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Halfway through Week 5 - Anxiety, Periods and Alcohol

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sophie38891
sophie38891

Hi Everyone,

I'm just over halfway through my 5th week on 50mg of Sertraline, with a GP review looming on Friday. I have found these forums SO helpful over the last month and wanted to share my experience to see if they were common or could help someone else in the future.

My first two weeks were unusual. The first two days I was bouncing off the walls with energy, but tended to space out in the evenings. I felt very sick and haven't had much of an appetite so I lost noticeable weight (a good side affect in my case as I was a little overweight), which unfortunately caused me to have a couple of wobbles. Once I could keep something down I perked up.

week 3 I was feeling much better but my mood has completely crashed the last two weeks. It is the most frustrating rollercoaster and I was tempted to get off. i haven't and am determined to persevere as I've been told it gets easier.

Sorry for TMI - When I first started the meds, my period came over a week early. I've noticed that my mood/anxiety intensifies every two weeks inline with ovulation and my period. I know PMS, but I've never noticed these extreme trends before sertraline. Am I just mixing up the two or has anyone else experienced this

On another note I avoided alcohol as I felt so sick, but this last weekend as it was sunny I did go out for drinks with a friend. For me, it didn't go down well. The two days following my anxiety has hit the roof and I feel like I'm back to square one. Serves me right as the timing is shocking.

So that's me! Hoping that I'll feel some relief soon and wishing everyone all the best on their sertraline journey. If anyone has felt similar please do let me know, feeling very lonely about it all. At least I've not cried since the first dose....small victories?

Again the message boards have been a godsend, so thank you to everyone.

Soph x

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • andrew83432
    andrew83432 sophie38891

    Posted

    hi sophie im on week 8 50mg iv really struggled but this last 4 days iv felt really good almost back to normal (dont want to jinx myself) just hope it continues , reading what everyone says its a really long process n few are better in the 4-6 weeks my dr told me

    • sophie38891
      sophie38891 andrew83432

      Posted

      Hi Andrew,

      Thank you for your reply and I'm glad to hear you are feeling better, I hope that continues 😃

  • Sphyd
    Sphyd sophie38891

    Posted

    hi i definitely noticed some disruption to my menstrual cycle - I'm pretty sure drs would say thats not possible but it happened when i went on it and when i adjusted my dose. Also for me alcohol was a disaster. it eent to my head very quickly and I'd feel low and anxious for a couple of days after. It doesnt happen to everyone - I took Duloxetine before and that seemed ok with the odd glass of wine but not Sertraline. Hope that helps - these things do settle down but I'm afraid I very rarely drink now. But that's probably a good thing!

    • sophie38891
      sophie38891 Sphyd

      Posted

      Hi Sphyd,

      That really helps - thank you!

      Yesterday was awful and I had convinced myself that I'd undone 5 weeks of the drugs working. Anxiety topped with a large dose of guilt. Knocking alcohol on the head is definitely a good thing for me.

      I hope you're doing well and thank you for taking the time to reply.

    • Sphyd
      Sphyd sophie38891

      Posted

      Don't blame yourself. Wanting to have a drink is natural - when I've had a rough day i still sometimes find it difficult to resist a glass of wine. Even though it may make me feel fairly awful the next day. And at least you know what caused it. Most people thank goodness don't know what it feels like to be inside an experience like yours. It's tough so feel proud that you're putting one foot in front of another. 😃

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