Just started 25mg...

Posted , 6 users are following.

Hi there,

I've recently started, about 10 days ago, on Sertraline 25mg. Have suffered from health anxiety for a while but its got to the point where I need something to get out the 'fog'.

I was ok for the first couple of days but then it hit me and couldn't get out of bed feeling very anxious.

I then had two really good days and then the past two I feel like I've gone back two steps. Have this weird sensation in my tummy constantly like I'm about to go over a hill in a car. My mood feels really low and can't seem to get interested in anything apart from tensing up.

I take it in the evening before I go to bed and wake up sweating and shaking. Not suffered with not sleeping, is it worth changing to take in the morning?

Is all this normal? Feels like I'm never going to feel my old self again 😦

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi there and good on you for going on the meds! I too suffered with health anxiety and I was terrified of taking Sertraline but I'm so glad I did. Your side effects sound very normal so try not to worry, I had side effects and increased anxiety for around 6-8 weeks but it really does get better. Personally I would continue taking it at night but it depends on your routine, my side effects peaked a few hours after taking the tablet so I preferred to take it at night rather than the morning when I had to go to work. Good luck 😊

    • Posted

      Thank you for replying 😃

      I feel like I'm all over the place and as you know health anxiety every little things sets me off at the moment. I keep thinking is this a side effect or something else?

      I'm signed off at the moment because I can't concentrate. Hoping there is light at the ens of the tunnel and it'll be worth short term pain for long term gain!

  • Posted

    Hi AB, with regards to side effects they will vary in symptom and duration, I know its hard when you have health anxiety but try telling yourself it just the meds, if it was something wrong it would stay longer and get worse this helped me and if you can do it should help you, deep breath, relax and say its only the meds I will be ok. it is early days for you but hang on in there it will get better and you will see improvement

  • Posted

    Dear AB1308,

    First, let me say I am sorry that you are struggling with your health. I tried Sertraline 25mg two months ago. I asked doc if I could stop after four days of feeling the worst I'd ever felt and he agreed to that.

    You said you wish you could feel like your old self again. I had that same thought. The only way that could happen was to get away from the drug! My suggestion is to ask your doc how to get away from Sertraline. At times I still feel anxiety but I can deal with it. I could not deal with a substance in my body trying to change my brain and telling me how to feel. My story might not be the answer you want. Only you know what you want to do. Only you know how you feel.

    Good luck. Please take care.

    • Posted

      I had tried it like you for a couple of days and gave up. This time I've got to the point where I feel I can't do it myself and need something to help me. I'm also doing therapy but it's still early days. My anxiety worsened over Xmas so it's got to the point where I've got to give this a try I guess.

      Thanks for replying 😃

    • Posted

      I admire you for sticking to what works best for you!

      Bless you.

    • Posted

      can i ask why your against sertraline? I am also suffering from Health Anxiety amd have been taking 50mg for 7 days now.

  • Posted

    Hi

    like yourself I suffer really bad with health anxiety, which part in parcel was brought on by being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, in November, couldn't cope with it and went on sertraline just over 6wks ago, the 1st 3 wks were awful, every side effects under the sun, I did literally nothing for 3 wks went up to 50mg 3wks ago and my mood has beginning to lift, the anxiety the shaking the hot and cold flushes all starting to subside with each and every day, I take mine in the morning, also started a few days ago on magnesium calcium and zinc supplement, and today I feel my old self, could be the sertraline finally working or maybe helped by the magnesium,

    please stick with it, you will so much better, it takes along time for these pills to get into your system, I know 1 thing the has helped me the last few weeks, is meditation, and solfeggio frequencies YouTube has all kind of wonderful videis on self help, also an app called Dare, which I listen to every day just to reassure me that I'm not alone,

    hope you feel better soon

    regards Matt

    • Posted

      Thanks for replying.

      I've had underlying health anxiety since my teens and it raises it's head every so often. It got really bad when I was pregnant and had my daughter 5 yrs ago. Got through it then but in the past 6 mths it has come back with vengence for one reason or another. First time trying any meds (second if you count when I gave up after two days!) so sticking it out. I was initially going up to 50mg but Dr has kept me at 25mg for now and go bk in 2 weeks. Trying to think positive these will help!

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