Sertraline

[temperancebrennan]

Has anyone ever been prescribed Sertraline before? My doctor today has taken me off citalopram & give me Sertraline. I'm not sure what to expect.

[henchy7]

Been taking Zoloft or generic brand Sertraline for years. Expect no sex drive but other than that pretty safe SSRI with little side effects.

[RobinG]

I hav been on it for a couple months now. Its great i love it!! But it did take me abt 3 wks to get balanced & adjusted to it!! I got very dizzy, stomache sick, weak, weird feeling in my head... Each day got better, after increases it happened all over again, but well worth for me. I jst took it easy during that time. It all went away!! Good luck to u!!!

[missath]

Hello.. was on Setraline in the past for anxiety and it was extremely helpful..My obsessive thinking was really controlled (didnt overwhelm me anymore) and my anxiety was non existent too..Then I had a 2 year break from it and now i'm going to start it again, as my Generalised Anxiety is affecting my relationship badly..I'm a little scared of starting it again, as I HATE all the side effects that you get when you first start taking it...I'm not working at the moment, but have to study and attend 2 full days a week at a design company i'm helping out in...Not sure i'll manage it...
I always had bad night sweats and dry mouth when I was on it in the past..I hope I can cope with it again..My current boyfriend has no experience of this sort of stuff..

[missath]

Hiya again. I cant reply to your message for some reason....Bach remedies are good..I like rescue remedy..How long have you been on sertraline for? Started my sertraline again last night after 2 years of not being on it..! Not too bad yet..just funny head feeling..a little nausea and sweating half way through the night/sleeplessness..Decided to start on 25mg for 2 weeks, then up to 50mg for other 2 weeks..

[temperancebrennan]

I've only been on Sertraline 50mg for 1 week. I've not had any side effects really. My anxiety attacks are the same as they always have been, I just hope this works to settle them down. I have to go back to my doctors after 3 weeks for a check up to see how they're working.

With the sleeplessness, do you use any sleep aids?

How did you feel for the 2 years that you were off it?

[missath]

I hope your anxiety attacks ease off..Its good to have counselling as well as taking the medication..Everyone is different and needs different doses..Some people require higher than 50mg..I never use sleep aids..Just drink chamomile before bed and avoid heavy foods..I try and listen to meditations before bed..It helps me fall asleep sometimes..
The 2 years that I was off the medication, I was very anxious everytime there was a big change...everytime I stepped out of my comfort zone...I also cried a hell of a lot more than I did when I was on the medication..All my emotions were more intense and sometimes overwhelming, which I really didnt like..I am looking forward to feeling less overwhelmed, more relaxed overall, and have less obsessive thoughts..I was also single back then, which made life a little easier..Now that I am in a relationship i'm having to compromise alot, and feel pressured a lot of the time over silly things...get scared very easily of being left or of feeling emotional pain..

[missath]

Just upped my dose to 50mg last night..Also about to meet a new counselor..so feeling on edge and nervous..Its always hard starting counseling with someone new..I've had 2 counselors in my lifetime that have really helped me.Met numerous ones that didnt help me at all...I recently had one through the nhs which just confused me further..He brought too much of his personal stuff into my sharing..I am a great believer of having counseling alongside medication..otherwise you aren't really 'growing and improving yourself'..I chose this new lady luckily, so I hope she is good..Wish me luck!

[temperancebrennan]

Good luck with your new counsellor.
I got a call this morning & was offered CBT, but there is a 10-12 week waiting list.
I'm hoping that my medication starts working soon because I'm struggling at the moment.

[missath]

Thank you, just got back! She was lovely luckily..Is this your second week on 50mg? It should start working soon..If not working after 3 to 4 weeks maybe 75mg dose might be better for you..or other medication maybe..I'm not a doctor so can't advise you properly..Everyone is different..I really hope it eases the anxiety for you soon.x

[temperancebrennan]

Im glad that you got along with her. That should ease things.
Yeah. I'm just coming to the end of week 2 on 50mg. I've been on 5 types of medication now & not found one that works so far :( kind of losing hope.

[pindi]

hi just come back from docs as i am now at my lowest ebb been bad for a year but over thae last month gone right down hill my partner called docs this morning and got me an appt as i have tried so many meds over the year the side effects just do me in so ive tried and tried to get over my anxiety with out also had cbt which helped while i was having sessions now its stopped ive lost the plot so i went to my doc and just broke down he`s not the best of docs and doesnt have a lot of time for people with anxiety which made me feel even worse any way after five mins i came out with no choice as he advise me than to take some kind of meds so i am on 40MG of propanolol FOUR TIMES A DAY for a week then i must start 50MG of sertraline once a day ive taken a propranolol and it ok bit spaced out not sure about another three though ive just read all your blogs regarding sertraline and on the whole it sounds like it is ok so i must try and ride the side effects and continue to take them i do tend to bin my meds as soon as i get a bad side effect as i get in to a total panic so its time to ride through th rough!!!!!!!!!!!!

