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Sertraline - my 8 week story

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richard30560
richard30560

Today is my 8th week on 50mg of Sertraline and unlike a lot of people once they start to feel better, I thought I'd try and give a little encouragement to help you hang in there as it REALLY is worth it. I also struggles to find many people on this 'start up' dose for any length of time so this might help you...

So after the fourth week I felt CRAP. No improvements and just this feeling of helplessness and worthlessness. I would break down at the smallest thing and felt incredibley insecure and unsure of myself.

I kept reading these online forums of people who started feeling better between weeks 4 to 6 and wondered if it was ever going to happen for me...

It literally wasn't until the beginning of the 8th week that I started turning a corner and the anxiousness started to fade and I found myself able to concentrate on something other anylising than how I was feeling. Tasks that I used to enjoy have become worthwhile again and I can honestly say I'm 85% back to my old self.

Right, now side effects: I have been feeling very tired, had lose stools until recently and my sex drive has tailed off somewhat and am having some difficulty orgasming although sex is good but just less often. I also seem hungry ALL the time but I'm fairly active so no weight gain...YET!

So to sum up, this drug takes AGES to work and you'll dispair and find yourself reading all sorts of forums and chats as to the timescales involved, but in my opinion it really is worth continuing for up to 8/9 weeks before increasing the dose or looking for alternative mediction.

I hope you start to feel the benefits soon and I'm happy to chat with anyone with any questions...

Take care,

Rich.

26 likes, 273 replies

273 Replies

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  • Ailidh
    Ailidh richard30560

    Posted

    Hello, Richard. How are you doing now? I hope things are picking up for you. 

    Thank you very much for your comments on the ups and downs as the Sertraline begins to take hold. They really made a lot of sense to me, and were really helpful today, when it's one of those days when I trawl the internet rather desperately looking for positives. 

    I'm on Day 25 of 50mg. I have health anxiety, in which insomnia becomes my greatest fear and focus, which is kind of ironic when taking a med that can give you insomnia..... The first fortnight, I averaged about 4.8 hours a night but that included 3 nights of Zero sleep. Yes, I do get a bit obsessive about knowing the exact length of time I sleep. This second 12 days I've averaged 6 hours, although not generally all in a lump, and I often have to get up and lie on the sofa watching old episodes of Frasier until I drop off again. (Yes, I understand about sleep hygiene but just lying in the dark agonizing for sleep is torture). I don't like having to use the Sofa Technique but have decided it's better to get some sleep than none. I don't nap during the day. 

    In terms of free-floating anxiety, I feel a lot better ~ most days. 

    In terms of low mood, I feel a lot better ~ many days, tho not today, feel a bit teary today. 

    Before I started the Sertraline I was very tearful and can only describe what I was feeling as severe mental pain, a combination of anxious and low. 

    So these things are all good ~ although I'm disappointed about feeling a bit teary today. 

    This is my 3rd attack of Anxiety/Low Mood/Sleep Issues in 4 years, the first after successful chemo and radio (I'm 4 years in remission from lymphoma). The first time, I was advised to work through it without meds. The second time I just did work through it without meds. This time I begged for meds! Plus, since the first time, the sleep anxiety has always been there, no matter how well I actually was sleeping. I thought it was time to get pharmaceutical help. 

    So, although yesterday was pretty near normal, and had been prefaced by over 6 hours sleep in my bed, and I hoped I was getting near to saying "I feel better", today is lower in mood, and I spent the night on a small sofa with Kelsey Grammer. Disappointing ~ and I'm worried about tonight already. 

    Anyway, sorry to ramble. Your posts have really helped me ~ thank you. 

  • UK-Rose
    UK-Rose richard30560

    Posted

    Hello Richard, Thanks for the update, its posts like these that really help those of us out who are just starting out the Sertraline Steam Train... give us a rough idea of when to hold out for.

    Glad your feeling better 👍🏼

  • m70646
    m70646 richard30560

    Posted

    Hi rich 

    I started sertraline after loads of stress triggered off IBS and anxiety. I was determined to get better. 

    I’m now Day 10 and yesterday and today I’ve had horrific Nausea and stomach feel so cold. That I’m reconsidering these meds, everyone said the side effects should start to subside but I’m struggleing to eat anything but toast and soap. 

    How did you get through the side effects?? Don’t even know if this is a bug or is indeed the meds.

    Help

  • beth68841
    beth68841 richard30560

    Posted

    Hello Rich,

    I know your post is a 1 yr ago, just wondering how you are doing?  I am on 50mg zoloft, and feel worse, was calm on week 3, then after started feeling very fatigued to the point I needed naps during the day.  However waking up with dread where at week 3 that was gone.  Scared it won't go away.  Having no appetite either for the whole 5 weeks.  I was tempted to just stop meds for Im losing hope, until I read your story.  Just curious how you are doing today.  

