Time for some good news!
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi everyone,
I've had a bit of a rough one for the second time (used Sertraline about 7 years ago for a year to combat depression and anxiety), and was put back on them four weeks ago (day 28!) for severe anxiety and panic attacks.
The side effects as we know can be varied and a royal pain. I've had chest pains, leg and back pains, feeling sick, increased anxiety and panic, cold symptoms, pins and needles, lack of concentration and palpitations.
But for the past few days i've been noticing that my mood has significantly reduced, and the side effects are now minimal - I get a couple of pains here and there and some palpitations, but a fraction of what I was getting!
CBT has really helped, I did a free course called "Let's Talk Panic" with some other people and a lot of the things in that have helped, although I begin to describe how I felt there the first couple of weeks!
I've been forcing myself outside to Tescos, B&Q and other places to continue the exposure therapy which at first was hard, and while I still feel uncomfortable it is getting easier, the real test is going out for an anniversary dinner tomorrow with her as that'll be totally out of my comfort zone.
Been able to get back to my guitar, housework and DIY and slowly getting more and more done - although the house is now more polyfilla than brickwork, but that's another story.
To sum it up, it's taken a while but the side effects are waning and mood gradually improving!
I hope this goes to show that some good can come from this medication, and that the side effects, although a bit unpredictable and can last quite a while, they can very much be worth the time.
If anyone's got any more good stories, past or present it might help to share if you're comfortable with it! 
1 like, 17 replies
holly34337 Nementh
Posted
Nementh holly34337
Posted
Hi Holly,
Same as you, 50mg once a day, and if the insomnia comes back 3.75mg of Zopiclone.
Side effect wise, yeah it does that for me, one day I had constant pains, next day few pains but intense palpitations etc. It's a struggle!
The rough days you're having can probably be put down to increasing the dosage, which usually just resets the timer on how long the side effects can last and can increase their intensity. Stick with it, it may take another 4 or so weeks before they begin to tail off
holly34337 Nementh
Posted
I felt better the first few days of the increase and now feel worse than ever. I figure I am in the hard part of the increase. It is not fun. Today is day 9. I appreciate your response. Just feeling frustrated and so tired of feeling so bad....
Nementh holly34337
Posted
You'll be ok, the only other advice I can offer is cutting out sugar and caffeine, it may be the placebo effect but it's helped me feel better about myself, going out for increasingly longer walks around the block has helped too. The way I think about it is I don't want to feel so miserable, and while the medication helps improve mood, it won't do anything for my self esteem and i'm the only one who can do anything about that. So while the medication does it's thing i'll try to support it myself.
Try a few things out, it's tough in the beginning, but to steal a phrase - "Every little helps" (thanks Tescos)
holly34337 Nementh
Posted
No sugar or caffeine for me. Been on a strict diet as I had gallbladder issues and had it removed about 6 weeks ago. Eating low fat and only drinking water. Lots of it too! I am walking as well. Yesterday I walked morning and evening. It helps but when the increased anxiety is there it seems not much helps! I do have xanax to use as needed and have to turn to it more yesterday and today.... I know this will all pass in time but it is such a pain and makes your life miserable for the time being....
I do get out when I can when the side effects aren't so bad. Spend a lot of the time laying in bed when they are really bad..
christinekay holly34337
Posted
I'm on my first week of 25mg doctor wanting me to dose to 50 coming this monday. It's been a whirlwind of side effects...I'm already having anxiety thinking of doubling the dose of anxiety meds lol...so ironic. I do wonder if I should continue for second week on the 25 before the increase or do the next step...Doctor said the increase was my choice...but will happen inevitably. So nice to read your note... do take care.
