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Increased anxiety when going from 25mg to 50mg of Sertraline

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natalie71566
natalie71566

Hi all. I’m still getting the hang of this site, so I posted this to the general boards. But am happy to see there is a specific Sertraline board.

I started having very bad anxiety about 2 months ago. My doctor prescribed Sertraline. He wanted me to take 25mg for a week, then up dose to 50mg. I started feeling better and just stayed on the 25mg for a five weeks (with doctor’s approval). Then I started having anxiety thoughts again, and felt a weight hanging around me from time to time. So, doctor and I decided to go ahead an up the Sertraline to 50mg. The first week was fine, a little dizziness. But over the last 9 days, the anxiety has started to creep back. Today was the worst (16 days since going to 50mg). So many thoughts circling, I’m really unable to control them. All I want to do is sleep and find it hard to even do the simplest things like eat or do the dishes. Is this normal? Is this the anxiety returning before it gets better? Do you think it means that Sertraline isn’t working for me? Thank you for your support and guidance.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • lisa64762
    lisa64762 natalie71566

    Posted

    Hey Natalie,

    Unfortunately this is normal sad. I’ve been dealing with the terrible thoughts of anxiety as well. It can take up to 8 weeks for the medication to take full effect - even if it’s just an increase. My suggestion is talk to your GP about getting some additional medication you can take when the anxiety is bad (Ativan, Xanax etc).. it will help while you go through this transition. It’s tough, but you can do this! 

    • natalie71566
      natalie71566 lisa64762

      Posted

      Thanks for the response. It is so helpful to know there are other people in the same boat. Sounds like I just need to give it more time. I am sorry you’re suffering. How long have you been taking your current dose of Sertraline? My GP prescribed Ativan, and I took it when I first started having extreme anxiety a couple of months ago. But, it didn’t seem to last that long and it made me quite dizzy and lethargic. I’m definitely in a different place now... bad anxiety, but not shaking with panic attacks. So maybe the Ativan would be helpful.
    • lisa64762
      lisa64762 natalie71566

      Posted

      It really isn’t helpful talking to people going through the same thing - at least you’re not alone and you know it gets better! I was prescribed Ativan too and I didn’t take it when my panic attacks were bad either... but now that it’s mostly just the anxiety thoughts I find it helps, especially with being able to sleep through the night. I’ve been on my current dose for 8 weeks now, but I was previously on Setraline for 2 years, so I’m thinking that’s why it’s taking a bit longer to even out for me. But for people newly on it you should be feeling a lot different by the 8 week mark! I know it’s hard, especially battling your own mind everyday... but once the benefits kick in, it’ll be worth it
  • natalie71566
    natalie71566

    Posted

    Update! I’ve been feeling better in the evenings for the past few days, but the working days have been rough. I went to see a psychiatrist today and it was incredibly helpful. She said my GP was wrong, but that increased anxiety before SSRI’s kick in is very typical and likely what I’m experiencing. She doesn’t think Sertraline is for me, and is switching me over to Citalopram (Celexa) and Buspirone (Buspar). She said I have a head start because I’ve been taking Sertraline, but that the next two weeks will likely be rough. It’s at least nice to know a time frame. She also said she hated Ativan, and prescribed Propranolol (actually a blood pressure med) to take while the Citalopram is taking effect. Thanks everyone for your help. I hope you’re all finding some relief now. It’s so nice to hear from a professional that this WILL GET BETTER.
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