4 weeks on sertraline - please help
Posted , 7 users are following.
I hit rock bottom early February and have been taking sertraline for 4 weeks tomorrow. 2 weeks on 50mg and will be 2 weeks 100mg as of Tuesday. i felt as though i was improving and seeing signs of hope but since Thursday I have took a huge dip. Feeling really sad and hopeless, my intrusive thoughts are quite strong again and I just feel like my life is pointless because we will all die anyway. I'm really hoping that this is a case of 'worse before it gets better' with the dose increase but not sure. Wondering it anyone else has experienced anything like this or has any encouragement? I feel like i will never get better. Thank you in advance for any replies 😦
0 likes, 26 replies
c53732 Kay12321
Edited
hi Kay. l wonder if the increased dose has caused the dip. If you were doing ok on 50 l would consider asking your doctor to put you back to 50. l started on 25 for 2 weeks and have just done a week on 50, planning to stay on that dose. Some days l feel a little better and then I have a real dip. People say that this drug takes 5/6 weeks to settle and see results. l know it's not easy to keep going on bad days but l think it's worth giving it a go. l am hoping other people will reply to you as l am also looking for reassurance.
Kay12321 c53732
Posted
Hi! Thank you so much for your reply. I did feel a little bit better on 50 but nowhere near myself, my anxiety seems to have peaked the last few days, feel as though it is the increase causing this and hopefully it might level out soon. I was exactly the same as you, some days are good and some days are bad. It helps to reassure me when people tell me it takes a lot longer to kick in than you think. Keep going because we have to get through this, keep me updated and if you need to talk to anyone, I am here.
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
It's good to get your reply. l look at the forum daily and l do find it helps. The main thing has been people saying to give it a go as it does take time. However, the bad days are not easy to cope with. How is your appetite? I often don't feel like eating but do really try to eat sensibly, apparently carbohydrates are good. Good to be in touch.
Kay12321 c53732
Edited
Hi again, how are you? My appetite was non existent for the first two weeks but it has picked up now. It's just not as strong as it was, living off carbs at the minute because it's all I can stomach! I find my anxiety is a lot less in the evening.
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
yes do generally feel better in an evening. Have been quite tired today but have managed to eat small amounts throughout the day.
Kay12321 c53732
Posted
I think if you stick out the 50mg for another week or so your appetite will definitely come back. 25mg is very low so hopefully the 50 should really start to work for you! I have read that they can start to work after the first 2 weeks but in some cases you can't feel the full effects for around 8 weeks x
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
Thanks for this reassuring reply.l am not sure that the news is helping us all a the moment.
Kay12321 c53732
Posted
Agreed. I won't watch it because there's a lot of scare mongering. Seems to pop up everywhere though!
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
How are you doing today?
My day has been mixed, have probably felt a little better in myself but have taken a couple of 2mg diazapam for anxiety. My head feels heavy and although l feel tired my brain seems unable to slow down.
Am wondering if other people have this pressure in their head.
Kay12321 c53732
Posted
Still not feeling great tbh C, losing hope and my mind keeps telling me that this is me forever. It's so tiring when you're mind is racing 24/7! This dip has really hit me hard feel like i'm back at day 1 but trying to fight it and tell myself nothing lasts forever. I'm glad that you're having a better day! I definitely feel tired and the first two weeks i was yawning none stop! Yes it does cause like a pressure and dizzy feeling in your head, I find I'm jaw clenching a lot too.
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
hi Kay. l have the jaw clenching a lot as well. You are slightly ahead of me and have been taking higher doses but side effects seem similar. I have 2 friends who have been taking sertraline for a while and they both say to keep going, it took both of them 5/6 weeks to start to feel the benefit. l have a telephone appointment with my doctor tomorrow.
Keep going........
Kay12321 c53732
Posted
That's good to hear. How was your appetite today? Let me know about your phone appointment. I just want the intrusive thoughts to go away!
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
Re. appetite --- l never feel hungry but always manage to eat small amounts.
Fortunately l have a husband who cooks and l am able to manage something, do try because l seem to feel better once I've eaten. Will let you know what the doctor says.
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
just spoken to the doctor. She was reassuring and she gave me encouragement. She said that all people vary and that it does take time. Because l started on a low dose it may take longer as the changes would only have started when l upped the dose to 50 mg.
Having said that l don't feel good this morning but am hopeful that I will improve as the day goes on. How are you today?
Kay12321 c53732
Posted
I definitely agree with her, it will just take time. Sorry to hear you're not so good today, maybe try a nice walk and listen to some music? I'm okay. I don't feel as bad as I did yesterday but not happy either. It's the intrusive thoughts that really get me down. Been reading a lot today though and hearing good things about the 8 week mark. I've made a timeline since i was at my worst up intil now so I can notice any patterns, triggers and mainly any improvements i've made. Maybe try this for some reassurance?
c53732 Kay12321
Posted
That sounds like a good idea.l do keep a record of how l am each day and how l sleep at night, just had 3 bad nights which has made me more tired. Good to keep in touch and give each other reassurance. l'm not quite as good as yesterday but the doctor said that would happen.