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2nd day on sertraline and the side effects have hit hard.

Posted , 5 users are following.

gilbert1559
gilbert1559

Hello everyone. I have started on 50mg sertraline and decided to stop after the second day as I can't bare the side effects. I'm getting major shakes extreme anxiety feeling fearful elevated heart beat and feeling like my mind has slowed right down. I can't believe I'm getting this after two days? do I stop altogether. How long will withdrawals last if any as its only been a short period. Thank you.

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • mike33466
    mike33466 gilbert1559

    Posted

    Did your doctor tell you to start at 50mg?

    I am asking because most people start at 25 or even lower.

    As for the side effects they usually go away in a few weeks but it's different for everybody

    • gilbert1559
      gilbert1559 mike33466

      Posted

      yes she did. the anxiety that i had before taking the sertraline was bareable but after taking it i felt like i was going insane. freaked me out completely. its my second day off it and ive had an anxiety attack both today and yesterday a burning sensation developing in my chest today and for a brief time earlier today sharp pain in my head. 
  • philip49799
    philip49799 gilbert1559

    Posted

    I'm no medic but I have to tell you that all my advice at the start with 50mg was stick at it, it will be horrible but it will not 'work' if you don't give it 3/4 weeks. Sounds hard but that's what I've had to do. However, several folk have said on here that they have other meds to help with the side effects. Easy for me to say at almost 4 weeks and with just some improvement. I have had to use loads of support; Hypnotherapy, Counselling, other meds, relaxation tapes and forcing myself do go oiut when I felt a little better. Nevertheless I often have to spend whole days in bed just lying still and listening to the radio with earphones as I don't want to be anywhere or see anyone.

    Good luck matey and hang in there

    • gilbert1559
      gilbert1559 philip49799

      Posted

      thanks for the encouraging words philip its been a scary time for me as i have only recently been diagnosed with depression/ anxiety. I work and dont have a proper support network around me yet. If I had continued with the sertraline I probably wouldn't have lasted the 3/4 week adjusting period as I was verging on suicidal thoughts after the second day.

    • philip49799
      philip49799 gilbert1559

      Posted

      You wouldn't be thet first one to say this is noit for me. A friend of mine was prescribed this, took it home, read the blurb and stuff about side affects and threw them away. He then paid for private support in various guises, such as Hypnotherapy and reiki as well as dietry advice and Counselling. You could investigate CBT and talking therapy with your local health Authority and/or see if there is an environmental project near you that is aimed at supporting folk with mental health issues.

      ATB

      Phil

  • lorraine82455
    lorraine82455 gilbert1559

    Posted

    Sadly those are normal side effects that can last up to four weeks.check with your Dr. If you decide to stop them you will be ok after two days. Maybe start at 25 for a bit and then increase.
    • gilbert1559
      gilbert1559 lorraine82455

      Posted

      Thanks for the advice lorraine. will definitely bring this up with my doctor but after my experience with 50mg im reluctant to continue with it.
  • Ranger507
    Ranger507 gilbert1559

    Posted

    You have to let it get into your system or it won't work, hey.. we all went through hell first few weeks but if anyone is like me they will know that if the side effects increase the chances of me feeling normal again and getting my life back, then it's a gamble I had to take

    • Ranger507
      Ranger507

      Posted

      I worded that wrong I meant, if I have to put up with the side effects, in order to possibly get my life back then it's a gamble worth taking, thanks

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