Week 9 50mg
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So, im on week 9 of sertraline and this is currently how im feeling. Still having bouts of ocd daily but certainly better than pre sertraline where i was haunted 24/7. i just feel so depressed and like im on the verge of tears all the time. i have an some sort of tension in my chest constantly and i need to take a deep breathe to elevate it. My sleep has gotten a little bit better but i find it extremely hard to wake up in the mornings but after an hour or so of being awake. i can smile but it feels fake, i feel like im going to be stuck with intrusive thoughts and feeling crappy for the rest of my life. ive heard it can take 12 weeks to feel better but i cant imagine how i will transform from feeling crap to back to normal within 3 weeks
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louise24797 matt18802
Edited
Sorry to hear you're having a tough time, this is a slow drug that does take time. From what I've read every increase in dose causes side effects so if you doc is bumping you up it'll take 12 weeks for each dose to level.
I started on 25mg 6 weeks ago, despite docs saying it's not a therapeutic dose I've had a lot of side effects so I've stuck with this dose and will see how I feel after 12 weeks. It took until week 5 for me to feel a bit more myself and no anxiety, but it comes and goes. Tiredness and not sleeping great is still an issue which also makes it hard to cope some days.
I also think it depends on what you're on the meds for. I suffer from health anxiety which was triggered by an illness in Feb then the pandemic. Before that I was OK, with occassional periods of anxiety which lasted from a few weeks to a couple of years - this is the first time I've been on meds. I had also noticed social anxiety creeping in over the last few years. I'm 46 and believe some of this is being caused by starting the transition to menopause.
I'm not relying 100% on the meds to fix me, I'm also getting counselling again and making sure I'm doing things to make me happy and setting small goals each day. But we are all on our individual journey so it's finding what works for you. But be kind to yourself, celebrate the wins eg your OCD no longer being 24/7. I keep a diary of my symptons/side effects each day, what I've managed to do, even if my goal was to rest, what I've eaten focusing on eating well and cutting out coffee and alcohol, it helps me track my progress and makes me see how far I've come.
Hang in there, be patient with yourself and celebrate your wins, no matter how small.