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So sleepy on Sertraline

Posted , 5 users are following.

joss23656
joss23656

Hi everyone, I hope someone can help with advice or reassurance.

I've been on Sertraline for almost three months. 50mg for just over seven weeks, increased to 75mg just over four weeks ago.

I had severe side effects, physical and emotional when I started, they cleared by six weeks or so, apart from sleepiness. Side effects when I increased were limited, apart from sleepiness. Weirdly, not tiredness, I want to do things but feel so sleepy all the time.

I'm now wondering if I should reduce my dose to 50mg? I felt better but not great on 50mg and wonder if I should have stayed at that for longer. I've avoided alcohol and any other meds for the past two days but no improvement.

Others' experience and some advice would be gratefully received. I'm a couch potato at the moment!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • alissa_94010
    alissa_94010 joss23656

    Posted

    Hi Joss

    I'm also currently on sertraline 50mg. I started really low at 12.5mg and have increased every 2 weeks. Every time I increase my side effects come back. It has been such a struggle 😞 I was actually feeling good on the 50mg but had a minor set back and haven't been able to bounce back. So now I'm thinking I need to increase again. I'm calling my Dr this week to see what I should do. Have you called your Dr about going back to 50mg or staying at 75mg? I always follow up with my Dr so I'm not always guessing what to do. I'm here if you need/want to talk!💖🌞

    • joss23656
      joss23656 alissa_94010

      Posted

      Thanks Alissa, sorry you've had a set back and hope you get sound comments from your doctor.

      I'm going to call mine tomorrow. She increased my scrip gradually and slowly because apparently, side effects are fewer that way. But the sleepiness is awful, is it one of your side effects.?

      KIT and we can compare notes about medical advice, seems to vary from doctor to doctor! I'm worried that the sleepiness will never go away and would like reassurance that it's my body adapting, and it will go in time and I'll be bubbling and bouncing with energy!

      Hope you feel better soon! x

    • alissa_94010
      alissa_94010 joss23656

      Posted

      Thank you! Yes the setback is a pain and I'm so ready to start feeling myself again. Trying to be patient but it sure is hard. 

      I'm glad you're going to follow up with your Dr. There are so many side effects with these medications. I'm sure the sleepiness is a side effect you're experiencing. Make sure to tell your Dr everything.  

      It actually doesn't make me sleepy. I have to take mine in the morning because it keeps me up at night. And when I increase I have sleepless nights. 

      Have you been on sertraline or any medication like this before? I'm sure you're body is adapting. We can definitely KIT! I love having someone to talk to with this journey. It helps so much! 

      Talk soon! 🌞

  • armelle88733
    armelle88733 joss23656

    Posted

    I have increased from 50 to 75 for the past 2 weeks and I am ever so sleepy too. Going to increase to 100 next week as per my gp recommendation. Today is the 1st dat I have felt well. However I am off work for the next 2 weeks so I thought I might as well go through with it. I’ll keep you posted.
  • danny09
    danny09 joss23656

    Posted

    Hello Joss, Consider these steps:

    Take a brief nap during the day.

    Get some physical activity, such as walking.

    Take your antidepressant at bedtime.

    Talk to your doctor to see if adjusting your dose will help.

    Good luck

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