sertraline

I'm on sertraline. I Started off with half a tablet and now I take a whole tablet. I have been on them for 7 weeks now and definitely starting to feel More normal. Try half a tablet for a few days

I am very sorry to read about how awful you are feeling since taking Sertraline four days ago.

Please may I ask you if you have been on any type of medication for Depression and/or Anxiety prior to the Sertraline, or is this your first time taking a drug of this type?

The reason I ask is that there could be a number of factors causing the cold sweats which you seem to be the most concerned about. I can understand that. It is a horrible sensation. However, I cannot attempt to be more specific about the cause without knowing what I have just asked.

The 'sweats' may be totally unrelated to Sertraline (depending on your answer). In broader terms, all the very kind comments from other members have mentioned that a variety of side-effects including 'sweats' may be experienced when initially starting a new medicine. This is absolutely correct. Some people are lucky and rarely feel anything, whereas others may have severe symptoms.

The advice given about the side-effects wearing off as time goes on are also very sound. It is very early days for you and your body has not had sufficient time to adjust to the new chemical circulating through it. That being said, if serious side-effects continue after a few days and show no signs of improvement, the best advice is always to inform your GP who will make an immediate decision whether or not to change or adjust your medication.

I know how terribly difficult it can be to remain calm when you feel one of these waves or attacks of cold sweats coming on. I speak from experience and also take the maximum permitted dose of Sertraline every day.

Try to remember that what you are experiencing is 'likely' to be normal for most people, but you need to think how you feel as an individual as the metabolism of us all is very different, and what may suit one person, may not suit another.

I send my warmest and sincere wishes to you Nadene and encourage you to focus on the thought that this is temporary and will diminish or pass. Even if not, then there are a number of alternatives to help you with your diagnosis and eliminate the most distressing side-effects for you.

I've been on sertraline for years. I'm 21 now and started taking them when i was about 15. It was one of the hardest decisions of my life to go on medication as i was so scared of side affects. But gradually it did make a difference to my life. I'm on it now still and i'm considering changing medication as it's not having the same affect so i'm wondering if it's a short term solution. I can remember having a few side affects in the first few weeks but they did get better. Sometimes it can be your subconcious mind making you think it's the medication doing these things but it could just be our bodies and the stress from worrying about it to the point we convince ourselves somethings wrong. Definitely stick it out for a few more weeks. As hard as it is at the moment, just keep telling yourself that it won't stay like this & if you can get through this you can get through anything stay strong!