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Sertraline good and bad

Posted , 6 users are following.

markmark
markmark

Without telling a long drawn out story. I have dealt with generalized anxiety most of my adult life. i was on Effexor for years and loved it. it just stopped working last year so i started Sertraline in November. 25 to 50 to 75 to 100mg...I have been feeling some relief from the medication but not "quite there yet". my doc bumped me up to 150mg about 2 weeks ago. I felt a bit more relief the first week but the past 5 days have been a real struggle. Heightened anxiety and brain fog. Has anyone else experienced this after this far into the treatment. I plan on sticking with it and see it through for another month but just looking for words of wisdom and maybe some encouragement. Any experiences shared would be greatly appreciated. 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Noni9
    Noni9 markmark

    Posted

    I was on Prozac/Fluoxetine for many, many years.

    About six months ago, my doc switched me to sertraline.

    I started out with 100 mg, increased to 150, then up to 200.

    But, I have started grinding my teeth really badly.

    Am wanting to reduce my dose.

    Would appreciate knowing how others have titrate down.

    • markmark
      markmark Noni9

      Posted

      Noni9..

      I had teeth clenching too but that subsided. i wouldnt let that hinder your progress. it will probably pass. but only you know whats right for yourself. I have really put my trust in my doctor. in the past i would try something and i didnt feel good in a week or 2 i would quit. I do know that if in a month I still am feeling less than optimal I will be trying something else. call your doc

    • Noni9
      Noni9 markmark

      Posted

      Thank you, mark mark,

      Made appointment to talk to the doctor.

      Feel like I'm just taking too much.

      It has gradually gotten worse and worse

  • brenda80266
    brenda80266 markmark

    Posted

    Hi mark I was on 100 for 4 weeks and felt worse went back to GPwho has reduced down to 50 my anxiety was all day every day chest pain no appetite so anxious hubby took me to AE where I had ECG and bloods all fine think the 100 mg was to much to soon 
    • markmark
      markmark brenda80266

      Posted

      is the 50mg helping? is it enough or are you just planning on going up slower. i went from 50 to 75 then 100. that was bearable. 
  • emily26130
    emily26130 markmark

    Posted

    Hi MarkMark,

    Mine is much the same story,I switched from Citalopram which was doing nothing for GAD and severe depression after 4 years. Started at 25mg,then 50mg for 6 (yes!) weeks,75mg for 2 weeks, now been on 100mg for 3 weeks, I'm off work as I've hardly been able to function with side effects and worsening anxiety, I noticed I felt better for a week after starting 100mg, but now I feel rubbish again, increased anxiety, dizziness,headaches and nausea.I'm sticking with it as I've read that Sertraline can make a huge difference if you give it time.Stick with it buddy,the thought of changing over now makes me want to cry! I should add that I have Lorazepam 0.5mg 3 x a day to reduce panic attacks which helps a lot.Guess what I'm trying to say (with my current fog) is that what you're experiencing is normal and it will pass.Keep your head up.Emily x x

    • markmark
      markmark emily26130

      Posted

      thanks so much for your words. it really helps. good luck
  • julie7525
    julie7525 markmark

    Posted

    Hey Mark, i felt extra anxious and dizzy with every dose increase for 3 weeks. Ive been on 150 for 6 weeks (5 months on Sert). As predicted, worst side effects left after week 3 on 150, then had ok days with the odd rubbish day (low motivation) and the last few days ive felt good and been very productive after months of low motivation. So i would say stick with 150 and you will just realise one day soon that you feel good. Only downside is ive put a stone on and my skins gone terrible, but im just happy that the anxiety is gone (i was in a bad state after xmas, i seriously wondered if id ever feel ok again). Hang in there, it'll work!

    • markmark
      markmark julie7525

      Posted

      thanks for your story Julie.  I am hanging in there and looking forward to some relief. 
    • julie7525
      julie7525 markmark

      Posted

      Hi Mark, I saw on another discussion you'd decided to come off sertraline...I can't help thinking you're potentially only a couple of weeks off feeling good. I'm 5 weeks into 150 and this last week I've felt good, no anxiety, no negative thinking, no side effects. Just seems a waste to have come this far... Hope you're ok x

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