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SERTRALINE - start up effects

Posted , 11 users are following.

connie08861
connie08861

Day 7 and feeling very nauseaus , no appetite, anxiety and I would like to give this med a fair shot as there are some good stories out there.  I am on 25 mg the lowest dose as I am very sensitive to antidepressants.  Anyone can give me any positive thoughts to hang in there?  is this a normal start up?  thanks!

 

1 like, 78 replies

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  • kirk98546
    kirk98546 connie08861

    Posted

    Hi Connie

    Obviously everyone has their own experience and the drug affects everyone differently, so my experience may not be what you can expect. 

    I have to say I have had a really positive growth period whilst on this drug. I am actually in the process of coming down to 50 from 100  and at my peak 200 following a full breakdown in 2014. 

    I found it took at least 6 weeks to feel the benefit and I was feeling worse not better before that. However after two months at 100mg I found myself rebuilding my life. And will be forever glad I stuck with it

    • connie08861
      connie08861 kirk98546

      Posted

      I am just wondering why it is worse in the beginning I know that our bodies are getting used to it , but does it stop serotonin production totally in the beginning because I have like no emotion other than sad and stuck in my own head.  I used to be sooo happy laughing all of the time and joking!  depression and anxiety is a serious issue some people get it and some dont.    how are you doing kirk?
  • Grammiecarrie
    Grammiecarrie connie08861

    Posted

    I came online searching for some reassuring words. Doc prescribed sertraline 50 mg and I took my first dose Monday night. It was a long sleepless night in Hell. I can't go without sleep. My anxiety (and my blood pressure) is through the roof. We asked the doc if I could drop down to 25 mg to see if that would ease some of the symptoms. I waited until Wed morning to take my second dose because I needed sleep. What I can't handle is the nausea/stomach cramps! I can't eat anything. I do take alprazolam to help with my anxiety, but it's effects don't really quelch everything. I know I need help and I want the sertraline to work. At this point I can't function at all. 

    • connie08861
      connie08861 Grammiecarrie

      Posted

      sorry you are suffering thru this , I am too.  I just took my 25 mg for the 22nd day today.  the nauseau lasted for me a good couple weeks and is easing up a bit.  it's the anxiety I don't like.  the burning chest and the spaced out feeling I get from the anxiety and the waking up at 5am with the shakes.  I sometimes feel like giving up but somehow I find the strength to pray that tomorrow is a better day.  I wouldn't give up yet Grammiecarrie - you have just started and it does take time for you to get used to.  please let me know how you make out.  Thanks!  I am looking for reassurance also - ANYONE - success stories - I get it that the start up is hard but is there light at the end of the tunnel - anyone?  XO thanks!

    • julie89512
      julie89512 connie08861

      Posted

      Hi Connie.

      and other sertraline starter.

      honestly it does get better, I had every side effect going to start with and it took quiet a few weeks for side effects to go but day by day things got better. 

      im very sensitive to medication and I haven’t moved further than 25mg.

      i take it for health anxiety, Long story but last year I had a year from hell.

      im so glad I asked a understanding lady doctor for help, and asked to be put on A/Ds 

      iv been on them for 8 months. 

      Its a rough ride to start with, but stick with them.

      what iv read on here though that when you up your dose some of the side effects come back. 

      Good luck to you all x

    • connie08861
      connie08861 julie89512

      Posted

      Thanks Julie!  It just seems like I am obsessing over every little thing - every day waiting and wondering.  Im not giving up yet .... smile   If it weren't for the klonopin I wouldn't be able to deal. 

  • connie08861
    connie08861

    Posted

    Day 24 @ 25mg - update:  between 2-3 weeks the nausea started to get better.  after 3 weeks the sleep started better.  trick is to remain calm and let things pass.  driving for me is still jittery and uncomfortable but I still do it and I seem to make it every time.   I go to DR on 01 NOV and if she suggests to increase my dose to 50mg I would do it as I have heard that 25 mg is a childs dose.  SO seems my body is accepting the Zoloft but it seems like a slow process.  the 1st week and 2nd week were horrible with anxiety and nauseau.  I am still helping with the Klonopin which I take .5 mg and break it in 4 peices so that I take 1.25 mg every 5 hours or so.  keeps me calm.  which I will stop as soon as I feel I don't need it anymore.   XO everyone how is everyone doing?

    • ashleyrocks910
      ashleyrocks910 connie08861

      Posted

      Glad things are going better for you Connie.  I am on day 22 @ 150 mg.  I can slowly start to see things get better.  Not anywhere near I want to be,  but the anxiety is starting subside a bit.  Been taking Xanax at night to help me sleep,  but have not taken it the past couple of nights,  so sleepy has been pretty awful.  Also my period is due to start any day,  so I am sure that it not helping.  Hoping after Aunt Flow comes and goes,  that things will be much better as I will be on week 4.  I am glad that you are going to bite the bullet and increase your dose if your doctor says that you should.  I know how hard the struggle of increasing can be,  but it does get better with time.
    • connie08861
      connie08861 ashleyrocks910

      Posted

      HI ! and how are you doing?  I have finished my 1st bottle of 30 yesterday.  I am on day 31.  still not great - but when I take it I feel better.  does that mean that something is working?   

       

    • ashleyrocks910
      ashleyrocks910 connie08861

      Posted

      I say any progress is a good sign!  I am feeling better,  but still have to push myself through the anxiety.  It’s better,  but I still have a long way to go.  I am at 4 weeks today,  so I am hoping to be much better in a few weeks.  I also feel better after I take my dose.  The mornings are hardest for me,  but after I take my pills around 4:00,  I feel much more myself after a couple hours.  Thanks for keeping us up to date on how you are doing.  I love hearing from other people that understand what we are going through.
    • connie08861
      connie08861 ashleyrocks910

      Posted

      I take mine at 12noon.  and I seem to be better afterwards.  maybe I should take earlier in the day? hmmm 
  • armelle88733
    armelle88733 connie08861

    Posted

    I am awake and it’s the middle of the night. 23 days on sertraline. I am feeling slightly better. I saw your post and wondered how you were doing. Are you still taking the medication? 
    • connie08861
      connie08861 armelle88733

      Posted

      Hi! I have been on 25mg for a month. Not cured but feeling teeny better than start up. I dont have the nauseau anymore. How many mg are you taking ? I go to doctor on 01 Nov to see what's next. I still have anxiety and take teeny dose klonopin. .125 mg couple times day.

    • connie08861
      connie08861

      Posted

      I have just took my 1st 50mg today after 5 weeks at 25mg.  lets' see how it goes...  feeling hopeful!

    • nicole0926
      nicole0926 connie08861

      Posted

      Hi Connie.

      I am in Wisconsin. Been to Florida 5 times!! I love it there so much warmer in the winter time lol!! How are you feeling?

    • connie08861
      connie08861 nicole0926

      Posted

      I am on 75 mg now - and still not 100%.  my doctor is going to put me on 100mg when I go back in January.  days are worse and nights when I get home from work are alot better.  how are you doing?  thanks for checking in with me.
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