Help! Sertraline for 4 weeks...

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hi all, 

I’m in need of some serious reassurance.

I have been taking 50mg for a month. The first 2 weeks were horrendous and ended up having to go home to my parents and be babied by them.

The third week, although constantly checking my mood, I had some relief.

However, this 4th week, the anxiety is not too bad but the depression has returned in full force.

I guess I would love to know your stories and wether this is normal.

It is such an isolating illness.

Thank you,

Ella

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Yes it sounds totally (unfortunately) normal. What are you doing to get your mind off your mind? When I was in the first horrendous six weeks of Sertraline I took up yoga, saw a therapist, took a pottery class, ....anything to try to help myself feel better. At the 8-9 we mark I turned a corner and suddenly wasn’t obsessing about how I was feeling every second of the day. It is true that although the anxiety may quiet down the depression can get louder. Keep on going along and you will get there I promise. I started Sertraline 10/21/17 and I have felt great for a while now. It all levels out and you become you again. All my best.
    • Posted

      Hi Heather,

      I really appreciate this, thank you!

      I have joined the gym and been going to classes which I have seen some benefit from.

      However, as I am a student I have a lot of free time (half term) at the moment. This defiantly doesn’t help. 

      Worried I’ll be like this forever. I know that is just the depression talking. It just feels very real.

      Thanks, 

      Ella

  • Posted

    I'm in the same boat. I am going into week 6 and having similar problems. I, like many on here, have had to take some anti anxiety meds to help cope. At the moment I tend to have a reasonable day followed by a shocker. I'm persevering though given most people on here say it's worth it in the end. You're so right about it being isolating, you feel too bad to get out and do the things you enjoy, a vicious circle. Keep strong & we'll all get through this.

    • Posted

      Hi Lawrence,

       Thank you for the reply! We are all going through this together.

      Do you have both depression and anxiety? My anxiety has calmed but this almost makes it worse as I don’t get anxious when I have negative thoughts making me worry that I truly feel them rather than just being anxious I will. If this makes sense.

      Thanks! Hope you feel better soon!

      Ella

    • Posted

      I do have depression and anxiety, yes. At the moment the meds are making both worse. I see you're managing to get to the gym - that's brilliant. I'd love to go to the gym, but I just feel too rough at the moment. Another vicious circle! Keep battling, & keep giving updates.

    • Posted

      Hi Lawrence,

      How are you feeling today?

      I’m still not feeling too good but slept!

      Ella 

    • Posted

      Hi Ella,

      Good to hear you slept. Sadly I woke up at 0330 this morning. As if the days aren't long enough when like this! I think the insomnia is the thing I hate the most. Still, I had a doctors appointment this morning, & it was good to talk about it, so felt better for that. She was surprised I was still having side effects 6 weeks in, but these forums have shown me that's very common.

      Let's keep strong!

    • Posted

      Hi Lawrence, 

      Sorry to hear you didn’t sleep! Let’s hope for a better night tonight. 

      I’m glad talking to your doctor helped, did you up your dose or remain the same?

      Ella x

  • Posted

    Hi Ella,

    Are you on any other medication?

    I’m finishing up week 2 right now and my major symptoms seem to have subsided. The insomnia isn’t nearly as bad and the anxiety attacks/depression waves I do get don’t seem nearly as bad because I’m able to control my thoughts a little bit better and confront my problems as opposed to that instantly run away feeling. I think that’s something we have to exercise early on with this medication so as we feel better our will gets stronger. However, I’m also the kinda person that has severely sprained every bone in his body on different occasions and refused to go to the doctor. I am worried that this feeling small feeing of relief is temporary since it’s still early on. Keep us updated. Feel better.

    • Posted

      Hi Coolhandnico,

      My insomnia and appetite returned after 2 weeks and I was having good and bad days. I was able to leave the house. However, I appear to have gone backwards a little. apparently this is normal and at least we both had some effect! I may need to go up or wait it out longer. Will keep you informed. My anxiety is reduced, it’s just the lingering depression and horrible instructive thoughts. 

      Thanks,

      Ella

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