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Week 3

Posted , 5 users are following.

Coolhandnico
Coolhandnico

Hey guys!

I just closed out week 3 yesterday and holy crap what a difference. It’s like a switch was turned on in my head and killed most of the side effects.

I’m awake, alert, hungry, and sleeping!

Last night I’d even go so far as to say I slept waaaay too much.

Which is so welcome since it was 2 weeks of no more than 4 hours a night. 

I feel good and happy and things don’t bother me as much. I know 3 weeks in isn’t like the full effect considering everyone says 6-8 weeks is where it’s very good.

But if this is how I feel now, I can’t imagine what that’ll be like.

Hang in there!!!!

1 like, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • sharon37328
    sharon37328 Coolhandnico

    Posted

    What dose are you on xc
    • Coolhandnico
      Coolhandnico sharon37328

      Posted

      I am on 50 so it’s low but it’s working!

      I’m not gunna go up just yet. I’m going to try to make it to 6-8 weeks, see how it goes, and then decide on a potential increase.

  • luci11
    luci11 Coolhandnico

    Posted

    Hi Coolhandnico,

    I am so relieved to read your post. Most seem very discouraging.

    I am only on day 2, so still bracing myself for the side effects to come. Last year I went through terrible side effects with Fluoxetine; the lack of sleep and appetite and increased anxiety and shivers. At this stage just wondering what it will be like this time on a different medication. I know there is light at the end of the tunnel after some 8 weeks or so, from experience, but the ride until then can be so bad that I am worrying ahead. sad

    Happy to hear you are better!

    Luci

     

    • Coolhandnico
      Coolhandnico luci11

      Posted

      Hi Lucy! 

      Yeah it’s definitely not fun. It’s certainly a trial by fire. Those are the same symptoms I had with this the first 2 weeks. The first week cycled through all the side effects super quickly and the second they kinda took turns screwing with me if that makes sense. But by the end of week 3 I was doing pretty good. The appetite thing is still something I struggle a bit with but I’m doing considerably better. You’ll get through it. And so far it’s been worth it. Good luck!

    • luci11
      luci11 Coolhandnico

      Posted

      Thanks a lot, that's reassuring. I also calm myself knowing that last year it also got better eventually after the 8 weeks on fluoxetine. When I took it also couple times about a decade ago, I even had no side effects. So it is very individual... But these forums are very reassuring to know it is not just my anxiety increasing naturally, but the side effects. Good luck to you too! smile Keep me posted if you see any changes, or have any setbacks.

  • kerry83144
    kerry83144 Coolhandnico

    Posted

    Did you gradually get better or was it instant? I don't know how it happens

    • Coolhandnico
      Coolhandnico kerry83144

      Posted

      Both actually. The side effects gradually got better and then one day I just felt really okay. And I know it’s not like 100% how I should feel yet because it’s only been 3 weeks but it’s a huge improvement.
  • sharon37328
    sharon37328 Coolhandnico

    Posted

    How are you doing now? Hope your still on the up x
    • Coolhandnico
      Coolhandnico sharon37328

      Posted

      Everything’s great! The medication gave me the push and confidence I needed to change certain things about my life that were hindering me and I’m very happy. I technically haven’t even hit 5 weeks at this point but I feel good! I’ve had 2 days of random side effects but they were so brief I didn’t even care. I got th shakes one afternoon and then I woke up in the middle of the night for 2 hours. But that was just once in the past week or two. So I call that a win. My life feels really good. 
    • sharon37328
      sharon37328 Coolhandnico

      Posted

      Thanks this fills me with hope! I hit week 3 and have been feeling awful. I'm going to stick with it and its awesome to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel x

    • Coolhandnico
      Coolhandnico sharon37328

      Posted

      Yeah please do!!! I think I got lucky and kicked most of the side effects earlier than usual. But one of the first things I read about starting setraline is that most of the people it doesn’t work for, didn’t ride out the side effects. So keep that in mind. Use whatever new found strength you have to overcome. Because although the side effects suuuuuck, it does already change your thinking. Use it to your advantage.
  • mfischer90
    mfischer90 Coolhandnico

    Posted

    I was on 50 mg for awhile and my doc upped my dose to 100 mg.  After a couple week I started suffering horrible insomnia.  I was visiting with my doctor at Mayo about my facial pain and he expressed to me that Sertraline can also cause Bruxism (clenching).  I had started to notice I was clenching prior to this which was not good cause I have suffered TMJ in the past.  This brought it on again.  I called my other doctor to see how I ween off Sertraline.  After 2 days of 50 MG I was able to sleep again, and now after being off of it my clenching has stopped.
    • Coolhandnico
      Coolhandnico mfischer90

      Posted

      Yeah I went through clenching the first couple weeks. I already had a tendency to grind my teeth so this definitely made it worse. After 3 weeks all of that stopped thankfully. 
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