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Starting Setraline: Insomnia & Exhaustion

Posted , 3 users are following.

HugoGag
HugoGag

Hi everyone, Hugo here.

Started Setraline a 5 days ago. The effects are awful. Thoughts racing, feels like I'm losing my mind, even numbness in my arms! But most of all it's the lethargy & insomnia. I'm taking imovane 7.5mg to help me sleep, but even then, my sleep is poor (4 - 5hrs. at most).

Does any one know whether this insomnia goes away? On top of that I have no appetite, so I'm just lying on the couch cause I have no energy. When do I know when to stop the imovane?

Any thoughts would be appreciated! I feel like I'm in a such a dark, scary place.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • emma_28291
    emma_28291 HugoGag

    Posted

    Hi Hugo, 

    I am on my 7th week now on 50mg, I can totally relate to what you are saying, there first week or so was awful, one day I couldn't get out of bed, I was dizzy, i had no appetite it was scary the whole experiece I wanted to stop them but after doing so much reading up about them I learnt this was all normal and expected from them, although at the time I didn't want to carry them on! Each day after that got better and better, my sleep was rubbish when I started i would seem to drift off into a deep sleep then wake up soon after feeling like it should be morning and wide awake, my sleep is much better now but I'm just trying to motivate myself more and because I'm off work at the moment I don't seem to be doing a lot so that's probably not helping. 

    Just keep going and within the next week I'm sure you will see some improvements from the side effects, I know right now it won't feel like it but it's does get better, I hope this helps a little bit,  Emma 😊

    • HugoGag
      HugoGag emma_28291

      Posted

      Hi Emma,

      Thank you so very much for the response. I too am on 50mg. Your words are comforting and have brought a smile to my face. Funny. prior to this episode, I had been trying to meditate and be mindful of my thoughts, trying (perhaps wrongfully) to force equanimity. Now I have to choice to ride out this storm and be patient, but it's so hard! You just want to be normal right away!

      Oh, and yeah, like you, I'm off work too. So no training, no work...it sucks.

      Ok, then, I'll re-read your response over and over whenever I feel there's no hope. Glad to know I'm not alone! Your words have made a difference!

      Take care Emma.

       

    • emma_28291
      emma_28291 HugoGag

      Posted

      I'm glad to help 😊 When I first started them it was all so new to me, and scary.. not knowing what's happening to your body or how you will react, I use to go online and read reviews which were like 3 or more years old, and just like you I posted on here for some reassurance and was overwhelmed by how fast someone replied and hearing people who are going through the same thing right now really helped me too.

      Also it's good to remember that when these work for you there's no reason to go online and post about it so that's why we seem more negative posts, I guess it's all just trial and error... good luck with them too, keep me posted it will be good to know how you get on with them, grin and bear it you'll be on top of the world before you know it! Not litterly though, but you get the drift 

      Take care of yourself 😊

  • kerry56645
    kerry56645 HugoGag

    Posted

    Hi Hugo congratulations for taking steps to get yourself in a better place, it does get worse before it gets better whilst your body is getting used to the drugs. It had the opposite affect on me infact as soon as I started taking sertraline I sleep every night albeit some crazy dreams!  before I used to have really bad anxiety about not sleeping. If you feel it's the sertraline keeping you awake you could take it in the mornings then your pill to help you sleep in the evenings. I would also say just stick with it, the symptoms will improve once the drug is in your system. Good Luck Hugo I hope things improve for you soon x 

    • HugoGag
      HugoGag kerry56645

      Posted

      Hi Kerry,

      Thanks so much for your thoughts! I don't feel so alone. Funny you should suggest that, I switched to the mornings after two days, problem now, is that for about 2 hours, I feel groggy, so I can't work at the moment. How long did it take for you for the drugs to kick in? Do you feel better now?

      I'll heed your advice and keep going. That's what most people are saying to do. This has to be one of the toughest things I've ever had to do in my life.

      Take care Kerry, and thanks again for reaching out to me.

      Hugo

  • kerry56645
    kerry56645 HugoGag

    Posted

    It will take a few weeks Hugo but they do work, I posted in this group just now about my journey so far with this drug 'sertraline nearly 1 year in' it's changed my life you will get there x 

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