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Just how long does it take?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Blu02
Blu02

I've been on 50mg Sertraline for 17 days now with minimal improvement to my depression or anxiety and many horrific side effects!

I'm managing to hold off the panic attacks with propanalol (2 x 40mgs daily) but not able to get much sleep even though I take 3.75mg of Zopiclone before bedtime.

The Doctor said it can take 2 - 4 weeks to kick in but I keep reading it can take a lot longer, 8 to 12 weeks in some cases with the possible need to increase the dose to 100mg, 150mg and sometimes 200mg!

At what point, if no benefits are felt, do we decide to change to a different tablet, or do we press on hoping things will improve soon?

Any advice would be helpful, thanks.

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • leanne1480
    leanne1480 Blu02

    Posted

    Hi 

    I'm sorry to hear you are not doing good . Im currently in the same situation as you but I'm on my 11 wik and struggling , not knowing what to do to increase or just come off them 

    • Blu02
      Blu02 leanne1480

      Posted

      Hi Leanne, I was so sad to read that after 11 weeks you're still not good, it was your post that prompted mine. I'm hoping after I've been on them 11 weeks there will be a marked improvement.

      Sounds to me like you need to change something, either dose or tablet...

    • leanne1480
      leanne1480 Blu02

      Posted

      Thanks for reply , I really don't no what to do . I don't want to carry on like this I've been off work now 9 wks and I'm bothered bout losing my job so that really isn't helping me 
    • Blu02
      Blu02 leanne1480

      Posted

      Well Leanne, you really need to do something... the doctors will only be around for the next couple of days, better to see one before Christmas or you'll need to wait until Monday 29th. There must be something they can give you to help!!
  • rstep04
    rstep04 Blu02

    Posted

    I've been on 50mg for 17 days too with no improvement for anxiety either and feeling very ill but it could be because of the regular intake of diazapam daily for 6 - 8 weeks only 2mg daily but I am going to come of it I took the beta blockers before but it made my hair fall out I'm at the end of my tether keep trying different AD to no avail I'm sorry im no help to you but would love to know if your improving as I'm thinking of upping my dose to 75mg
    • Blu02
      Blu02 rstep04

      Posted

      Hi rstep, can't say there's much if any improvement at the moment, still trying to combat the side effects that have made me feel worse!

      As everyone keeps saying "stick with it" for how long I'm not sure!

  • lee99674
    lee99674 Blu02

    Posted

    yes, it does usually take 4 to 8 to 12 weeks before you notice a difference and after after than should up the dose if no improvement.  Once you are on the correct dosage you should feel a lot better.  

     I went from 25 mgs and gradually to 150 mgs but no more than that.  I have a feeling looking back that I would have been okay on 100 mgs....

    Dont worry you are not alone, and you will feel better once the correct dosage. 

    Sertraline is one of the better ones.  Having said that it is too bad that we have to take any of these SSRIs. 

    Stick around and stay strong.....

    Love

    Lee

    xxx

    • Blu02
      Blu02 lee99674

      Posted

      Thanks for the encouragement Lee, much appreciated..
    • rooney_10
      rooney_10 lee99674

      Posted

      Hello Lee I am on 5 weeks and 4 days on 50 mg but still no improvement  any advice 
    • lee99674
      lee99674 rooney_10

      Posted

      Hang on Rooney....takes a good 4, 8, 12 weeks before it kicks in ....then if need be up the dosage .  You be okay dont worry....the first few weeks taking this stuff is the hardest.....Look fear straight in the face Roonie let fear me afraid of you.  Fear loves us you know....just tell it where to go

      Stay well, be strong and keep a song in your heart and I will too

      Love

      Lee xx

    • rooney_10
      rooney_10 lee99674

      Posted

      Thank you for your advice Lee so you are suggesting I should increase my 50 mg dose after 8 weeks 
    • lee99674
      lee99674 rooney_10

      Posted

      No I mean let it kick in it could take 4 to 12 weeks if not any better than ask to doctor to up the dose...

      If happy little bluebirds fly

      Beyond the rainbow

      So can      you.......and......I.....smile

      Love

      Leexx

    • rooney_10
      rooney_10 lee99674

      Posted

      Thank you Lee one more question  you have been sertraline  in which mg and how many does it take to feel better because I heard some people saying in this forum that you should continue  with the same dose for 8 weeks ..so when did you feel 50 or 60 percent better in which week and on which mg
    • rooney_10
      rooney_10

      Posted

      How much better you are when you have started sertraline 
    • lee99674
      lee99674 rooney_10

      Posted

      Rooney every single one of us is different....Sertraline will kick in at different times for each of us....but round figure is about 4 to 12 weeks....and if you dont feel any better on the dosage that you are taking then tell your doctor and he will u the dosage...and again you wait...it still not better he will up the dosage again until you are stable.

      I went up as high as 150 mgs and that is where I stayed for 9 years....

      So we are all different....just hang in there and wait to see how you feel.  Please keep us posted Roonie...dont despair...you will be just fine....

      Keep a song in your heart and I will too...

      Love

      Lee

      xxx

       

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