Sertraline - are these normal side effects

Unfortunately these may be side effects of the Zoloft and also his anxiety. It will get better as the side effects wear off (2-3 weeks) can the doctor give him something to help him till the meds kick in. Xanax or something. 

Sorry your boyfriend is having such a bad time with starting sertraline. All the things you've said sound like side effects ~ I had the same plus nausea and very dilated pupils. My GP prescribed diazepam for the first couple of days maybe 6 days worth. I hope he feels better soon x

Hi

Yes it’s almost certainly the side effects that can be awful to start with. It’s common to need to pace up and down, have tremors and feel extremely anxious and weepy. Bless him and you must both be so frightened. I’m still having anxiety on 50mg nearly 2 months in. Initially I couldn’t get out of bed and was horrendously anxious. Maybe ring your GP on Monday for some advice on how to continue. Hug.

I can promise it's side effects from the meds, I've had very similar. That won't be much consolation to him I know when he feels so bad, but it does get better. I had to go back to 25mg a couple of times as I just couldn't tolerate 50mg, perhaps he could try that, & move up to 50mg when he can?

I am 3 days in on 25mg and I'm trying to look at the way I feel as its the anxiety causing way i feel rather than side effects of medication. Its hard especially when you feel so bad.

My doctor put me on 25mg for a week to increase to 50mg. However I was on citalopram for about 10 years and am not sure if that makes a difference.

Please try to get him to persevere I have read that its given a lot of people there life's back.

My doctor had prescribed diazepam to aid with the side effects. Started on the sertraline on Wednesday and have only had to use the diazepam today. Think it helps to know they are there if I need them xx

Hi Alana. The initial side effects of sertraline can be awful. I started on 50mg and the first 2 days I felt just a tad sleepy. From day 3 to day and 17 I had horrendous anxiety, running to the loo a few times a day, extreme nausea, low mood. The doctor definitely needs to prescribe diazepam for a few weeks, to be used sparingly, until the side effects subside. I increased to 100mg after 2 1/2 weeks and the side effects remained firmly in place until day 14 when I woke and my head just felt a bit clearer. I've had baby steps of improvement from then. Lots of posts on here recommend diazepam and a knowing that the effects will pass...they are horrendous but they will pass. That may not be of much comfort to your boyfriend at the mo. I cried and told anyone that would listen that the tablets weren't working and were only making me feel worse but slowly I'm beginning to feel more like myself again. Persevere, use the diazepam, keep a journal so that any little improvements can be noticed. Best of luck to you and your boyfriend. Stay strong. It will get better. Hugs x

THANK YOU to you all for your responses. He took Diaz which has taken away the majority of the shakes etc, he still feels bad but knowing this is a normal reaction has made us both feel a bit better xxx