1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Sertraline

Sertraline don't be scared it works with the right dosage.

Posted , 81 users are following.

ilda1982
ilda1982

Hi all, for nearly 3yrs I was on sertraline, at the beginning it was awful. Dizziness, lack of interest, mood swings tired loss of appetite throwing up headaches and so on. I started at 25mg till we found the right dosage for me and that was 150mg. At this stage I was ok no anxiety, no panic attacks no fear no suicidal thoughts none of what I felt before. All of that was gone. I was me again. I felt good. When I started I was 58kg went down to 42kg had to wear kids cloths. Once I found the right dosage and started feeling good again I had everything back including my weight. Last year because I was feeling good I decided to stop it. My Gp told me it was too soon but I heard so much about the tablets I just wanted to stop them.

After a few wks I realised was to soon and asked my Gp to put me back on them. So I'm back on them and this time I went up very quickly. I started straight at 50mg then 100 then 150 and back to 200mg. I promise you it's worth going through all this side effects because after you will feel good again. This is my positive story to all of you. I really really hope it works for all of you as it did for me. Any questions please ask I will answer. Best of luck to all of you stay strong fight don't give up your friend ILDA xxx

29 likes, 230 replies

230 Replies

Prev Next
  • olivia80868
    olivia80868 ilda1982

    Posted

    Hi everyone,

    I'm new to the forum, but really glad I've joined.

    I'm on day 1 of taking sertraline - I was prescribed it on this week by my GP following a serious panic attack in work on Monday, which has been a culmination of building (out of control) anxiety and depression over the last 8 months. I've been seeing a therapist for the last 6 months, but its just not been enough on its own, and on Monday I felt like I had hit emotional rock-bottom. I just need some extra help, and I'm hoping the sertraline will give me that extra boost to help me towards getting well.

    Its been great to read other peoples stories, because one thing I definitely feel with this illness is pretty alone - its a difficult one to explain, or feel like anyone can understand you.

    Today I've definitely felt some of the side effects, woke early this morning with a mild manic (and resultant rush to the toiliet...) definitely felt nauseous and have only managed some plain foods (jacobs crackers and grapes) I have also increased anxiety, with a spacy feeling (oddly my eyes feel like a little out of focus). Really hoping they'll pass in the next few days, but just knowing other people are going through the same helps as you know its not you, and you're not reacting weirdly.

    • Gonzalez
      Gonzalez olivia80868

      Posted

      Hi oliva i totally understand what you mean and are feeling as i am too, i thought it was just me going threw moods and not feeling as myself not wanting to do my normal activities i miss myself so much it really sucks as i have a 2 year old and she wants so much attention its so hard at times, i had a period of 2 weeks where i was good and bam i crashed and felt empty and just crying my appetite went way down ive lost 14pds in 3 weeks my psychatrist says he will up the dose from 25mg on the 11th, i get so many intrusive and running thoughts just from the anxiety and depression, i believe we will get threw this don't loose faith even on down days hugs
    • olivia80868
      olivia80868 Gonzalez

      Posted

      Hi Gonzalez, 

      Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. I thought it was just me, my personality, and I was to blame, I've spent so much time being angry and judging myself. Just wishing I could 'fix' myself, go back to being me. I know this isn't the case now, and that does make me feel stronger, but the road ahead definitely feels quite long - I'd love to feel better tomorrow. 

      You sound like you've had a really tough time; you're definitely doing the right thing going back to see you doctor and getting some further support and upping the dose. Lots of stories I've read on here sound as though it can take a while to figure out the right dosage and we've just got to keep going. Eventually we will work our way out of this, hugs

    • ilda1982
      ilda1982 olivia80868

      Posted

      Hi Olivia, yes completely normal what dosage are you taking?
    • jennifer32534
      jennifer32534 ilda1982

      Posted

      I'm on 150mg since 3rd of feb I was feeling myself the last 2 weeks and then the last 3 or four days I'm feeling really weird I'm putting it down to been out 2 nights at the weekend maybe??
    • ilda1982
      ilda1982 jennifer32534

      Posted

      It's normal to feel like that go up to 200mg I went it took me 4 weeks to get over it. Then keep taking it for a while. For as long as you can and feel good. xxx keep us updated
    • CG1964
      CG1964 olivia80868

      Posted

      You are definitely not alone in this struggle.  There are people in this community who have been right where you are and are enjoying better days now.  stay strong.
    • ilda1982
      ilda1982 CG1964

      Posted

      Have to agreesmile I've been through a lot but never ever gave up smile we are always together.
    • jennifer32534
      jennifer32534 ilda1982

      Posted

      Do u think I should just stay on that dosage and put it down to a few bad days or a blip??
    • ilda1982
      ilda1982 jennifer32534

      Posted

      Go up and see if you notice any difference. I was on 200mg for few years and I was great. Just give it a go xxx
    • dodo81786
      dodo81786 ilda1982

      Posted

      Hi guys , I'm on 100 mg since January and was on 50 last November so in total I've been on sertraline 5 months . I can feel much better ofcourse but before I had insomnia and I'm now scared of not being able to sleep , it's my concern everyday the doc gave me Ativan and now changed it to zopiclone 7.5 mg if needed only .

      Ahhh I'm really tired and I don't know why I'm like that I never had anything of Ad before but it seems to be a long process , the doc told me will take the AD for 2 yrs .

      I still have down moments and if I didn't sleep I keep monitoring the clock so I start panicking .

      Any advice ? Thanks guys

    • Dadoo
      Dadoo ilda1982

      Posted

      Hi ilda I have taken 18 days of 50mg.. I am still having side affects. Problem is I am going on holiday on the 13th for 2 weeks. Do you think I should increase or try and see my g.p before I go next week? Just after reading here as to weather I am now better to up the dose what do you think?? Before I started them I was on 40mg of flouroxtine that I had taken for 8 years but they had stopped working. Appreciate your thoughts on this.xx
    • olivia80868
      olivia80868 ilda1982

      Posted

      I've been started out on 50mg.

      Today is my third day and definitely feeling the worst of the side effects so far my level of anxiety and negative thoughts has gone up and I can't shake them. Also my stomach seems to be constantly cramping and hard to swallow, I'm hungry, but it's hard to eat :-(

    • Dadoo
      Dadoo olivia80868

      Posted

      There not nice Olivia. 😕but going by a lot of people on here it does get better further down the line. I'm 19 days of 50mg and still feel like I'm shuffling in somebody else's shoes.😕xx
    • Gonzalez
      Gonzalez olivia80868

      Posted

      Hi olivia,

      I so totally understand with you i too am and go through the same thing, my psychatrist will be uping my dose im currently on 25mg a day in the morning, as far as hunger its not there i force myself, ill eat boiled eggs in the morning for protein as its easier to get down, later ill eat a sandwhich for some reason i crave lots of carbs, even a microwave dinner something small later in night to snack on if im able to, i try cleaning listening to music, meditate, i have a daughter and doing things with her helps. But there are lots of time where im in the negative side too, do you mind me asking what do your negative thoughts consist of? I really do sympathize with you so much we go through alot of the same hugs, i will reply if you would like to continue talking

Back to top
Prev Next

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.