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Hang in there! I’m so much better!

Posted , 6 users are following.

bethany69432
bethany69432

Hi everyone, a few months ago i was absolutely crippled with anxiety and panic (literally bed bound) it was the worst time of my life and I was desperately using these forums for hope!

I was put on 50mg of sertraline and the first few weeks were horrendous, my anxiety was actually worse which i didnt even think was possible but i waited it out and got through the side effects. Its been a long and hard journey with good days and some very bad days but as the weeks have gone on they have become easier to manage.

I am starting week 15 tomorrow and although i am not 100% myself yet, I am so so much better than I was when i started and each week continues to get better!

I wanted to share this as I heard so many people including my own doctor saying i would feel okay again after a few weeks but after doing my own research and speaking to so many people using this medication it can take a VERY long time to level, and with each dose increase you are starting the side effects all over again.. give each dose between 12-16 weeks to fully level. I have spoken to people who have taken 6-7 months to level properly but trust me its so worth it just hang in there and know there is a light at the end of the tunnel even if it doesnt feel like it now!

5 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • robbie86846
    robbie86846 bethany69432

    Posted

    Hi,

    I have been on sertraline since April starting on 50mg then to 100mg and just recently moved up to 150mg. My anxiety has gotten a little worse but I am putting it down to the increase. Just hope I can turn the corner again to feeling better and not waking up anxious.

    • bethany69432
      bethany69432 robbie86846

      Posted

      Hi, hope youre feeling better! Give each dose 12-16 weeks to level and dont feel disheartened if youre still experiencing bad days right up until that point its totally normal and you will get there! Good luck x

  • luke24672
    luke24672 bethany69432

    Posted

    hi i am 4 weeks 5 days in on 50mg i have so my ups and downs i had 12 good days at about week 3 then bang it just come back was like that for 5 days then 3 days of all over the place feeling ok for a few hours then bad for hours , im just hoping if i keep going it will pick up again ? can you relate the this ? thanks for posting

  • Bee1010
    Bee1010 bethany69432

    Edited

    So needed to hear this today! I was on sertaline 3 years ago then weaned off (with supervision from my doctor) in July, I thought I was ready but I have since found out that I wasn't. Here I am only a few months down the line starting sertraline back up again. I forgot how awful the side effects are when you start up 😦 I only took my 1st one yesterday & today has been so hard. Reading your post has made me hopeful again & I pray that it works as well for me this time as it did last time. So glad to hear you are doing much better! Thank you for sharing x

  • danielle98773
    danielle98773 bethany69432

    Edited

    Hi Bethany, I'm on week 5, upped my dose to 125mg yesterday, i really hope they help as its so hard to keep going, i wake up everyday hoping i'll feel better! I feel so tired, no enthusiasm, just feel lost really! Ive got cbt on the 13th December, have you tried therapy? thanks for your post it does give hope! x

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