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When does sertraline actually kick in?

Posted , 55 users are following.

zoe111
zoe111

Hi to you all,

I've had panic disorder with agoraphobia for over 20 years. I was on the highest dose of Duloxetine for approximately 10 years, but recently my GP took me off this, as I was beginning to have many episodes of panic attacks.

I started taking 25mg of sertraline 18 days ago. Since then the GP has raised the dose to 50 mg and then on day 14 of taking sertraline she raised it again to 75mg. I wondered if anybody knows how long it takes to get in to the system. I currently feel more anxious and highly agitated. I'm finding it hard to leave the house. Any advise would be welcome, as would any information on this medication. I need to start feeling better soon, as I am self employed and need to earn some money. This is also adding to my anxiety!

Thanks!

7 likes, 106 replies

106 Replies

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  • kerry68157
    kerry68157 zoe111

    Posted

    I've ad anexity for 12 years and this time I've had episodes for six weeks now and I tried fighting it but nothing was working I can't go out the house because I feel a lot safer in the house where nothing can cause me any harm so I plucked up the courage yesterday to ring my gp and she did assessment over phone and she's put me on sertrline 20mg I have to take one before bed and I'm hoping they start to kick in soon because I'm waking up at stupid hours very anxious and panicky
    • Gnancy575
      Gnancy575 kerry68157

      Posted

      Just wondering how everything turned out for you did the medication start working for you after all?
  • mary33161
    mary33161 zoe111

    Posted

    Hi,

    I know this post is old but I'm new and hoping someone will answer and help me.

    My doctor prescribed Zoloft for me and I am on day three.

    On my first day, I was expecting side effects but they never came. Maybe a bit of dizziness. But my mood was so positive and I was fine.

    Day two and three however, I've suffered anxiety attacks, have weakness in my legs and today I have chest pain.

    My doctor has me on half a 50mg tablet for four days and then the full 50mg after that.

    I'm scared the tablets aren't going to work or are having adverse effects on my heart. I had the most massive heart palpitation - it came out of nowhere.

    I can't stand this anymore. I feel like I'm never going to come out of this.

    • don45258
      don45258 mary33161

      Posted

      Hi Mary

      It's hard it can take between 2-8 and sometimes 12 weeks to work I know that's sounds a long time but just take it day by day and don't be hard on yourself try to exercise and drink lots of water someone said rescue remedy works well and it's natural

    • mary33161
      mary33161 don45258

      Posted

      Thank you. Your words of encouragement have helped.
    • cheryl56791
      cheryl56791 mary33161

      Posted

      Hello Mary. I get the heart palpitations too it's scary isn't it. I've been on mine nearly a month and still struggling. I'm gonna give it another couple of weeks and if no better trying a different medication. Hope you feel better soon
    • mary33161
      mary33161 cheryl56791

      Posted

      A month? That doesn't fill me with much hope. I hope you get better soon Hun.

      I'm at the doctor tomorrow so I'll speak to them about the palpitations and see what they say.

    • philip46747
      philip46747 mary33161

      Posted

      I've been on 100mg of sertraline for nearly 12 weeks and still have heart palpitations and feeling like this is all a dream but it doesn't bother me anymore gonna sit it out until 4months to see how I am then,
    • MrsDoyle
      MrsDoyle mary33161

      Posted

      Hi Mary,

      Hope you're feeling better. Wanted to share that I started taking 25mg of Sertraline 2 weeks ago and have now increased the dose to 50mg. The last 2 weeks I did feel strange and more anxious (I'm suffering from severe anxiety & moderate depression) also felt nauseous and it has surpressed my appetite but overall it hasn't been a bad experience. Will see how I feel taking 50mg, doctor's normally say to allow at least 4-6weeks to really feel the benifits so if you can it's worth sticking with it for now. I too have been suffering from palpatations but I was having them prior to taking the medication. In my experience so far I have found that it can enhance your already exsisting symptoms but this will pass once your body has adjusted to it.

      I wish you all the best and hope you feel better soon. x 

    • mieagles
      mieagles MrsDoyle

      Posted

      Stick with it, the first week or so for me it was not fun, but i think it is mostly the anxiety about taking something new.

      I was on 50mg for about 6 months then went up to 100mg then 150 and now 200mg. i do not feel any weird side effects or anything anymore and have not for a long time. 

      My attacks went from 5/10 a day for 5mins-30mins each 5 years ago

      To now 1/3 bad ones a week but they only last 2mins-5mins.

       

    • Riab
      Riab mary33161

      Posted

      Hi Mary,

      How are you doing now? I’d love to hear! I need encouragement. 

      Thanks.

  • mieagles
    mieagles zoe111

    Posted

    I have been taking sertraline for a few years now, 200mg a day for the last year. 

    It helps, but their is no cure that is for sure

  • l08225
    l08225 zoe111

    Posted

    hi all,

    I know this post is old but I desperately need some reassurance.

    I started zoloft 100mg in 2008 and after a while it kicked in and all was under control, so much so that after a few years in 2012 I started decreasing it and this summer I was only taking 25mg.

    after a health problem that triggered the anxiety back, my doctor told me to up the dosage to 100mg. I took 50mg for a few weeks, then 75mg for a week and I have been on 100mg for over 20 days now. I had some good days but the past 4 have been horrible, with incredible anxiety, insomnia, crying at all times, etc. I am scared Zoloft won't work this time... do I just need to be patient or should I further increase? The highest dose I have ever taken was 200mg for 2 months after my daughter was born. I have also done a lot of cognitive behavioural therapy but I am in such a bad place now I can't use any of the techniques I learnt throughout the years.

    any feedback is highly appreciated... I feel very lonely and that I am going crazy!

    Thanks

    • philip46747
      philip46747 l08225

      Posted

      Just be patient, it can take as long as 3 months to level out again at 100mg
  • ann35714
    ann35714 zoe111

    Posted

    HI Zoe,

    I WOULD SAY IT TAKES UPTO 4 WEEKS TO GET INTO YOUR SYSTEM. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH THIS DRUG. EVERYBODY.S BODY IS DIFFERENT AND THE SIDE EFFECTS CAN BE A PAIN BUT STICK WITH IT ZOE.YOU;LL GET THERE

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