hanging in ---annoyed though!
    • Posted

      Hey Kmom,

      It could take 8 weeks for longer to feel the effects unfortunately. After every 2 weeks I was increasing my dose 25 - 50 - 75. So I never really got a break from the side effects and terrible anxiety. I’m on week 6 at 75mg and it’s still a bit of a struggle, but nothing like the beginning. I would try to stick with the same dose and give it time to work! Don’t jump to increase like I did, I’m still paying for it. Best of luck!!

  • Posted

    Hi Maria,

    I was in the exact same boat as you... those first few weeks are rough, but it DOES pass! When I was going through it I was convinced that I would never feel normal again, and nothing really helped me aside from knowing that people have gone through the same thing and came out better for it! You just have to keep reminding yourself that it will pass. It’s just such a slow acting drug and always gets worse before it gets better... it’s hard for us to stay positive while it’s happening. We are all in this together, hang in there maria! You can do this. 

    • Posted

      Thanks so much for replying ~ really it makes such a huge difference just knowing others are out there going through the same thing. I just had a long chat with my brother who is on the same sertraline at 50mg and he said it took at least 3 weeks before he felt it doing anything; he also explained a lot about how it has to have time to work on the receptors in the brain.... sort of like fixing them so that helped too. I should have started taking it when i first hit this black spell about 8 weeks ago but I'm one of those people who fights against taking medication and try to convince that with positive thinking I can get through; unfortunately I can't so I just need to bite the bullet and take these pills. Thank you so so much for the responses on here ~ it really does help x

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