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Just started taking Sertraline yesterday, and I don't feel comfortable about it at all.

Posted , 5 users are following.

guy78660
guy78660

I've been struggling with depression and anxiety these past few years, and I had no other choice but to finally get help.  I've started taking 25mg of Sertraline since yesterday, and I just can't shake off the feeling of taking something so unnatural (I've never taken an SSRI before).  I know I've been in a PRETTY dark place these past few years, but I still loved myself just as much as I hated myself (if that makes any sense.)  I can't help but to feel that this drug will give me a feeling of artificial happiness, and on top of the side effects I've been reading about, it's all just so irritating to me...

2 likes, 17 replies

17 Replies

  • carolyn79
    carolyn79 guy78660

    Posted

    Don't feel like that please. I am on ad for second time and promise you you won't feel any artificial anything. I am on 100mg which is normally dose. Try and lay your hands on book called Depressive Illness: the curse of the strong. He writes a great chapter on meds. See it as a temporary measure. They are only there to give you a boost to enable you to deal with the underlying causes. Have you had any talking therapies?

    Carolyn

    • guy78660
      guy78660 carolyn79

      Posted

      Yeah, I just started seeing my CBT therapist and psychiatrist a couple of weeks ago.  I know there's not exactly a definitive answer to this, but do you know how long the average person stays on antidepressants?  Do they have to be on it forever?
    • guy78660
      guy78660 richard7575

      Posted

      Oh ok.  That's not so bad I guess.  Alcohol is a huge no-no while taking Sertraline, right?
    • richard7575
      richard7575 guy78660

      Posted

      Ya you do not want to do that, it will make thing go backwards real fast
    • carolyn79
      carolyn79 guy78660

      Posted

      Yeah about a year. They advise staying on them for six months after you feel better to make sure it doesn't return. As for alcohol most people are fine in moderation. Are you staying in 25 or going up. Good luck with CBT I have just started too. So far so good.
    • guy78660
      guy78660 carolyn79

      Posted

      I'm certain I'm gonna be going up.  Not sure yet though, I'm gonna find out i na couple of weeks.
  • richard7575
    richard7575 guy78660

    Posted

    No artificial happiness, it is not a happy drug, just evens you out,  I thought the samething before I took it and really did not want it.  I forced my self and I feel more even now.  You will have up and downs at first but you will get through, I still have my ups and downs but more ups lately.
    • guy78660
      guy78660 richard7575

      Posted

      Were the up and downs while taking Sertraline worse than the ups and downs you had without it?
    • richard7575
      richard7575 guy78660

      Posted

      You feel more anxious but it keeps the panick in check, so you do not break out into a full blown attack.  I got jittery and felt like I had to keep moving, I still do every couple of days but it seems to lessening as time goes on.  Remember good minutes turn into good hours, good hours turn into good weeks and good weeks will turn into good months.  Stay strong and push through the side effects which is when most people give up.   
    • lattifa7777
      lattifa7777 richard7575

      Posted

      How long haave you been on the AD to have Moe ups? I'm on 3rd week, lost lots of weight and have anxiety too, dont sleep much either only a couple bb ours a night , I feel awful in the mornings and scared of being alone, I never was like this before, (2monthhs ago)
    • richard7575
      richard7575 lattifa7777

      Posted

      I have been on for a total of about two 6 weeks two weeks on 25mb, one week on 37.5mg and 3 weeks on 50mg.  
  • Tracy7338
    Tracy7338 guy78660

    Posted

    Hello Guy, 25mg is quite a low dose. Normal starting dose is normally about 50mg, however, your GP might want to see how you get on with them. The side effects for the first few weeks aren't pleasant but if you can get through it does calm you down. I'm just over 3 weeks now on Sertraline and it has helped with the panic attacks and anxiety and jitters etc. I didnt start on them for depression originally but I know during the first few weeks I did feel low taking the medication. It's put me back on an even keel now, it doesn't feel artificial, but surely making yourself better is the most important thing.. also my Doc reckons the minimum term on the tablets is 6 months before you can wean yourself off them.
    • guy78660
      guy78660 Tracy7338

      Posted

      Awesome!  I most definitely do not want to rely on meds forever.
    • Tracy7338
      Tracy7338 guy78660

      Posted

      Just remember about the first couple of weeks being difficult, if you can get through that you'll be fine but keep in touch with doc in case he wants to up it but he may not do that till approx4 weeks
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