First day; headache. blurred vision

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hi, I started these tablets today (50mg) for health anxiety. Within a few hours I've started with a splitting headache, blurred vision and a numb feeling in my face. Considering I started taking these tablet to help me deal with obsessive thoughts about having a brain tumour these symptoms are driving me insane. Are these common side effects? Many thanks

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    I have blurred vision all the time because of it but I don't mind because I'm so much less anxious. It takes a week or so for your body to get used to it though! Hope you start seeing a difference soon!
  • Posted

    Hi Felicity,

    i dont remember having any side effects initially when I 1st started the tablets. They take a few weeks to get in to your system. I remember tiredness, where I was yawning a lot because I ended up changing from taking them in the mornings to taking at night. The tiredness was all that bothered me, I would say up until the last 6 mths and that's when the funny do's and feelings started, menopausal v sertraline. Maybe it was my body telling me time to come off them. Am surprised your doc did not give you beta blockers rather than anti d's, he must of had his reasons though. Read through the information leaflet and see if it mentions any of the effects you are feeling, if not think I would be tempted to ring doctors on Monday.  

    The tablets do mellow you, they don't make you buzz or anything. I just feel they masked emotion and kept me on a straight level, not up or down, just nothing bothered me the same. Was pressure at work that pushed me on to them. 

    Hope you get sorted soon Felicity. I would definitely be asking questions once I had read the information leaflet in packet if that does not give you the information you need.

    take care,

    julie

  • Posted

    Hi there

    just a few thoughts from a pharmacist if it helps...

    these are all common side effects, and you will feel worse before you feel better, but focus on feeling better - it will come! Your doctor should check on your response to sertraline every 2-4 weeks for the first 3 months, so make sure you ask him/her about this when you see them next. Remember don't drive if you are suffering from blurred vision, until it settles down. I know it's hard, but don't re-read the side effect list as you are more likely to 'get' a side effect if you anticipate it! Think of good things and do something you enjoy while the tablets take effect, rather than worrying about adverse effects (I know it's easier said than done though).  In less than 3 weeks you should start to feel better. Best of luck.

  • Posted

    Hang on in there felicity, it takes a while for your body to settle down after starting this medication. As Sarah says, "think good things and do something you enjoy" the time will soon pass and you'll start feeling better 😃
  • Posted

    Thank you all for getting back to me. I'm feeling much more optimistic about these tablets. I hope the side effects fade within the next 3 weeks.

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