    • gymmynzl
      gymmynzl beth68841

      Posted

      Hi Beth,

      I'm on week 4 now , 1w at 25mg, 2w at 50mg, 1w at 75, I feel like I'm a human yo yo lol, anexity was terrible, nausea was the worst, no appitite for the first 3 w . BUT things are getting better, I'm actually feeling happier (when I'm not gagging from to nusea) my anxiety ismuch easier to control, and my racing brain is finally slowing down. Stick with it, I think it will be worth it, but it's tough, remember, it's you brain telling you lies, nothing more. Stay strong ! It takes up to 8 weeks to really kick in ! (Hugs) we will be fine wink

  • Leo111108
    Leo111108 richard30560

    Posted

    Hello everybody, I’m new to this site and was wondering if anybody could help me.. I’m on my 4th week of sertraline, 1st two weeks for horrific suffered really bad with side effects started to feel a lot better in week 3 but now in week 4 I’m feel like my anxiety has got worse and I’m just waking up in the morning in a panic and can’t seem to shake it off sad I’m hoping that sticking with these meds will soon start to make me feel better? I’m not sure what to do would really appresite some advise please smile 
    • laura04675
      laura04675 Leo111108

      Posted

      Hi Leo

      Do stick with it - you will feel the difference. 

      I’m still on 50mg and been on that dose for over a year. It probably took 2 months for me to feel any different in the beginning- hopeless wasn’t the word. 

      Luckily I got through that and am doing much better now as I’m sure you will. 

      Good luck!! 😊

    • kathlene02998
      kathlene02998 laura04675

      Posted

      Thanks for this post gives me something to hold on to as you said hopeless isn't even the word to describe this feeling. Thank you.

    • Kells123a
      Kells123a laura04675

      Posted

      Hi laura me on 8th week on 50ml. I started having cramps and dirrahoea on 5th week. Its not too bad, but slowly getting better. Docs put meds up to 100 yesterday. Im feeling ok, still a tiny little aniexty. Also I told her about cramps and dirrahoea, said it shouldnt really happen on 5th week. Like she hasnt got a clue. So got have blood test, then go back in 4 weeks.. I think i am nearly myself now. Does it ever settles..
  • kathlene02998
    kathlene02998 richard30560

    Posted

    Rich, thanks for this post, I've been on 100 mg for about 7 days, was on 50 for 3 weeks. I just feel so down discouraged and hopeless, I feel worse and am considering stopping this medicine. My energy my positivity is just zapped away. After reading your post I'm going to try to stick it out for a while, really scared but going to try. Thanks again for sharing.

    Kathlene

  • kristine28721
    kristine28721 richard30560

    Posted

    Hi Richard, I know your post is awhile back now but hopefully you still see this. I am 27, I have started sertraline .. I started on 25mg as I was always scared of taking an antidepressant and getting hoocked. My anxiety got that bad that I decided it was the only option, 2 weeks later I upped it to 50mg. I’ve been on 50mg for a week I am feeling so anxious still like I constantly have some kind of shake inside my body .. I’m still constantly worrying ! I’m even tempted to up the mg again ! I don’t know what to do from here ! 
    • kristine28721
      kristine28721

      Posted

      Also I am a single mother to a 4 year old, all I do is worry about her and to the extreme ! I’m not enjoying my days .. the thought of meeting someone makes my stomach turn, my sex drive has vanished. I almost feel as if this is it for me .. this is never going to fade ! I am young I want to escape this feeling ! 😞

    • Hoopz
      Hoopz kristine28721

      Posted

      Don't up the dose please without speaking to your doctor first. This med is very slow acting and you will need to be patient. Always take at the same time and drink plenty of water. It's likely that you will feel worse before better. When you increase go to 75mg by breaking a 50 in half. Gradual is the key. I personally am now on 150mg. I increased from 25 to 150 gradually from Nov. I can quite honestly say that the side effects for me were gross but I got glimmers of feeling better. I was more or less housebound. I couldnt go in shops at all. I can now ..But not always ..I have managed quick supermarket shops..and I'm ok now nipping into the local shop for milk etc. I still feel wobbly walking outside but I'm fine driving. Persevere with the sert.. Things will improve. Personally sleep and dehydration for me is an issue. I am still waking up sweating to death. I have phenerghan to help me sleep but I don't take them very often. Keep posting on here..try to cry and laugh as it's good for you. I'm not good at either! Watch some good comedy..I watched Vicar of Dibley at my worst time which helped. Deep breathing is brilliant for panic attacks if you have those. Good luck and keep posting and reading stuff on here. This forum and sert is a godsend.

      🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄

  • laura04675
    laura04675 richard30560

    Posted

    Yes do stick with it. I was on 150mg too for a while but managed to get down to 50 now. It took a long time for me to feel even a little better. I couldn’t go out without having a panic attack and thought that would be me for the rest of my life. 

    Supermarkets and crowds were a no no. 

    I can now manage a quick supermarket shop and have managed to deal with crowds although not comfortably. 

    I also changed career completely as that was some of the cause of my problems. Was very scary but I had to do it. 

    You will get there. I also take propanol for panic if it gets overwhelming. 

    Just believe in yourself it takes time to unlearn these behaviours. Focus on objects, colours, sounds etc it really works. 

    Good luck to everyone 😘😘xxxxx

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