Been given sertraline but scared to take it

[GiantCheeseMonster]

I’ve been feeling anxious to the point that it’s out of control and taking over my life. I feel waves of panic which can present as churning in my stomach, feeling sick and shaky, catastrophising, not being able to concentrate on a TV programme or book. It reached a head yesterday when I was trying to watch a film with my DCs and my heart was racing with panic, so I phoned the GP today. He’s referred me for counselling/CBT and prescribed 50mg sertraline per day. However, when I Google it I’ve read so many horror stories about side effects - people saying it totally wiped them out to the point they were falling asleep all the time. I have a demanding job (part of the issue, I know, but my anxiety is long-standing and although my job has brought it to a head it was there anyway) and I can’t afford to be brought to the floor like that. I wonder if I should have asked for a different one as other people seem to report tolerating other drugs better. Any advice welcome, or stories about taking it, please.

[MuchTooTired]

Sertraline was life changing for me. I had minimal side effects that were actually positive (I lost a load of excess weight for a few months!) but nothing nasty at all.

It worked quickly, and my world became colour again. My anxiety disappeared eventually (took me a while to adjust my dose to a good level) and I was on it for around 2.5 years until it stopped working so well for me. I’d up my dose during very stressful periods, then reduce it when I was able to.

I came off of it having tapered down a couple of months ago and am now on Effexor which for me is having unpleasant side effects but has been very effective at completely removing my crippling anxiety. I did the same thing though and read all the horror stories online which terrified me and I resisted taking it for a couple of months until the anxiety became unbearable to live with and I figured that the side effects of it would be better than permanent terror!

Withdrawing from sertraline was easy and painless for me too. We took it relatively slowly (I was on the max dose) but my GP did say we could get me off of them quickly if I needed to if I fell pregnant by accident or chose to ttc.

[TreaslakeandBack]

I’m on it for anxiety- it’s been great for me. I feel like myself again. I started on 25mg and gradually increased to 50mg.

[wonderpants]

Brilliant stuff!
Stick with it, gave me my life back. I was only on it about 6 months.
1st couple of weeks are ropey, take time off if you need it. It's worth it.
Remember this is anxiety talking!

[vampirethriller]

I take 100mg a day. It's saved my life. I feel human again and I wish so much that I'd started it years and years ago.
I didn't get any side effects but I found if I take it in the morning it's better, because at night it stopped me sleeping well.

[Fluffycloudland77]

It works for 8 out of 10 patients. Try it, if it doesnt work or you cant take the side effects ask for another drug.

It didnt work for dh, it didnt make him tired it made him angry but it was fixed by coming off it and having mirtazapine instead.

[PinkFootstool]

Take it. Sertraline did huge things for me anxiety and fears.

If you're worried about being sleepy, take it early evening and plan an early night so you sleep through most of any potential issues. The drowsiness for me lasted about 10hrs after taking them, but the side effect wore off in two weeks, same as with other similar pills I've taken.

There will always be someone with a horror story on the Internet - it doesn't mean they are telling the truth or they could be seriously exaggerating, so read with a pinch of salt.

Your GP has prescribed the best medication for your symptoms (in my experience) - give it a fortnight and see how you feel?

[BigHeartyTruffle]

I would echo all previous posters. Give it a try. I had side effects for the first couple of days (mainly nausea and found it difficult to sleep) but I stuck with it and it’s been life changing for me. Of course if the side effects are severe and / or don’t go away, speak to your doctor who might try you on a different one, but give it a go.

[Kudos100]

OP I could have written your post. I had crippling anxiety. Had online counselling which didn't really do anything at all.
I couldn't bear to take the medication after reading the side affects. I took up walking instead and massively adjusted my lifestyle (much better food, loose weight, yoga etc) and it really helped me. Unfortunately I got injured and slipped quite a way back and many of the anxious symptoms have returned.
Even the thought of taking the medication gave me anxiety!
I know others say about it being life changing but looking at the severe side affects I felt I couldn't take the risk (and I guess in many ways ,ironically, that's my anxiety talking).

[GoodVibesHere]

Unfortunately it is hard to know how it will affect you, different people get different side-effects and it is a case of trying it for a few weeks to find out.

SSRI's can work really well, but you may need to try several before finding the right one for you.

[Yvie2020]

I felt exactly the same, lived with awful anxiety for years and years as didnt want to be 'medicated', worried about side effects etc.
Best thing I ever did, first 2 or 3 weeks I had some mild nausea and headaches and dry mouth. The improvement was very gradual for me, took about 6 months, but totally worth it. Have been on it for about 3 years and everyone says I am a different person, I still feel anxious sometimes, but in a normal way, and I can deal with that. I was also terrified of putting on loads of weight, so made an effort to be generally healthier, and luckily that didn't happen with me.

[SusannahHolmes]

I have recently started sertraline. I won't lie, days 4-8 were utterly horrendous - my anxiety got considerably worse and I was virtually unable to eat with panicky jittery feelings and waves of fear - but then I have been SO much better ever since.

