Sertraline 100mg, awful side effects and not going to work. advice please!?

Posted , 6 users are following.

So, On Tuesday (3 days ago) I was started on sertraline for depression and anxiety.

?Since starting the medication I have felt awful physically! (Sweats, fever, nauseous, I feel drained like so tired!, aching everywhere, trouble concentrating and remembering things).

?I work as a support worker in the nhs and I've had to phone in sick the past 2 days. I feel so guilty and worry about giving off a bad impression. I worry people are talking about me. The other day when i phoned in the admin lady questioned me about why I was feeling sick (id told her I felt sick) My manager knows everything and I've said to him  ill try and come back tomorrow (Friday) but don't know how I'm going to do that.

?Physically I feel rough. I'm fine when sat there on the sofa but as soon as I stand up I feel week and unwell to do much. I just have no energy but is that because I'm sat at home not doing much and then focusing on how crap i feel!

?I feel really guilty because its almost like I'm making myself ill by taking the pill. I feel like I have flu but I don't really have it.

?I don't want to take the p**s with sick leave but worried about what to say to work...

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Lisa

    First of all stop beating yourself up about taking sick leave! You are genuinely unwell and your employer will just have to accept it. You do not have to discuss your symptoms with an admin clerk. Your symptoms are confidential. You just need to supply a sick note to HR. 

    Second, Sertraline has many sick effects which are unpleasant. Sounds like you have some of them made worse by your worry.

    In your position I would see how you are after a week. If things continue, go and see your GP as it may be wise to switch to another med. 

    but please be kind to yourself. Your health is more important than a job! Look after yourself.

    I am on Sertraline and I have experienced many of the same side effects. What dose are you on?

    Lynn xx

    • Posted

      Thank you Lynn!

      ​That was a really lovely message! Really thoughtful and reassuring! I am on 100mg.

      Hope you are having a good day! smile

  • Posted

    Hi Lisa

    This will most likely be side effects. Keep going. Just focus on getting better. I was same with work but as long as you sort yourself out and hand sick note in. Try not to worry so much. I know its easier said than done. If you dont pick up. Make wee appointment with your doctor. Just to keep yourself reassured. Gd luck and take care.

  • Posted

    That is a very large dose to start with. It took me about 2 months to get there. You might want to ask your dr about it. But you will feel sick for a little while. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. 
  • Posted

    You are likely to get side effects when first starting, could last 2/3 weeks and honestly you are looking at 3/4 weeks to see any real benefit from the medication. You would be best to get your dr to sign you off sick for a few weeks, then you are no putting yourself under more stress. 

    did you start on 100mg ? usually people would star on 50mg, and then increase the dose to 100mg if necessary, I would ask your dr if you can do this rather than have such bad side effects.

    These meds need to be increased slowly when staring and also when stopping need to do the same and decrease the dose slowly, otherwise you're going to feel like crap ! 

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.