Sertraline 5 weeks just increased feel worse

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I am 60 and have had periods of anxiety, the last two times I used Seroxat 20mg which started working after a week. This time I was advised that it is rather old fashioned and I am taking Sertraline. I was on 50mg for four weeks and although I had some periods of calm (how lovely they were) it was not having the effect of the Seroxat so my doctor suggested that I increase to 100mg. I am having a stressful time as my H is away and I have had to go and stay with a friend because I can't stand being alone. I am supposed to challenge those thoughts but they are too strong. Anyway I had two days at 62.5, two at 75 and now two at 100 and my anxiety is very bad and am finding it very difficult to cope. So my thoughts are, is this dose too much, is Sertraline right for me, will it get better and would it be really hard to change to Seroxat. Thanks.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi duddy what you are feeling is the norm. I have noticed that it gets worse before it gets better. Let your body get used to the new dose it is a very slow process. I am on week 8 and 200mg but all the side effects have gone so now the benefits should start. Dont be put off by my experience it is hard for me because i was on clomipramine for 32 years but had to come off them due to unco.trollable high blood pressure so i knew it was going to be a rocky road. There are lots of people on this site and are exactly like you that you can correspond with.Im sorry you are feeling terrible its an awful illness but you will get better it just seems to take ages but you will get there you have done it once and you will again. Hope you start feeling better soon x
    • Posted

      Thank you so much for replying. As you know it is hard to stay positive and believe that you will ever be calm again.
  • Posted

    Hi Duddy, I am pure O myself, and sertraline helps me tremendously such that I don't obsess or ruminate on this thought. Been back on 100mg since Nov 19. My advice is not to challenge this thought, no point as you will go in circles and you can't argue against this thought and win. The best is accept this thought as it comes and try to do something mindless to keep yourself occupied until the med kicks in and stop this thought firing. this med will make you feel worst before it makes you feel better, so muster all your strength and hang in there. Be strong but also be gentle with yourself. Xx. 

    • Posted

      Thank you so much for replying and your positive thoughts.

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