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Sertraline

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e97070lle
e97070lle

Oliver 87290 wrote about the benefits of sertraline yesterday and I must say it's nice to read something positive rather than people complaining. I am due to start it on Wednesday and feel anxious about it, so it's nice to read that someone has found it beneficial. I know there are side effects - and I was wondering if anyone on here had found them to be instrusive and debilitating in the first week or so or if they were manageable. I am scared it will send me insane and I will make a fool of myself.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • mark68590
    mark68590 e97070lle

    Posted

    Compared to other medications sertraline has far fewer side effects. Although it can be dependent on the person it's more a case of how you react to the drug.

    When I first took it I had some symptoms, not many to be honest, some bouts of insomnia, a little anxiety and some dizziness. You do get a nice feeling of being wrapped in cotton wool which is really nice. You may also feel tired a lot but it will pass.

    It made me extremely sensitive to caffeine so maybe cut down if you start to feel super anxious. 

    If you can take a week off work that would probably help, this is a big step it worked for me. Just keep strong and remember its short term pain for long term gain.

    Good luck and feel free to ask any questions.

    Mark smile

    • e97070lle
      e97070lle mark68590

      Posted

      Thanks Mark. I am off work from Thurs-Monday anyway (I start on Wed) but cant afford to take more time off right now. What dose were you/are you on? I will be on the lowest initially: 50mg.

      Also, how long was it before you felt the first side effect, ie hours/days?

      Thanks

      Jane

    • mark68590
      mark68590 e97070lle

      Posted

      Hi Jane,

      I was on 25mg in my first week it took about 3 days for the side effects to kick in. 

      I ended up on 75mg but then came off after 6 months.

      Keep yourself distracted when you do you experience side effects as that really helps soften the blow.

      Thanks

      Mark

  • e97070lle
    e97070lle

    Posted

    Were you side effects very troublesome? Did they stop you functioning in any way?
    • mark68590
      mark68590 e97070lle

      Posted

      I wouldn't say they were troublesome, maybe uncomfortable. On one occasion I needed diazepam to help with anxiety, but I had severe anxiety before taking medication.

      I had a few days off work but I could function normally, its different for everyone though.

      I can only give you my experience.

      Thanks

      Mark

  • wassilly
    wassilly e97070lle

    Posted

    Hey Jane97070

    I'm in the process of tapering off Sertraline. I was on 200mg for 6 months to help with severe anxiety and OCD. I can honestly say that Sertraline changed my life. Better than that, it saved my life! When I was anxious, time would just pass. I would worry and consequently never get anything done. Like Mark suggests Sertraline wrapped me in a comfortable space, so that nothing was out of my comfort zone anymore. Like having a duvet day everyday. I would be so cosy that I would just get stuff done effortlessly. Of course it didn't come without a price. on 200 mg my Libido was non-existant and I was often very tired. But it's a trade off, the natural consequences of being more chilled out, is that you are more lethargic. 

    This is where the importance of perspective comes in. You can see the effects of Sertraline either as energy sapping or relaxing. 

    With regards to side effects in the first few weeks. You will certainly get them. You would get the same side effects if you took sugar pills for the first few weeks, because your anxious and that's what anxiety does to you. The real side effects won't kick in for a week or so. They affect everyone differently. For myself they were absolutely hellish for 4-6 weeks, but after that life was great.

    In my opinion it's definitely worth it. I spent years umming and ahhhhing over taking medication. The time you're worried about losing to these side effects will pass anyway and you will still wonder if things could be better on them. 

    Good luck Jane

    Let me know how it's going 

    • Lois1951
      Lois1951 wassilly

      Posted

      Hi. .I was wondering what your he'll is side effects during your 1st 3-4weeks on sertraline.   I have been on it for about 17 days and I am no bettet...maybe worse.  I am nauseous every morning, I feel shakey and my head feels weird, also, I have no appetite so I am not eating.  I am so depressed I am not functioning.  I am only on 50 mg...I have a Dr's appt on Thu but I am losing hope as I have never felt this bad.   I have had  several life changes ..one being I was forced to retire and now feel like I don't know who I am anymore.   I hate feeling so debilitated.
  • mazza245
    mazza245 e97070lle

    Posted

    Hi Jane, I've been on 50mg for three weeks or so and, despite being absolutely terrified of taking them, I've been absolutely fine, no side effects but more chilled out and not as snappy or irritable, I'm informed.  However, I've been told that isn't even a therapeutic dose and I'm going to the GP's this afternoon expecting to be put up to 100mg. Now, that's worrying me, of course. I fully expect side effects but don't feel as panicky about taking them now. Please relax and just take them, the chances are you won't feel too bad and they will help in time.
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