Ive lost weight on sertraline ive

Hi Sarah. I've been on sertraline 5wks now. .was doing like you. .busying. .then suddenly went on a downer this week. .I had put on a couple of llbs . .then. .lost it again. .

Hi Ida,

Sertraline is said to be weight neutral but patients report weight gain more than loss over longer periods of time.

During the initial treatment there is often the side effect of GI upset so that would cause reduced appetite as would low mood when the treatment hadn’t reached full effect.

Initially I had no appetite and lost weight but now 4 months in and feeling better I think I’m eating more and have gained a few pounds.  My weight has always been 115-118 and now I’m 124lbs.  Not wanting to climb more than that but happy to be feeling better.

Best wishes to you!

Hi Tammy how are you doing 4months in? I’ve been on sertraline for 8weeks now and week 6/7 have been amazing but I had a panic attack on Friday and it’s knocked me 😔 feel like I’m back in square one, did you experience any of this? 

Hi Tammy. .thanku. .yes 1 was always round 8st. .now I've went down to 7st 4llbs. . It's worrying me as my appetite not good. .I just eat little and often at the time. .which isn't much. . I just wish this sickly feeling would subside and I'd WANT to enjoy my food again. .and get back 2 my normal weight. .God bless and thanku. .

Hi Leo,

I started sertraline for anxiety/panic triggered by work stress & burnout. Stopped working but at 8 weeks started a new job and all of the anxiety, panic, insomnia came flooding back.  I was at 100mg for 2 weeks at the time (8 weeks on treatment)

I went off work again and with the help of therapy, meditation, yoga, good friends, rest and no work stress I’m feeling good again.

I reduced the dose to 75mg 2 weeks ago.  I’m sleeping now, minimal anxiety and taking one day at a time.  Next week I may reduce to 50mg and stay there if it’s effective.

I really think it takes 4- 5 months duration of treatment to reach full therapeutic effect for most people.

Happy to no longer have the nasty side effects that came initially and with increases (insomnia, worsened anxiety, headaches, GI distress, fatigue).

I do still have a little morning fatigue so I’m hoping that resolves with reduced dose at 50mg.

Hope my report helps

Ida,  I make smoothies when my appetite isn’t great....you need the nutrition to get well.

My smoothie blend:

Loads of spinach (has magnesium to calm), vanilla protein powder, frozen dark berries, 1 banana) crushed flax seed ( has omega oils to help mood) and water or juice.  

Wishing you good health!

Thanku Tammy. .yea I would have glasses of milk and doc percribed me fortisip. .but i need my diazapam 2 take the edge off. .which he percribed 2. .I've to keep a diary of wot i eat for now. .was doing well. .then went downhill again. . Frustrating or wot. .thanks for now. .

I’m only on 50mg now and I’m going back to see my doctor tomorrow I’m hoping she doesn’t up my dosage because I suffered so bad with side effects In the beginning, did you suffer with side effects after upping your dose? What made you lower your dose if you don’t mind me asking? 

Yes I did suffer side effects but less and less with ea h increase.

I really think the higher dose made my insomnia and fatigue worse.  And going down from 100 to 75 helped so I think 50 will even be better.  I believe if I had stayed at 50mg’s- by 4 months I would have been fine.

Don’t rush with the increasing....stay at each dose the longer the better to give the drug time. 

Leo if u struggle with depressed mood with anxiety you may need a higher dose- 8 weeks in the side effect from increasing should be too bad but increase by 25mg increments if u can.

hi, i am just about to start on one a day,

50 mg for the first two weeks and then increasing too two tablets a day. i suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia and OVD. i am currently on mirtzapene and take 30 g at night for the past 5 years.

When i switch would you recommend taking in the am or pm? to start with?

Thank you

Thanku Leo. .it's so disheartening when u gain a little. . .and u think ur on ur way. .then the monster strikes again. .so tiring. . .has knocked me for six. . Let me know how it getting on. . . Take care

Yeah it’s so horrible it’s knocked me for six too, but the last few weeks have given me a bit of hope because I felt probably 85% back to my normal self, I’ve just had a bit of a blip and hopefully will get over it, take care and keep in touch 😊

Will do. .and thank you. .it's nice 2 get feedback. .Take care

Hi Leo. .how are you doing 2day.?. .I went back to doc this morning as I had a bad few days. . .He's still keeping on the sertraline. .but giving me an anti sickness aid in MEDICINE form. .so maybe my lack of not wanting 2 eat will pick up again. .please god

Hi Leo. .just wondering ur getting on. . I'm doing just below average I'd say. . Can eat more. .but the weight is at a standstill. . It's a rollercoaster 2 say the least. . God bless for now

Hi Ida I’m sorry I’ve only just seen this now, I’m doing really good my mood has lifted so much still have a little bit of anxiety in the mornings but getting out the house and keeping motivated is keeping me going! How long have you been on sertraline for now? 

Hi leo. .glad 2 hear ur feeling better. .like urself my anxiety is'nt good in the mornings. . My mood is lifting little by little. .which is giving me a bit of hope. . Been on 100mg sertraline 6wks now. . So im hanging in there.. . My motivation tho isnt so good. .but please god it will come bk with time. . Thankyou so much for ur msg. . Take care for now. . Keep in touch. . God bless

Don’t worry you will get better I promise, it just takes time, I was feeling great in week 4 but I had a dip in week 6 and thought I was going backwards but I’m feeling brilliant again now and everyday is just getting more and more easier, I no it’s so hard to get yourself up and out the house but it really does make you feel better, I set myself goals during the day.. just little things like putting a wash on and hanging it on the line outside going for a walk around the block etc, trust me I no it is hard but I promise you will get there, take care and keep in touch too

Thankyou leo. . Its great to know we're not alone in this dark place. . And baby steps it has 2 be. .and helps so much that folks like urself on this forum take the time to compare notes. .no matter how small. . Gods blessings for now. . .