Sertraline 3 weeks - my story

Posted , 4 users are following.

I've been taking 50mg Sertraline for 3 weeks now after a build up then break down at work, resulting in me not being able to function properly.

I've struggled with depression since the age of around 14, I am now 21 and have only now decided to take action on it as I noticed it effecting my work life since becoming full time and also my relationship.

My GP warned me of possible sexual side effects and increased nausea, yet I never really had nausea to begin with, it was more 'the other end'.

Since then, the last few weeks have been terrible. I have found myself left with absolutely NO sex drive and difficulty reaching orgasm (even alone) which is very awkward as I am in a relationship. I also have incredibly bad wind and am constantly burping, especially after eating and this can sometimes keep me up for hours when I am trying to sleep. I have bad diarrhoea and find myself on the toilet up to 7 times a day.

My tears seem to have stopped quite a lot but my anger has sky rocketed and I have a lot of spells of wanting to hurt myself. But more in the sense of wanting to punch walls and make myself get bruises which I am almost proud of????

I was wondering if any females have had the same sexual side effects as me, as I was told they were more common in men.

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Jade smile I'm 22. And am in week 11 of taking Sertraline! I have experienced changes in sexual behaviour too.. Serious lack of sex drive for the first 4 weeks, and since then it's been the opposite!! But still having more difficulty reaching orgasm.. I think some of this is due to my anxiety and low mood as it's hard to focus, and I feel a bit crappu sometimes, but I think the tablets have definitely had an effect as well! Wait it out a few more weeks, it might start to settle as your body gets used to them!
    • Posted

      Thank you Dannielle! Yeah I agree the difficulty in reaching orgasm could be to do with the anxiety because I never feel like I am in the right frame of mind or turned on enough because im feeling sorry for myself haha. I'm trying to stick it out! I'm glad Im not the only one!
    • Posted

      Definuteky, it's hard to say if it's the anxiety/low mood or the tablets! But let you're body adjust to them and then see how you feel! Maybe talk to doctor about the anger and bruises, they will want to keep an eye on you, because these tablets can make depression worse at first! Look after yourself, and keep in touch if you like x
  • Posted

    Dear Jade and other members of sertraline , I have been taking 100 mg of Zoloft since 4 months and I had many of side affects in the beginning  but please don't worry they will all go away gradually and u will feel normal as before. It takes time for the antidepressant to get adjusted to the body. A lot of negative thoughts will come like u will never recover but they all go away and u start feeling good and normal. Keep ur self busy and try to pass these initial days. Be positive. I know it is hard in the first few months but it will soon pass away. We all go through these side affects in the first few months or weeks. One thing I can guarantee that you will be a better and more balanced person. All the best love you all. Basil
    • Posted

      Thank you very much Basil. I am glad it is working for you!
    • Posted

      Hi Basil,

      It such a relief to hear someone who has had a positive experience of Sertraline! I'm considering changing my medication from Sertraline to something different, I have been taking Sertraline for 11 weeks! So you think this is long enough for my body to have got used to them? Or should I wait longer?

    • Posted

      Hi Dannielle, it takes much longer to take effect. It may start working in some people faster and some slower. It took me nearly more than 3 months. So wait for a few more weeks. I am not a doctor or an expert on this topic but I am speaking by my experience . It's always best to take advise from your Gp. Take care and get well soon. Basil.

       

  • Posted

    Hi jade, you are welcome. Take care and be confident of your self. You seem to be a wonderful person. Once you heal, try to help others. Basil

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.