1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Sertraline

ups and downs on sertraline

Posted , 6 users are following.

amanda37407
amanda37407

Hi, I have been on  sertraline for 3 weeks now and increased my dose last week to 100mg.  I was prescibed sertraline for anxiety and after 2 and a half weeks i felt much better and less anxious.

Two days ago i had a drink and since then have felt anxious and worried again.  Has this happened to anyone else, is my problem because i had some alcohol or is it just the tablets taking time to kick in?  Any thoughts from anyone???

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • julie1111
    julie1111 amanda37407

    Posted

    hi i would say give it time to kick in. was 6 weeks before i felt the benefit 
  • e97070lle
    e97070lle amanda37407

    Posted

    yes alcohol can increase anxiety significantly. how much did you drink - just out of interest?
    • amanda37407
      amanda37407 e97070lle

      Posted

      Hi  Jane, i had a glass of wine and a bottle of fruit cider, it was lovely at the time!  I am going on holiday to spain on Friday and was hoping to be able to drink on holiday (not too excess) but im not sure now, I would rather be sober than feel so anxious1
  • kathy_06966
    kathy_06966 amanda37407

    Posted

    Hi Amanda   I think you need to give it a little more time for the meds to kick in  its usually 6-8 weeks   I have been on Sert for 3 months and it has been an up and down journey   I would try to avoid alcohol for a bit at least until the meds are in your system properly   or ask your doc   some meds do not work very well with alcohol but am not sure about Sertraline   anyway dont be too anxious about feeling anxious (?!) as what you are feeling is temporary and will pass  good luck
    • amanda37407
      amanda37407 kathy_06966

      Posted

      Thanks Kathy, I just want to feel better again!  I have had some good days so there is light at the end of the tunnel.....
  • joolsmc70
    joolsmc70 amanda37407

    Posted

    I chose not to drink when I was put on sertraline last sept, and didn't drink for 3 months. When Xmas came, I allowed myself a couple of drinks over the Xmas period. Everyone has their own agenda when it comes to meds and drink.
  • DavidUSA
    DavidUSA amanda37407

    Posted

    Amanda-

    Three weeks is nothing. I took me over three month to enjoy the full effects.

    Alcohol does nothing to me...not to say that you couldn't experience something different.

    Hang in there! David 

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.