[missath]

I'm sorry to hear you guys both struggling..Its a shame that it hasnt eased off the anxiety..It does take time..You shouldn't bin the meds if you feel side effects..you should ease off them slowly, if you want to stop them Pindi..The best thing that helps me is to watch films, or do something that distracts me from thinking of the side effects non stop..I'm also feeling worse now that i've upped my dose to 50mg from 1 week on 25mg...I'm feeling quite low and a little anxious, but that's only because I have no job where I live, no friends close by ( I live in Cornwall - my friends and family are in London or Greece) and I only have my boyfriend here, which is great but its the first time in my life i've had to rely on 1 person so much..Its all a bit scary..I have faith that the tablets will eventually help..Tablets dont usually make all symptoms go away..but they make things easier and take the edge off..they are supposed to stop you feeling 'overwhelmed'.. I felt better after 1 month of being on tablets..but also having therapy alongside it really helps as well,so you have support..I would say if you can keep some money aside from your income to find someone to talk to..The NHS does take forever unfortunately..I am paying £45 for 2 fortnightly sessions with the lady I found..I don't have any money, but borrowing some as its my health, and our health is very important.. I'm going to start next week..Check out the british association for counselling and psychotherapy..(BACP) on the internet..We have to keep strong..

[laurandisorder]

I took Zoloft many years ago when I was first diagnosed with depression. I worked up to the maximum dose and stuck to it for a couple of years before it stopped working for me.

I had very few side effects from it, mainly the buzzing electric feeling when it was time to withdraw or if I forgot to take my medication.

It's often prescribed first because of its very few side effects, however I think it is probably a better medication for depression, rather than anxiety as it is quite stimulating and can affect your sleep patterns and the like.

It's an effective and proven antidepressant and should really help you if you have problems with motivation and getting out of the house. Monitor any weird side effects and don't be afraid to tell your doctor if you feel it isn't working for you after a few months. Everyone is different. I tried Zoloft, Effexor and Lexapro before I started on my current medication, an NRI called Edronax, which I have been on for the past 7 years now.

[pindi]

hi thanks for replying its great that there are people who care and yes we do have to be strong for sure. well its my second day on propranolol and ive only managed to take two yester day and so far two today they are bloody strong and ive been out of it most of the two days i think the doc just wants me to shut down for a couple of weeks as my mind is so busy but when i do have my quiet times thats frightening so trying my best to get used to it. i do know what you mean by relying on just one person Missath my partner has been great i dont know what i would of done with out here i also have no family my parents are dead and im an only child and my best mate lives a hundred miles away i do ring her some times when im in complete panic. i bought a puzzle book yesterday and an trying my upmost to concentrate on the puzzles inside. thanks both for your advice and i hope things inprove for all of us cause im kackered. lol!!!!!!!!!!

[dedee]

I've only been on Sertraline 50mg for 1 week. I've not had any side effects really. My anxiety attacks are the same as they always have been, I just hope this works to settle them down. I have to go back to my doctors after 3 weeks for a check up to see how they're working.

With the sleeplessness, do you use any sleep aids?

How did you feel for the 2 years that you were off it?

Try melatonin 1mg or 3 mg as needed for sleep its natural sleep aid and will work fine with sertraline ..
Would u try's lexapro ?? Sertraline did not work for my GAD I wish it works for u

[temperancebrennan]

I used lexapro (Escitalopram) for a year or so but didn't find it worked very well for me personally. I was then put on Clomipromine & Supiride as well as Escitalopram, which made me constantly tired.

I've had my Sertraline increased to 100mg now by my GP. I wonder if a higher dose will work.

[dedee]

I used lexapro (Escitalopram) for a year or so but didn't find it worked very well for me personally. I was then put on Clomipromine & Supiride as well as Escitalopram, which made me constantly tired.

I've had my Sertraline increased to 100mg now by my GP. I wonder if a higher dose will work.

I take escitalopram 15 as well .. Only 2 month ago ... Feeling some improvement so far .
Wish I go back to normal

[pindi]

well ive taken my first sertraline and the propanolol to subside the effects i spose im getting braver as two weeks ago there is no way i would take meds afterthe bad experiences ive had on various meds so i feel like a baby taken my first steps the only panic at the mo is im on my own my friend lives around the corner if i do get bad heres hoping all goes well.

[missath]

Just keep thinking..'I will be fine, its just the medication doing its thing'..I'm telling myself the same thing..I don't feel like I am on any medication, yet I haven't felt the need to cry at all which is good..Its only been 5 days since I upped my dose to 50mg of setraline from 25mg..Still get headaches and slight dizzyness when I stand up too fast..

[pindi]

hi missath ive just woke up its 5pm been asleep for an hour i havent done much today just pottered around the house and took my dogs to the park and watched them play in the snow im glad ive read your blog as i have had a headache most of the day so i persume its the sertraline then causing it i was a bit concerned hope the dont stay around for to long. how are you doing?

[Bowie]

Sertraline 50mg was given to me for depression and anxiety but I found that it only helped with my depression, so I just got Burspirone 10mg to take along with it to see if that helps with my anxiety.

