Fatigue predominantly in the morning but lingers in the day too. Have you exierienced this?

Posted , 6 users are following.

I’ve been on sertraline a little over 3 months.  Worked up to 100mgs but it was too much.  I’ve reduced to 75mg, the anxiety is less but I still have that weird energy in my chest.  The dragging symptom I find so difficult is the fatigue, it’s so hard to get up on the morning and is really effecting my motivation.  It does linger through the day but never lifts.

I’m sleeping better, mood and anxiety are better too.  I’ve started socializing again and feel like myself - hadn’t socialized in a group since November Which was so unusual as I’m quite social.

I think I’ll reduce again to 50mg’s.

I’ve been at 75mg x 10 days.  It takes 5 days to wash out so I think the extra 25mg’s is gone ....so that means I’ve been at 75 for 5 days.  How long should I stay at 75 before reducing?

My GP trusts what I do- I plan to keep her informed.

Thanks for any advice smile

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    Thanks. I’ve only been prescribed Sertraline because of fatigue. Not low mood AT ALL.  Very unsure whether to start.  Do u want to put myself through all this pain and indecision?  
    • Posted

      Hi worried well,

      Hmm your GP must have though you were having depressive symptoms since fatigue is often associated, however you say your mood is fine so that’s bizarre.  Did u tell your GP that your mood is fine?

      Did he/she look for other indicators to explain the fatigue?  Ie labs for CBC, B12, ferritin, TSH???? Could be anemia, B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, hypothyroidism etc.... could even be sleep issues (apnea), or stress....

      I’m confused.....

      We know sertraline can cause REM disturbance in sleep often resulting in fatigue....I’ve NEVER heard of sertraline used to increase energy for so called “fatigue”....maybe I’m missing other details?

  • Posted

    Hi Tammy, I think you have been on if for the same amount of time as me, I still take 59mg and feel ok with it, I've started running again and don't think twice about going out anymore. I think that 50mg works well, for me anyway. I think that some doctors increase too quickly but if took me6 weeks in 50 mg to feel better xx

    • Posted

      I agree Kerry,  not to mention I’m 115 lbs- I find it odd that they don’t consider weight when considering the dosage.....I would think body weight would be a factor.

      I’m going down to 50mg for sure smile

    • Posted

      I'm about the same weight, my gp said that they don't take it in to a count but a man double my weight would Surely need more, that why she said to keep on 50mg for a bit longer xx

  • Posted

    Hi Tammy,

    I'm kind of similar. I have been on sertraline around 4 months, increasing to 75mg about 7 weeks ago.

    Felt like I was doing really well and getting back on a positive track until about a week ago when my anxiety seemed to come back with a bang and thoughts racing. I have CBT tomorrow so hopefully speaking with my therapist and then GP on Fri will help.

    I was thinking of increasing to 100mg. How did you know it was too much for you, was it by the side effects? I really worry about increasing but 50 to 75 wasn't too bad.

    It sounds like other than the fatigue your symptons are improving so that's positive. I've started a yoga class which is really good xx

    • Posted

      Hi Paula,  

      My dosing history:

      25 x 12 days

      50 x 5 weeks

      75 x 10 days

      100mg x 4 weeks

      75mg x 12 days now 

      I actually did fine on the 100mg other than the intense fatigue.  Since reducing the dose  back to 75, the fatigue has lifted a bit but not enough.  My gut tells me I don’t need that much.

      I started the Med for anxiety resulting from work stress- I actually had a burnout (stopped socializing, couldn’t sleep, mood dipped etc).

      I am taking a break from work, have an excellent therapist, lots of friends, husband that is slowly accepting my situation since he’s used a certain income (money worried) and to me being a go getter!   I’m now slowing down, I’ve learned to meditate and I go to yoga too.

      My gut just tells me that 50 will be enough.

      Xx all the best Tammy 

  • Posted

    Hi Tammy,

    I'm in a similar situation to yours. I got anxiety and panic issue because of accumulated stress and burnout at work. I've been on Sertraline for 4 weeks 50mg, then 1 week at 75mg. Also, cannot sleep well, morning fatigue, weird energy... I feel a but better in the evening.When I stayed at home for a couple of weeks I was getting definitely better. Now I am back to work and I can hardly manage. My doctor says I should continue working and take a decision to leave (or stay) when I am fine. My husband is also a bit worried about income  etc. Did you go CBT?  Do you plan to get back to work soon? 

    As for your question, for me it takes around 2 weeks to get the side effects settled after the dose is changed.

    • Posted

      Hi Alexandra,

      I did try a new job about a month ago and despite it being a healthy environment with great prospects all the symptoms I was experiencing came flooding back.  Didn’t sleep at all (was on sertraline 100 x 2 weeks), had difficulty focusing at work- so much new learning and I was completely overwhelmed - self doubt and anxiety was through the roof- by the 3rd day I had a panic attack during the night!  Back to the doctor and off work again.  

      My plan now is to simply focus on me for the first time in my life after 30years of working full time.

      I’m feeling more like myself now- this all started before Christmas.

      I expect I will eventually take on another job but it will be part time and less stress!  My friends have been so supportive -actually quite proud of me as is my therapist.  

      My Doctor seemed disappointed when the new job didn’t work out but I’ve let go of that.

      My advice would be for you to listen to your gut- you know what you need, no one else does!  Our heath has to come first.  Stress just burns out the adrenals and predisposes us to serious disease processes when our immune system is attacked.

      Take care of yourself first!  Nothing else matters.  Xx

  • Posted

    Wow, I like your positivity Tammy it makes a lot of sense. I also feel like I should stop trying to go to work and focus on myself, but I need money to live on. 
    • Posted

      Hi Sarah,

      I’m sorry that you are struggling with that.  I am fortunate in that there has been partial compensation through my benefit plan.  

      Be sure to focus on what you can control and that is self-care and surrounding yourself with positive energy smile

      Healing thoughts xx

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