1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Anxiety Disorders

Sertraline and chronic diarrhoea

Posted , 3 users are following.

justine12414
justine12414

I was switched from Citalopram to Sertraline 4 weeks ago due to severe anxiety. Two weeks on 50mg and two weeks on 100mg. They have just started to kick in for the anxiety,but this last week the diarrhoea has been awful. The gp has sent a sample off for testing,but I don't believe I have a bug. Has anyone else suffered this side effect,will it go away,or will I have to change ssris,possibly to Escitalopram? 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • gillian20097
    gillian20097 justine12414

    Posted

    I also get the runs pretty bad. Usually for a week strarting the mess and then a week after each increase. I think it may have a little to do with the fact that with each increase my anxiety goes a little higher until my body is used to the new amount xx
    • justine12414
      justine12414 gillian20097

      Posted

      Hi Gillian,thanks for your reply. How long have you been on Sertraline and what milligram? 
    • gillian20097
      gillian20097 justine12414

      Posted

      I'm not on serf Hun but I did the switch from citalopram to mirtazapine.

      I had terrible runs and do with each increase. Increased from 15mg to 30mg to 45mg a few days ago.

      It's a rough ride xx

    • justine12414
      justine12414 gillian20097

      Posted

      Thanks Gillian,waiting for the gp to phone me back to see if I can decrease the mg,see if that works. Apparently Sertraline is one of the worst for diarrhoea :-( Really hope your meds work for you soon x
  • plainden
    plainden justine12414

    Posted

    Hi been on sert for nearly 6 wks now +finally feel good,Anxiety stopped 4 wks ago for which i am taking ser,but side effects hav kept me off wk,I have had runs for the whole 6 wks-really bad today-it shld get better but i will admit that i wld rather hav the runs ,hav no anxiety ++ feel like i do today.
    • justine12414
      justine12414 plainden

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply,has your gp said the runs will get better? After 4 weeks I found the anxiety a lot better,but the runs are horrendous and I'm down from 9stone to 7stone 5,so I don't think I can carry on with the Sertraline. It also plays havoc with my sleep,it seems very activating....have you found that? I am so pleased it has worked for your anxiety,what mg are you on? 
    • plainden
      plainden justine12414

      Posted

      I lost weight but that was cos side effects really made it hard to eat.I am on 50mg -low i know.Sleep - i now take pills in morning with rest of my meds.Sleep has got much better -only wake up once about 3 or 4 then sleep till 7.Sert has (fingers crossed) ultimately been v.good.I must admit that it has been a roller coaster.After 2 wks anx. went + felt good,then felt awful for a bout a month due to side efffects.Folk on this site said wait till 6 wks + that is turnaround point - well now at 6 wks + they were right.,so to them I thank you.Lastly -losing 2 stone is serious so see doc
Back to top

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.