Started on sertraline for anxiety, day 7 and I'm finding it so hard to persevere
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After a very traumatic 6 months following covid infection, miscarriage of my 1st child, numerous trips in and out of hospital due to infection, I have started to have severe anxiety combined with panic attacks. working from home has been so tough especially when I've been so used to working in a sociable office. I finally took up the courage to admit I need help, tears and tears shed to my loving boyfriend and family, my GP prescribed me my first anti-depressants...sertraline 25mg for 1 week then increase to 50mg thereafter. I have to say I am trying to persevere but struggling with terrible sickness in a morning, panicky anxious feeling when I wake, so much so my boyfriend has to hold my hand to calm me down and talk to me (we are both aged 28). I get so tired and feel exhausted in the morning, then somehow seem to perk up afternoons and am more myself in the evening. All I want is to be happy again, able to control my anxiety I have never suffered like this before and worrying I can't persevere. can anybody else relate? I'm so upset at feeling like a failure, I just hope someone can reassure me. Will the symptoms subside? Will I ever be happy again? any help is so gratefully received, thanks in advance
0 likes, 3 replies
tina04668 sophie69490
Edited
I know it's so tough in the beginning! Unfortunately the sertraline does make you worse before you get better. The increased anxiety and panic should go away after 2 weeks. The first 2 weeks were hell for me. I started on 50mg for 5 weeks then 75mg for 3 weeks tomorrow I'm going up to 100mg per my doctor. I'm definitely feeling better than before but still anxious. Hoping 100mg is my magic number! I know the feeling of just wanting your happy life back! I want the same! Hang in there it does get better!! You will get through this I promise! I have made it 8 long weeks and I have seen improvement! Stay strong, you got this!!
sophie69490 tina04668
Edited
Thanks so much for your reply. I'm trying to grin and bare it, but it is so hard. I do hope you continue being so strong, onwards and upwards now for us both. thanks again!
tina04668 sophie69490
Posted
No problem I am here and you can message me anytime! I have spent the last 8 weeks trolling on the internet to find any hope to cling to so I get it! My advice is don't read anything negative about sertraline. I actually google sertraline success stories all the time and I read the same ones over and over again for inspiration 😊 you'll see that many have gone through the awful side effects and have made it to the other side! I believe that all SSRI antidepressants work the same it's just what side effects people get and finding the right dose. I've had lots of side effects with sertraline but if it helps my anxiety and panic I'll take them lol. Hang in there, soon you'll look back and realize how strong you are!!!