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Sertraline day 2 - please tell me it gets better

Posted , 5 users are following.

charlie18
charlie18

I've been suffering from an anxiety type disorder for a while now and have been trying to keep it in check using natural methhods. I had a really bad episode over the weekend when I had some really disturbing thoughts - and although I was able to put them in check i was left reeling and sick to my stomach. I returned to my GP who suggested i try sertaline I had previously tried Citralapan but tthey were definately not for me. My GP said that sertraline seemed a much better AD for reduced side effectd.

I took my first tablet yesterday and managed to stay in work all day, felt a little queesy and light headed but nothing too drastic. I felt ok last night and managed to put my little girl to be without wanting to run away because of my negative thoughts about how much of a bad parent I am being.

Went to bed at 10 and was still wide awake until gone 3am, then when i did get to sleep i kept waking up with the worst nausea ever. when I finally did wake up this morning, exhausted I felt terrible, i felt as though i couldn't cope, didn't want to get washed or dressed or go to work and I can't even face food.

I guess i have posted this to see if anyone else has had a similar experience and to ask how long did it last, what did you do to help with side effects. I feel like stopping meds but owe it to my family and friends and myself to get better.

:-(

2 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Geriatric
    Geriatric

    Posted

    Sorry that you are having a hard time of it. There is no quick fix and the side effects can be a problem for some people. It will be at least three weeks before you will feel better but it will happen. The side effects will gradually go. Sertraline does work so think positive and stick with it.

    Fraser

  • jlc
    jlc

    Posted

    Hi there, I have just been prescribed sertraline 50mg after being on loepramine for a year, I came of that because of the heart rate side effects. I took my first sertraline after evenng meal last night and hardly slept, I had stomach a che all night and felt so sick, nauseous and faint this morning that I had to lie on the bathroom floor for a bit. I am now back in my pyjamas and trying to rest.

    I really don't like taking medication but I feel that I need something and the Doc says that sertraline is a good one for anxiety as well. He said to start on 50mg but I am wondering if it might be advisable to drop it to 25mg for few days or just try to ride it out and hope things get better.

    Let me know how you are getting on with it.

  • Aweeze
    Aweeze

    Posted

    I've only just come across this. I hope you stuck with the meds and they helped you out!

    I've been on sertraline 50mg for almost 4 weeks and feel great now. I had awful anxiety, sweating, and a little diorea at the start, but now I'm pretty much free of side effects. smile

  • john494
    john494

    Posted

    Hi There.

    New to this site, was prescribed Sertraline 50mgs in Hospital recently lasted two weeks NOT FOR ME.... any anxiety or panic attacks felt worse, went to the Doc and I was put on VENLALIC XL promounced as ven la faxine 75mgs they are much better been on them for just over 8 weeks.

    Also Quetiapine pronounce Quo tie a peen, 25mgs for Anxiety which works within 10 minutes they help a lot.

    Don't stick with any drug longer than two weeks....they wont work right away but as long as they don't make things worse you can wait... I couldn't on Sertraline...

    Keep Going!!!

  • katsta4
    katsta4

    Posted

    I have been on Sertraline 50mg for two weeks now and it seems to be working really well . I suffer from anxiety and agoraphobia which manifests itself when I am stressed . I was petrified of taking anti depressants especially after reading the leaflet and medical forums but felt that it was the only option [ already having counselling ]. The first 3 days were ok- no side effects but days 4-8 were quite a bit worse. I had a very dry mouth and sore throat which kept coming and going.Also I had horrendous sweats around 5 am every morning . These side effects have now almost worn off and don't really affect me. I take my tablet first thing in a morning so it doesn't stop me sleeping at night. I don't feel like a zombie but have a sort of warm fuzzy feeling which is great

    -lol

  • john494
    john494

    Posted

    I hate taking any medication other than pain killers, as I feel you aren't quite yourself. The best anti depressant I was on was Amitriptyline I felt when you felt good it stopped you 'sinking' downwards again... but I think I got used to it that's what made me have a bad spell recently.

    I don't think there's one actual drug that works, it's whatever suits you...but like I said if it makes you feel worse CHANGE.

    Big part of getting better is to be honest to yourself and if there is 'something' bothering you 'deal with IT!' I know it might not be easy or even possible but it helps.

    The warm fuzzy feeling is helpful take it....

  • jackie_4
    jackie_4

    Posted

    Hi, this wednesday, I will have bee on sertraline for 5 weeks. 4 weeks 50mg, 1 week 100mg. First couple of days I worked, since then work has gradually reduced, tried fighting to go to work. Managed to get there, then anxiety increased, negative thoughts, night sweat.s. worked last tuesdays, nothing since as froze on way to work. like a fear of not being able to cope.
  • john494
    john494

    Posted

    Hi Jackie.

    I am not a doctor but when sertraline was making me 'worse' by heightening my feelings of anxiety and panics I decided I had to change, I need a tablet that would work in the 'background' while I got to grips with my everyday feelings.

    Ven La Faxine is doing that nicely so at least talk to your doctor that you need something that isn't counter productive, mention Amitriptyline it was the 'warm and fuzzy' Katsta4 talked about very helpful.

    I am sure there is a nice tablet that suits what we need..... never give up.

  • Geriatric
    Geriatric

    Posted

    Hello Jackie

    John is right time to try something else. You should have felt the benefits of Sertlaline by now and you have given it a fair trial. There are many other medictions for anxiety and panic and you will get one that works for you. See your Doc. and have confidence that things will get better.

    Fraser

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