As anybody successfully gone through the side effects of Sertraline?

Posted , 6 users are following.

I have been on Sertraline 50mg for 4 weeks and the side effects have been awful. Diarrhoea, heart palpitations, restlessness and worst of all a couple of panic attacks which I have never had before. On the plus side it is helping me with my issues. Don't know what to do, can anybody advise? I can either cut down to 25mg to see if that helps or stay as I am hoping that the side effects get better. 

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi tony did doctor not give you anything else to take edge of when having panick attacks i take propanalol
    • Posted

      Hi Lorraine, 

      I have never had a panic attack before, the medication brought it on. We was hoping it would be a one off so she never gave me anything to combat it. I would rather come off this medication than take something else to control the panic attacks as I had never had them before I took Sertraline.

  • Posted

    Hi Tony, They're similar effects I had on 75ml and Dr dropped me down to 50ml and I took that dosage successfully. I am very sensitive to any meds, hence my low dose. Maybe that's all you need. Ask your Dr first. Best of Luck

  • Posted

    Hi Tony,

    I am also on fourth week, you just pretty much described me. The only difference is that these occurred about week 2-3. I still get where I feel like an anxiety attack is coming but doesn't. I also take 50. Talk to your doctor for something to take edge off, I take Ativan. Good luck,

    • Posted

      Hi Brenda,

      Thanks for your response. I had a panic attack on week 2. Last night I managed to control an oncoming panic attack but don't know how much longer I can put up with it. My panic attacks have been brought on by Sertraline so rather than get something else to combat them I would rather give up on them. I had no problems getting to sleep before having Sertraline.  I will give Sertraline another month and see if the panic attacks go. Thank you.

  • Posted

    Hi Tony, 

    First weeks were awful for me, heart palpitations choking back pain no apetite etc. 2 months later most of them are gone but palpitations not. So I had to lower the dosage but nothing changedsad then switched to another medicine with less side effects. 

    • Posted

      Edit: it helped to my panic attacks by the way. I was energetic happy and concantrated. I wish I could go with itsad
  • Posted

    Hey Tony! I’m on week 4/5 too and this last few days have been hell unfortunately, I’m only taking 25mg and I feel dizzy, bad stomach, trouble with balance, occasional tinnitus, numbness of hands and mouth😞This evening I feel like I’m gasping for breath and my heart is beating so fast but nothing I’m trying is helping me calm down. I’m gonna give it another couple of weeks too because it has helped me with my worries. Good luck with your journey pal x

    • Posted

      Hi Belle,

      I was only on 25mg for a week after coming off another tablet and I am now on 50mg. Like you I suffer from breathlessness in the evening and have found that the best way to stop it is deep breaths. It can make you feel claustrophobic and panicky I have found. If you can try and see it through for another 4 weeks as like me it as helped you with your issues. Good luck and please let me know how you get on. 

    • Posted

      Hey Tony! I’ve got a doctors app for this afternoon so I’m leaving work only, I’ll let you know how it goes and see if I can offer any advice from the GP for us both😊x

    • Posted

      Hi Belle,

      Wondered if you have had your GP appointment yet. I am off work this week and took the chance to see my GP this morning. I could not handle the side effects of Sertraline any longer and she has put me on Citalopram 10mg, start tomorrow. Hope you get things sorted. 

  • Posted

    Hi Tony

    I would definitely go back to your doctor. Mine prescribed me propranolol to "take the edge off the side effects" and I really think it's working. Not perfect but better.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.