Posted , 7 users are following.
I am on day 8 of sertraline and so far havent had any awful side effects. However, I have experienced the following, to varying levels:
* Tiredness
* Much more easily upset or irritable or angry
* Worry - worrying about side effects, constantly assessing and re-assessing how I am feeling.
Apart from the above nothing much has happened - good or bad. Not sure what I was expecting but very little has changed :-/
I am on 50mg.
0 likes, 51 replies
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Rhey e97070lle
Posted
I didn't want to take any medicine and wanted to try and manage it with diet, positive thought management and exercise. However, in the last 4months the anxiety has worryingly increased and become difficult to manage so I decided to ask for some help.
2hours after I took the first tablet (10.30am) I could feel it in my system. I realised that I had become very hyper and I felt like I was on amphetamines, quickened heart rate, dry mouth and not myself. After 4hours I alternated between intense anxiety, what have I done, I'm doomed feelings, to, everything is okay and it will all work out. These quickly alternating feelings continued through the afternoon evening with the addition of tiredness. I also woke at 3am, 4hours after going to sleep, which has been happening to me every night when my anxiety is bad, however I managed to go back to sleep after an hour or so.
I have read through the entire discussion and have found it very helpful and informative. I was wondering, considering my first day experience if this will quieten down and level out, also, I'm wondering if anyone has an opinion as to what time is best to take the sertraline to avoid the wierder feelings I have had as I start a new job on Monday.
james56727 Rhey
Posted
Setraline is a slow acting medication, it is extremely unlikely you will feel any noticeable difference within a few hours, in fact even within a few days.
It is probably your anxiety that is making you think about these effects. The more you think about it the more likely it is you will feel these effects.
Try to forget about this new routine of taking medication and focus on positive things that make you happy. Each time you find yourself thinking about the medication or feeling anxious choose to think about something positive. Keep doing it, however hard if may feel, the more you do it the more you will stop thinking about anxious thoughts.
You must be disciplined, and remember to conciously change your thought process. Anxiety is a bully, don't give into it, show it who's boss and dispel it from your life.
All the best
James.
Rhey james56727
Posted
i really appreciate your your informative and helpful advice and replies and I have put them into practice, and it really has helped.
thank you and all the best to you too
Rhey
james56727 Rhey
Posted
That's great news! Keep going and feel free to come back on here at any time and ask any question you want.
James
james56727 Rhey
Posted
how ow you getting on?
Rhey james56727
Posted
I'm finding everything a lot easier now however I have developed some side effects, perspiration is the most annoying but I don't believe it will prevent me from continuing with the sertraline.
The feelings I experienced on the first day have never returned though I should explain that I am very aware of my body and I like to stay healthy and completely in tune with my body as much as possible. 44 years old
Rhey james56727
Posted
Your advice and support have been greatly appreciated and I hope you have someone offering you the same James ☺️ Thanks again Rhey 😀
james56727 Rhey
Posted
James.
james56727 e97070lle
Posted
how you getting on?
e97070lle james56727
Posted
james56727 e97070lle
Posted
Keep going they should help, although ultimately it would be nice not to have to rely on medication, I hope to reduce or even come off Sertraline one day.
I struggled with getting other help for the same reason - work, but I did eventually go to some group sessions on how to overcome anxiety which did help a lot.
have you tried any self help books at all?
James.
e97070lle james56727
Posted
Not tried any self help books as a bit sceptical really! Wish I could afford a therapist! Have you had CBT? With me I hate being in a place or situation from which escApe would be impossible , difficult or embarrassing..
james56727 e97070lle
Posted
I completely understand, I used to feel exactly the same to the point where I would feel anxious about travelling. In fact there was a period of time when I wouldn't even have got on a plane or train because I was worried about being 'trapped'' in a confined space as well as being away from home.
These are very common feelings when you feel anxious. However the fact that you have actually gone away on holiday is a big positive because you are not giving into the anxiety. And simply having that experience of going away, feeling the anxiety, but getting through it will strengthen you. Other people with anxiety may never have made it away on holiday, or would have come home early and that would be the worst thing to do because they would have given into anxiety.
The group sessions I attended were based on CBT techniques and I also bought 'The Dummies Guide to CBT' which was helpful but only had one chapter on anxiety. For me anxiety is often caused by a lack of confidence or self esteem so I also looked at books that help to build confidence. A couple I really like are 'The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self-Confidence' by Dr Robert Anthony. And 'Unleash the Warrior Within' by Richard Machowicz.
Ultimatley the books and the course made me think much more practically about anxiety and really put everything into perspective. And that I actually choose if I feel anxious or not. It made me realise I am in control and I genuinely feel like I can switch anxiety off now.
enjoy your holiday
James.
e97070lle james56727
Posted
Jane
james56727 e97070lle
Posted
I didn't get claustrophobic feelings in a car but I did fear traveling long distances. My mum used to get panic attacks when driving, particularly at speed. Apparently anxiety runs in my family but I genuinely feel stronger having gone through anxiety and come through the other side.
good luck and feel free to ping me a message anytime.
james