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Sertraline and OCD, when does it start working?

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stephaniekeogh
stephaniekeogh

Hi, i've been on 25mg sertraline for a week now and my OCD and anxiety are going crazy so much so that i don't want to leave the house, i know that it will take a while to start working but i have unfortunately started to drink alcohol a bit to "quiet my mind" which i know affects the effectiveness of the drug but it has helped with sleep etc. i want to go to the doctor today to explain this and potentially ask for something else to help me get through these weeks. does anyone have similar experience and what did they take to calm them down?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Cuffy
    Cuffy stephaniekeogh

    Posted

    Avoid the alcohol, i presume they plan to increase hour dosage as 25mg is low for OCD. Perhaps they want to increase gradually? Everytime you increase it will likely cause these side

    Effects. Its not that their not working or not going to work it just takes a couple weeks to settle down. When are you taking them, if its before bed it may be worth taking in the morning.

    • stephaniekeogh
      stephaniekeogh Cuffy

      Posted

      yes i'm on 25mg for two weeks then up to 50mg for gradual increase. i'm taking them in the morning and have started CBT therapy so i'm just trying to take it day by day but the constant racing/intrusive thoughts are really hard to deal with.

  • Cuffy
    Cuffy stephaniekeogh

    Posted

    Yea its a bit of a head screw that the pills that should make you better make you worse at the start, just hang in there OCD is horrible, im 9 weeks in and just starting to feel better slowly, but scared to admit unless it changes? Im no g.p or psychiatrist only a sufferer but i was told 100mg and upwards for OCD but everyone is different, im on 100mg.
    • stephaniekeogh
      stephaniekeogh Cuffy

      Posted

      Yes i initially got prescribed for anxiety and depression but going to a therapist she told me i have the obsessive thoughts aspect of OCD. i have to admit it is comforting having more of a name to what's going on but everyday is crazy nuts. thanks for your feedback!

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