Hopefully it works for you! But don't lose hope, it usually takes a few times to find what works best for you!

Good luck :)

[missath]

Hello,
I'm doing ok,thanks! Still getting headaches myself they usually hit me in the evening around 6pm..wondering if my 50mg is working yet..Its too early to tell I think..Its only been 6 days..Get slight nausea too still..Just need to give it time..The real beneficial effects can take up to 6 weeks and also they say that taking it for 6months is when its properly in your system and you will be at your best..There are so many different views on it, and it depends on the individual..
We don't have snow in Cornwall! I wish we did as i'm really bored..Don't have a job out here..Some snow would make it beautiful!

[temperancebrennan]

I've been on 50mg for 2 weeks & then had it increased to 100mg a few days ago.
I'm not feeling any different at the moment, but I also get headaches towards the end of the day.

[missath]

Just give it another 2-3 weeks..It does require patience and it does get better..I will be seeing the doctor at the end of this week too to let him know how i'm doing..Th headaches make sense as its a medication that helps your brain..;-)

[temperancebrennan]

What sort of side effects do people get on this medication? I'm on my 3rd week & not feeling any better, but I've been getting headaches more than usual & dry mouth.
I'm few up of feeling awful on a daily basis & having to leave work because I can't cope.
I miss having normal days.

[Saldav]

What sort of side effects do people get on this medication? I'm on my 3rd week & not feeling any better, but I've been getting headaches more than usual & dry mouth.
I'm few up of feeling awful on a daily basis & having to leave work because I can't cope.
I miss having normal days.

How many mgs do u take of sertraline

[temperancebrennan]

50mg for 2 weeks. Then it was increased to 100mg 5 days ago.

[Saldav]

How many mgs do u take of sertraline

Just read top post, 100mg of sertraline. Give that a month and see if you feel any better. If not you might have to try something different. I'm on 200mg of sertraline, so I know from experience. it took a couple months actually for me to start feeling better.

[temperancebrennan]

Did you experience any side effects?

[Saldav]

Did you experience any side effects?

Dry mouth, low sex drive :(

[temperancebrennan]

I have headaches & dry mouth. I just thought that I would have seen a slight improvement at least with my symptoms by now.

[missath]

You have just upped the dose again, so that doesn't help..You do need to give it at least a month, to feel better..Upping the dose is like starting again in a way..Your body has to adjust again..I have a dry mouth a lot too, and headaches and slight dizziness in the morning..The anxiety does eventually lessen..and so do the side effects..although you may occasionally still have a dry mouth from time to time..

[Ritch]

I experienced depersonalisation and also the headache's. it didn't agree with me

[missath]

Its a shame that these medications need so long to work and that for each individual its hard to know which one works and which doesn't..I am still unsure if its helping me at the moment..I've only been on the 50mg dose for 10 days now..Had an awful migraine/headache yesterday but that's because my partner had a very important interview and we had to drive 4 hours there and 4 hours back from Cornwall..Was a long tiring and stressful day which ended in him getting the job :)..So now we are leaving Cornwall for good which means, packing up the house, househunting and more..!! Good thing i'm on the medication, as this is a stressful but positive time ahead..

[bpage]

I've been on 100mg of sertaline for about a month now and the previous month was on 50mh. The 50mg didn't do much for me but the 100mg was a whirlwind better! Until a few days ago, I've been zombie like, little to no emotions, I don't want to get out of bed in the morn, let alone leave my house anymore. The only reason I'm still on it is because I heard you can't just stop it that you have to be on it for 9months?! It's a shame, I have basically no more anxiety, and I am FINALLY for once in my life able to control myself without emotional outburst or my mind not thinking of a million things. I wish I wasn't so zombie like while on this. Another user just recommended exercise... I'm going to try that and see how I feel.

If I were you, I would take your time upping the dosage. I believe I jumped dosages too quick. Be careful! Although, medications work differently with everyone, just be pre-cautious. And keep me updated on how you are doing!

[missath]

Hi there, bpage.Sorry to hear your 100mg experience is making you feel zombie like..I hope its not too uncomfortable..I hope you are feeling ok at the moment..
I've been on 50mg now for 15 days and starting to feel much better..The dry mouth is subsiding and so are the headaches..I'm packing up our whole house in 4 days, and usually my anxiety would be through the roof but actually i'm doing ok..Really grateful to be on the sertraline in time for such a big life transition again..I have moved house 10 times in the last 2 years and found the whole thing very stressful with awful anxiety..This time things are different...I wish you more happy, comfortable days..

[temperancebrennan]

I'm still wondering if I should stick with Sertraline. I was on 50mg for 2 weeks & then that was upped to 100mg 2 weeks ago.
I'm not feeling much difference with my anxiety & I have a headache most days :/
I'm due back to the doctor tomorrow & I'm not sure what to do.

[Ritch]

Bpage you certainly don't have to remain on sertaline for 9 months. If you really want to come off of it ask your doctor for instructions on how to start reducing the medication, Yes it is better to slowly come off of it to stop any rebound effects but you certainly don't have to take it for 9 months.