1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Sertraline

New Sertraline user any advice to cope with side effects?

Posted , 5 users are following.

nazmes
nazmes

Hi there people, 

I'm taking Sertraline 50 mg as of today because of anxiety. It's my first time. it's been 2.5 hours now and I'm starting to feel dizzy and low blood pressure in my head like when you want to throw up. 

Now I know that all these side effects are going to pass, been reading forums here, what I didn't find was any experience and suggestions to cope with them easier! You know, I get afraid of these symptoms very easily, I go like "oh my god what if I faint right now and nobody is there to help" that kind of worries. but I want to be strong and hang in there, that's why I thought maybe you have some advice. like, going out for a walk? or drinking something ? like a tool box that I could use! wink

Much appreciated,

Naz

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • nicole0926
    nicole0926 nazmes

    Posted

    Good morning. Keep yourself busy if you can. I would say go for a walk. Nature and outside is good for you.

    The side effects are worth it to me when you first start or when you up your meds. Hang in there it will and does get better.

    I also meditate. That is calling.

  • sarah40069
    sarah40069 nazmes

    Posted

    Take one day at a time, try to take things easy as much as you can: don't plan too much for the first couple of weeks, remember this too shall pass! If it's too much you could always try starting with half a tablet i.e. 25mg. I know some other people on here have done that for the first week at least. If the side effects are too severe go back to the doctors because they should be able to give you something to cope with them. 

  • UK-Rose
    UK-Rose nazmes

    Posted

    Try not to worry, weve all been there and had the exact same experiences when starting up...

    Don’t feel you have to suffer in silence, this group will help you with any concerns or questions you have, even if its just to relate to your experience... so your not alone in your journey, all you have to do is ask.  If you feel 50mg is abit too much you can start at 25mg for the first week and increase after.

    (My own personal experience was starting low and increasing gradually - made the side effects easier on my system)

    Keep yourself distracted by reading, walking, movies, housework etc anything to keep your focus of worrying more than is necessary. 

    It will get easier... 🌹

  • nazmes
    nazmes

    Posted

    Thanks everyone, it's heart warming to know there are helpful people out there, to share it with people who have been there!

    I felt better and normal after 2 hours yesterday. Talking to friends who made me laugh was helpful!! I even attended my Yoga class in the evening and had no nausea. Today's my second day, will keep you posted if anything changes. 

  • Chocoholic85
    Chocoholic85 nazmes

    Posted

    Hi there,

    I was due to start sertraline today but chickened out (50mg) first time on meds am 32 year old female and I'm so nervous about the side effects, I have anxiety and I feel like taking them will make my anxiety worse as I will be paranoid and worried ab

  • Chocoholic85
    Chocoholic85 nazmes

    Posted

    Sorry I sent that last message by accident 😩As I was saying I will feel worried and paranoid about the effects of the pill so I have decided to cut my pill in half and start with 25mg tmw morn...i am still scared but I know I have to try as there is currently no alternative, the NHS aren't great when it comes to counselling and talking therapies and I have spent enough paying for that privately and I still struggle. Please update us and let us know how you get on it will be interesting to see if you feel better,I hope you do 🤗

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.