10 days of sertraline.... just waiting

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

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.

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!!

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))

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!

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.