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5th Week of Sertraline and need help ..PLEASE :(

Posted , 7 users are following.

Adam37uk
Adam37uk

Hi, New here and 1st post

quick back ground of myself. I've been suffering with Health Anxiety for the last 6/7yrs, got really bad 4yrs ago when i was convinced i had Bowel Cancer (still do) got told i had IBS, kinda just got on with it until the last few months.

My Doctor placed me on 50mg Sertraline then after 2 weeks upped to 100mg, problem is my anxiety is sky high, my BM are all over the placed and im waking up at 4/5am every day!

i was hoping that by the 5th Week side effects would be gone [sad]

Has moving up to 100mg caused this? should i think of this as Week 3 of Sertraline not week 5?

I feel so low at the moment and hope someone can shed some positive light on this

Thank you

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • david84938
    david84938 Adam37uk

    Posted

    Dear Adam 

    I started on 50mg like you to start with for a good two months before was increased to 100mg 

    Like you I must say I had horrible side effects for a good 6 plus weeks before things settled . Indeed I would say I'm not sure what to have expected except they have stopped me having fight or flight reaction but I am still fixated with poor body and image fears that have in all honesty have been with me since I was 18 ( I am now 56 ) . Do stick with it perhaps keep a diary I found taking my meds in the morning rather than evening helped but got to say nearly 1 year on and albeit early stages of counselling therapy I feel worthless and empty inside . I still fear everything and yet on paper I have everything which makes me feel a fraud and waste of space . So what I say Adam is stick with your meds but do seek counselling when you feel able and try not to overthink and anaylize as it's the small steps and not being so hard on yourself I hope will make me a happier and stronger person. Take care David

  • matt00881
    matt00881 Adam37uk

    Posted

    Sorry to hear that Adam.  As you know, it takes up to 6 weeks to stabilize after each dosage change.  Yes - you are back to week 3 again unfortunately.  You just have to be patient, and take note of the gradual improvements over time.  These forums are fantastic as there are lots of positive accounts - sadly SSRI are not magic.  Get well soon smile
    • Adam37uk
      Adam37uk matt00881

      Posted

      Have you been told that when u up a dose its like going back to day 1 by a Dr? 
  • sarah40069
    sarah40069 Adam37uk

    Posted

    With any increase you can get the side effects again. I’ve just gone from 100 to 125mg 2 weeks ago. I’ve had increased anxiety and depression and have just started to feel better the last couple of days. Now I’ve got to go through it all again going up to 150mg, what fun! I’m hoping by Christmas I’ll be starting to feel better. It is a slow acting drug Sertraline and difficult at the beginning, but it does make a difference with a lot of people once it settles into your system. Hang in there, it will get better. 
  • stacey91047
    stacey91047 Adam37uk

    Posted

    Hi Adam, sorry to hear you're going through a difficult time... 

    I started sertraline a couple of years ago following a bout of panic attacks and increased anxiety (mainly over health - my own and my children) I started straight on 50mg. Side effects were horrific but within a couple of months I felt great! I felt like I'd got my life back. I came off them when I was expecting and felt I didn't need them anymore until recently when it has risen it's ugly head again. This time I've started on 25mg hoping that would be enough and I've had a lot of better days but still not quite to where I want to be so thinking of upping them to 50mg. Everyone is different in regards to dosage etc but like I say in the past they really worked for me so I'd advise sticking with them... feelings of sadness don't actually decrease until between weeks 7&8 so you still have a couple to go but before you know it you will realise you've had a 'good day'... then eventually you will have more good ones than bad ones... good luck! 

    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 stacey91047

      Posted

      Hi Stacey,

      My name is also Stacey.  I have same issues at Adam.  On week 5 at 100mg, 3 weeks at this dose, and I thought I was doing better yesterday, today back to the anxiety depression, insomnia, no appetite, etc.  It’s very hard, I hope it gets better.  Dr wants me up to 200, so up 2 more times, not thrilled with side effects, but trying to hang in there.  Glad you are doing better.

    • stacey91047
      stacey91047 Stacey29819

      Posted

      Sorry Stacey... I've only just seen your comment! How are you feeling this week? 

      I didn't up mine in the end last week, I just felt too poorly and wasn't ready for it, plus we're away this weekend so I really don't want to spoil it with side effects so I will try again next Tuesday. They are just the worst aren't they but I know from the past it's definitely worth it! Hope you're feeling better this week! Stacey 

    • Stacey29819
      Stacey29819 stacey91047

      Posted

      Hi Stacey,

      Week 4 and 5 were bad.  I just started week 6, yesterday which was better.   I didn’t have to take a 1/2 of Xanax.  Today I feel jittery again, not as bad but not great.  I see the Dr on Friday.  He says if the side effects aren’t better he wants to change to something else.  It will be just about 6 weeks when I see him.  I also have a trip to go on, but I don’t think I will be going if I don’t feel better.

  • Stacey29819
    Stacey29819 Adam37uk

    Posted

    Adam,

    I’m also on week 5, same with 50 mg, now on 100 mg, for 2 weeks and having same problem.  I have had a good day here or there, but today back to the depression and anxiety, stomach upset, and no appetite. 

    Stacey 

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