Complete newbie to anxiety medication

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi all. I am 35 years old and 10 days ago was prescribed sertraline. I've always suffered with anxiety to varying degrees but never wanted to take medication. I am in counselling but not sure they are the right fit for me. she's quite judgemental! lol. I'm all for talking therapies etc and medication being a last resort however something happened recently that sent me spiralling into a depression. so felt I needed something and quickly as I just want to be happy and asap! I guess I'm looking for any advice on how this medication works? I've read up on it but I just can't imagine this little white pill making a huge difference? as surely it's about our thought? I tend to obsess about this and deeply overthink. it has caused many issues in new relationships and i just camt imagine myself ever being capable of having a relationship whilst I'm like this. I'm currently on 50mg a day. I have two young children and I work fulltime. any stories would be greatly appreciated. Tia x

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    sorry I meant to write I overthink and obsess about things in general. not just about this situation.

    • Posted

      I also had some psychotherapy did help but didn'T stop the thoughts. Also tried CBT which was useless. Like you was anti meds as meds caused this but got to the point couldn't cope I'm sure they will help!

  • Posted

    i started it about same time of you got anxiety & obsessive thoughts due to zopiclone withdrawal. Tried citalopram for couple months but did nothing and made hair fall out. From what other have said seems to take 4-6 weeks really start kicking in and think can take up to 3 months really start improving. Hopefully others will advise it's not a quick fix my anxiety wacked up at moment but think that's common in first couple weeks case you feel worse before you feel better. But seems help lot people but you have to be patient which I'm finding hard when feel awful at moment case sticking with it and it will start helping.

  • Posted

    thank you for your reply. I suppose I've just got to stick with it and see how it goes. I have an appointment with a psychotherapist on the 27th so I will see what they say x

    • Posted

      They do seem to help a lot of people but not a quick fix, I'm finding it hard as desperate to feel better but seems you have to be patient My friend took them for depression and really helped her. Good luck with the psychotherapy I found it really helpful, had to pay for it so unfortunately couldn't afford that many sessions but sure along with the meds will really help.

  • Posted

    Hi Rose! How long have you been taking Sertraline and how are you feeling?

    I've just finished the 2nd week on 50mg , I started to feel a bit better but I still unfit to work, I feel so down and depressed and weak. If I get out of bed I feel sick and dizzy as well so I spend most of my time in bed. Trying to force myself to have some walk but I is quite hard and makes me feel worse mostly.

    How is it going for you?

    Thank you

    Kind Regards,

    B

    • Posted

      I started 13 days ago. I'm a full time working single mum so I have no choice but to get up every day. I feel like my anxiety waivers throughout the day. I definitely feel tension in my jaw and feel a bit jittery sometimes. I have very negative thoughts about myself which I struggle to control. it doesn't take much to throw me off and feel crap about myself. I was going to sleep amazingly early when I first started taking them but last night I struggled to get to sleep and ended up going late. I just want to be happy. A very recent romantic rejection has left me feeling dreadful so I am trying to get over this also but it's hard. also with christmas coming up etc. feeling slightly overwhelmed.

    • Posted

      Hi Rose I've been on them 11 days had awful week last week, but depression has lifted a bit today so hopefully things will improve for you. It must be very hard coping with this on your own, I have awful negative thoughts as well but sertraline is recommended for OCD type symptoms so sure will eventually help us both. Keep posting let us know how you are doing , I drink chamomile tea in the evenings does sometimes help with sleep. It is hard but think it's early days for us both but sure things will improve.

    • Posted

      I might get some tea as I HATE not being able to sleep early. especially when I'm up so early. I used to be a night owl but now I have no romantic interest or anything I find if I cant sleep in the evenings my mind wanders and the negative thoughts creep in. I'm seeing a psychotherapist on 27th I also think I will change counsellors as mine makes me feel like crap. yes Lemanna, I will keep this updated. same to you. it seems you are really making an effort to feel better x

    • Posted

      No not so far,I had bad headaches to start with and anxiety was really bad last week but seems to be easing bit this week. Seems to be various side effects you can get. Previously on citalopram that made my hair fall out so had to switch!

    • Posted

      Good luck with psychotherapist, when I first took previous meds took them in morning but affected my sleep, so switched to the evening and it seemed to improve, doesn't sound logical I know!

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