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First week on sertaline 50mg

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jen_43754
jen_43754

First week on sertaline 50mg

I was instructed to take it at bedtime

The first few days nausea and stomach discomfort, loss of appetite and low energy. It has helped with my panic attacks so that's a plus.

Since Wednesday I've been having dizziness not the spinning kind but heavy head off balance drunk feeling kind, I try to pay it no mind and continue on. I've had my thyroid checked, my heart rate was an issue but it came out as sinus tacardiya.

Dizziness has always been an issue for me so I'm not sure if it's the sertaline or me constantly thinking about it although I'm not panicking I do worry that I'll faint or something. Daytime is the worst for me but by the night time I'm ok.

0 likes, 25 replies

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  • tracy74353
    tracy74353 jen_43754

    Posted

    Hi I wouldn't worry I also experienced these symptoms when first started on sertraline, they will ease, I also kept thinking I was going to faint with the panics but never have so just keep reminding yourself this, it will get better

  • lisa77100
    lisa77100 jen_43754

    Posted

    Hi Jen - first, the start up side effects are normal for all SSRI antidepressants. I had a lot of them when I started Sertaline. The first two weeks were hard the third got slightly better and then week five the anxiety was gone. I woke up without that terrible morning anxiety and I felt like me again. No more fear. I cautiously got back into my life because I still didn't know what to expect. But the medication gave me my life back. It was soooo hard to keep going each day, pushing myself, wanting to die, having meltdowns, trying to work a full time stressful job, just getting to the evening when I would feel better. But then the struggle to sleep would kick in. But once the medicine began to work my sleeps came back too. What you are going through right now are side effects of the medicine working and your heightened anxiety about what you are feeling. Do relaxation breathing, mediate on what is lovely to you, make yourself eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, talk to someone you trust with your scariest thoughts, and know you are not alone! We are all in this together. Brighter days and wellness are just a couple weeks away. Love, hugs and prayers!

    • jen_43754
      jen_43754 lisa77100

      Posted

      Thanks for feedback I'm trying to remain patient with this medication. Dizziness has always been an issue I can keep over thinking that my legs are going to give out or something. I'm trying to find a hobby to occupy my time

    • rich21763
      rich21763 lisa77100

      Posted

      Hi Lisa

      What dose are you on ? Just wondered , I'm on 50 and not sure if I should go higher

      Whereas a friend is on 20 ..., so 100 seems high

      Thanks

    • rich21763
      rich21763 jen_43754

      Posted

      Eating well is important too , it's easy to miss meals and I think this makes you feel worse

    • lisa77100
      lisa77100 rich21763

      Posted

      My doc wants me to stay at 50 because I am sensitive to medications. A psych doc told me they consider 100 mg a therapeutic level. But, as I personally learned, I did not need to go that high. Most people are different on how we react to medications. If you are not feeling well at 50 maybe you should talk to your doc about an increase.
    • rich21763
      rich21763 lisa77100

      Posted

      Thanks

      I've also had people saying leave it until week 6 to see if 50 is doing it for you , so 3 weeks to go

      Not eating all day doesn't help - much better after a few jelly babies !

      Cheers

    • lisa77100
      lisa77100 rich21763

      Posted

      rich, eating is hard because of the anxiety. I had to force myself to eat. I still am. It's great for weight loss but I would prefer some other way! Lol. Please eat something before you go to bed. That way you will wake up with enough energy to get through your morning. I found some high protein milk and drink that with half a deli meat sandwich. Even small amounts of food through the day is good. Feel better soon!

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