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Taking 50 mg setraline for just over 3 weeks, anxiety got steadily worse

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julie08522
julie08522

I have been on setraline for just coming up for 4 weeks and my anxiety is getting worse. Its 50mg. I have been advised possible upping the dose - due to see GP hopefully tomorrow. Cant function at all in the last week and half.. what are the side effects, already struggling with eating sleeping etc. With Christmas coming, my sons birthday i want to be a little brighter if i can be.

0 likes, 19 replies

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  • whippet15
    whippet15 julie08522

    Posted

    I haven't posted on here before, but I wanted to share my experiences as I am taking Sertraline and experiencing similar dilemmas about changing the dose or switching SSRI as other people on here.

    I started taking Sertraline a four and half weeks ago for depression and anxiety - the first five days on 25mg then after that on 50mg.

    The first week I had extreme drowsiness and disorientation, which then passed. Week two I had horrible panic attacks in the early hours of the morning, which then also passed.

    Since then I haven't really noticed a great deal of change. I'm still feel extremely low in the mornings and panicky during the day. I've also started waking very early.

    As it has been four weeks now I'm wondering whether I should consider increasing the dose to 100mg, or switching to another SSRI. I have taken paroxetine before, and I found that that was successful for getting rid of the panic attacks.

    Can anyone advise whether they think it's worth sticking with Sertraline for another week or two?

    Is it possible that I can expect an improvement even though I've already been taking the drug for four a half weeks?

    Does anyone have any experience of increasing the dose from 50mg to 100mg?

    And does anyone have any experience of switching from Sertraline to paroxetine? Were there still side-effects to the new drug, and does it still take weeks to start working, or does it start working quicker if you're switching from another SSRI?

    The anxiety is the worst for me at the moment, particularly the panic that comes with decision-making because I'm going through a break-up with my girlfriend here and a decision whether to move back home to England when my 3-month period in Germany comes to an end in the next couple of week. I don't want everything to fall apart just because I haven't had long enough for my meds to work!

    Thank you!

    • julie08522
      julie08522 whippet15

      Posted

      I would speak to your GP before upping the dosage. Tell them exactly how you are feeling. I tended to hold back alit and i think that was part of the problem, not telling everything. My GPs have been brilliant. Also see if they will refer you to a counsellor or therapist. x
  • Carolyn431
    Carolyn431 julie08522

    Posted

    Been on sertraline less than a week and really struggling to sleep. I had a bout of insomnia during the summer off meds literally couldn't get any sleep at all and developed a drink problem partiality as a result of that so I'm really worried

    Doc said give them a bit longer. Feel wired today got some sleep but only as I took a sleeping tablet.I conquered my drink problem felt loads better was sleeping again now this within first day of taking them. Don't know what to do. Thought about mirt but meant to cause weight gain or do I ride this out. I'm. On half pay at work now I need to be back in next couple of months so panicking now. Sorry just nice to offload

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