holly34337 christinekay
Posted
Hi,
I would say go ahead and increase. I am on day 9 of increase and feel awful today. The past 3 or 4 days have been rough. I had dry heaves today and feel like I just want to die I feel so awful. Been spending a lot of time in bed.. I wonder how long I can continue! Not to scare you but being truthful. I don't thinking the two weeks at 25mg really made a difference at this point. I have headaches, low mood, extreme anxiety, emotional, lots of crying today and trembling. Geez! I have Xanax and have had to use it more the past couple of days. On a side note, I have been on this med most of my life and it works great. I just don't recall being this ill starting it the times in the past.. I hope it isn't the case for you but I would say just go for it because if you are going to get side effects from the increase no need to prolong it... I am very sensitive to meds so take that into consideration too. What side effects have you had?
christinekay holly34337
Posted
So today would be only day 5 for me but feels like so much more. From the beginning increased anxiety...Very touchy and sensitive over things that shouldn't bother me...today/yesterday heavy chest most of day...blowing alot of breathes out trying to calm. One side migraine last night. Waking just a few hours after sleeping..
Yes I doubted waiting the extra week to increase my dose would help much. If this med is going to help me I guess I need to jump in and see what happens. I appreciate the honesty...no point in sugar coating it if we are all feeling the same.
holly34337 christinekay
Posted
Yea. Just being honest. I don't want to discourage or scare you but I am really struggling the past few days. Miserable pretty much all day. I say go for it as it doesn't seem to have made a difference for me in hindsight. These are tough to start. I want to quit almost everyday. Ate you feeling emotional or more depressed? I had a good couple days after the increase and now it has been rough...😥
christinekay holly34337
Posted
Emotional for sure. Small things making me burst into tears. I watched a home reno show and cried because the lady on tv was so happy. Have had bad weather here last few days too...so the dark feeling is there too...isolated from work...family and friends because of snow. Everything ×100 right now.
I questioned whether it was worth it or normal to have these increased feelings. I'm 38...and I know I need something to help me thou.
holly34337 christinekay
Posted
Yes. It works wonders. It is normal but so hard. I am always here for support for you. I know It is lonely and tuff. Most don't understand how awful the meds make us feel and the illness itself. Hang tough and give it a go. It will probably be rough for a few weeks. I just hope it isn't too bad for you. Most doctors don't tell you how hard it will be.... Where do you live? I am in the USA... I will try and help support you as much as I can. Your not alone....Do you have anything to help you relax or sleep?
christinekay holly34337
Posted
My doctor is great...but yes she never really told me what was ahead for me. I go back to her at the 3 week mark. I had been taking melatonin each night she gave me a sleeping pill prescription but I hadn't filled it as of yet. I am falling asleep ok...it's the staying asleep part for me. I am in Canada...I agree thou my husband doesn't quite understand how complex this is. It's not a pill you take and the next day you're better. I appreciate the words...you send me a note anytime too.
holly34337 christinekay
Posted
Get your sleeping pill filled. It will help. I am taking one. You have anything for the increased anxiety? Seriously, anytime you need to vent or chat I am here. I have made a good friend on here that I talk with everyday and we help each other. It has been so nice... You are not alone 😁
jay98357 Nementh
Posted
That is so good to hear and we'll done you. I think this drug is overall great but the side effects really stink.
I'm on 75 mgs for day 8 now and been on sertaline since July and because of the increase I'm getting the nasty side effects but I'm determined to get the right dose and get well
So nice to hear a good story..good luck
Nementh jay98357
Posted
Hi Jay,
Good mindset to have
And thanks! Keep it up and it will get easier, I hope you don't have to increase the dose much more and can find a comfortable level!
jay98357 Nementh
Posted
Hello. I was doing well on 50 but doc said it's really the starting dose and I was still having bad days... so she decided 75 . So going to ride the storm and see how the 75 goes..
Good luck to you sweetie
Nementh jay98357
Posted
Probably wise, I'm pretty much at peace with the fact that even though I'm feeling better at the moment i'll still get bad days, but instead of hiding from it as I usually do, try to stick with it.
Keep us up to date with how it's going, all of us here will help support you