anxious about sertraline, need advice

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hello,I'm 18 and I went to see my GP today regarding my anxiety and occasional depressive feelings. She prescribed me 50mg of sertraline. I've read that they can cause unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness and shaking. I'm terrified of taking them because I'm not sure i can cope with the side effects.

Do they work? Should I start taking them? One more question; do any of you know if it's safe to take sertraline and propranalol (beta blockers) at the same time?

Thank you smile

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi JGoodman,  I've been on the same dose now for 29 days and only had 1 day with a very bad headache and everything else has been fine. But I think they're only just starting to work. They can take up to 6 weeks to feel the full benefit, so I would recommend taking them.

    I don't know about the propranolol but recommend you ask the chemist about that.

    Hope you start to feel better quick and don't have any side effects. 

    I take mine in the morning if that helps.

    All the best, Rag

    • Posted

      Hey, thanks for your reply. I've decided I'm going to start taking them on Monday.I hope I only experience a few side effects like you.

      I've inquired about the beta blockers and it's safe for me to take them with sertraline smile

      Oh and I'm glad they're starting to work for you smile

    • Posted

      hay u will be ok but remember they do take a while to kick in, ive been on them 7 weeks now and getting the full benefit at 1st they relaxed me now i have lots of engry ..goodluck
  • Posted

    Hi JGoodman..I would definitely recommend you take them.  I never had shaking or dizziness once they started to work but you do have to give them 4-6 weeks so don't give up before that thinking they are no good. Everyone reacts  differently to meds but if u start them & aren't happy speak to your gp..DON'T just stop taking them suddenly or u will definitely feel the effects of that. I do get really bad sweating which may or may not b a side-effect of sertraline. I also take propranalol (Inderil) & my gp said it was fine to take both..I have been doing so for over a year with no problem. Let us know how u are getting on..if u do get any side effects they would more than likely settle down after few weeks when your body adjusts to it. I'm not a medical professional so these are only my personal opinions!!
    • Posted

      Hello cherry thanks for your reply, I appreciate your advice smile I've decided to start taking them on Monday. I've concluded that the overall benefits of the medication in the long term will compensate for any side effects I experience at the beginning smile

      thanks again for your reply, it helped a lot

  • Posted

    hi ive been on them for 7 weeks take them.. really good AD x
    • Posted

      Hello Julie (: I'm going to start taking them Monday, thanks for your reply x
  • Posted

    Hi jgoodman.   There are a range of side effects but thats not to say you will get any of them  as with all meds everyone reacts differently  I have been on 50mg for 10weeks and did get diarrhea  but nothing else   Like you i was suffering with depression caused by my anxiety  but I now am feelingl the benefits of sertraline. I am a lot less anxious  and starting to look forward to things   negative thoughts are also going  so just to repeat what others are saying  stick with it  they will work a nd if you do experience any side effects  they will go once the meds have kicked in  Try not to worry but see your gp if you feel you are not coping with them   Good luck!
    • Posted

      Hey Kathy, thanks for your replysmile. I've decided I'm going to start taking them on Monday. If I get side effects then I'll accept them as they come. I understand that that the medication will help me. I'm glad you are experiencing benefits from them smile and I hope I will too

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