[Thunderbolted]

It's obviously fantastic for some people but I took one tablet and had the worst experience. Extreme nausea and anxiety to the extent that I was begging DH to take me to hospital so I could be given drugs to knock me out. I was then in bed for 6 weeks recovering.
In retrospect I worked out it was the start of perimenopause along with some situational stresses that led to the original anxiety. I know you said you've had anxiety for a while plus work stresses, but there may be hormonal factors to consider too.
Most people don't react as I do, but I didn't want you left with the impression that it wasn't a risk.
Good luck whatever you decide!

[Wiltshire90]

I put on a load of weight with sertraline but had not other side effects. I can't say it improved my mood or anxiety particuarly. I came off it cold turkey after about 18 months and have never taken any other medication for mental health (about ten years ago). I'm not convinced I really needed it and making some lifestyle chances such as drinking less, exercising more, and losing weight made me feel much better. It may work for you though OP I hope you feel better soon.

[Glitterazzi]

Take it. Seriously. The side effects are real (the first time I took one was midday and I had to lie down, I changed to taking them before I went to bed. I slept off the side effects (drowsiness) and I could get on with things. After 2 weeks the side effects are nit as intense. They helped me immensely.

It took 2 years but they bridged the gap from me feeling low and anxious to feeling 'normal'. I managed to change the things in my life that were creating my anxiety and I slowly came off them.

A word of advice that I got though - any type of medication for anxiety should help you put in place a better solution so you reduce the anxiety you are feeling. They don't need to be taken forever, because if you are feeling anxious over something that can be helped i.e a job or a relationship, then you need to assess that aspect and not simply take medication to make that situation easier. If that makes sense!

Good luck OP x

[DotBall]

Sertraline did the trick for me and started working within a week.
Took it at night and the only real side effect was the jaw clenching but I got used to this.

Was on it a year and stepped down / came off it very gradually myself during the early part of lockdown, as I felt ready. No issues since, but would go on it again if needed.

[Helloyouthere]

You won't regret taking it. I've been on it for about 5 months.

First couple of days to a week you are likely to have a headache and dodgy tummy but its not to the point you can't carry on with your day. It will make you feel soooo much better

[Myusernameisnotmyusernameno]

Sertraline also really helped me. I take 25mg and felt horrendous at first but after a few weeks I felt miles better than before. I used to be on more (came off them then Covid happened) and was fine with that too

[SiliconHeaven]

I take 100mg a day. It’s been fantastic for me. Don’t be scared 💐

[LindaEllen]

I put off taking ADs for years and sertraline has turned my life around. Please give it a try. I've been on it for 8 months now and will most likely try to come off it at some point.. but for now I'm enjoying being level and - dare I say it - happy.

[teawamutu]

@Yvie2020

I felt exactly the same, lived with awful anxiety for years and years as didnt want to be 'medicated', worried about side effects etc.
Best thing I ever did, first 2 or 3 weeks I had some mild nausea and headaches and dry mouth. The improvement was very gradual for me, took about 6 months, but totally worth it. Have been on it for about 3 years and everyone says I am a different person, I still feel anxious sometimes, but in a normal way, and I can deal with that. I was also terrified of putting on loads of weight, so made an effort to be generally healthier, and luckily that didn't happen with me.

Word for word my experience. Although I noticed I was feeling better after only a couple of weeks - there was a holiday and I realised THIS was what being relaxed felt like.

My crippling hideous insomnia has gone, too.

I've got no intentions of ever stopping, it honestly feels like Sertraline balances my brain.

[GiantCheeseMonster]

Thanks all. You have reassured me. I know I need to do CBT and learn some good strategies but I’m going to try the meds.

Another question: is it OK to have any alcohol? The leaflet says it’s not recommended. I’m going to avoid drinking completely for a few weeks to see how the medication affects me but I do like a glass of wine on Fridays and Saturdays so I’m wondering if I will be able to do that?

[badlydrawnbear]

I could have written your post, but about a different antidepressant. I massively overthought all the possible side effects and convinced myself it would be a really bad idea. I talked my thoughts about through with someone who calmed me down. I still haven't persuaded myself to start taking them, but am much more ok with the idea and think I will get myself to the point soon where I can. I am glad this thread helped you to try medication. I haven't read it properly, because it is late and I only just got back from a very long day at work, but will read it tomorrow and see the advice you have been given helps. Good luck.

[PhoenixIsFlying]

Drinking is fine. Sertraline has really been amazing for me. The first few days, yes are a bit odd but that soon goes and what a difference it's made to my life. Good luck xx

[MrsHastingslikethebattle]

I'm afraid it really is trial and error.

I had sertraline and hated it. Was like a zombie for the first week, emotionless and really tired for the remaining 3 weeks.

Came off it, had a melt down and asked for Fluoxetin. Brilliant. No tiredness, more myself but less anxious and wanting to punch peoples faces in

[MrsHastingslikethebattle]

@Glitterazzi

Take it. Seriously. The side effects are real (the first time I took one was midday and I had to lie down, I changed to taking them before I went to bed. I slept off the side effects (drowsiness) and I could get on with things. After 2 weeks the side effects are nit as intense. They helped me immensely.

It took 2 years but they bridged the gap from me feeling low and anxious to feeling 'normal'. I managed to change the things in my life that were creating my anxiety and I slowly came off them.

A word of advice that I got though - any type of medication for anxiety should help you put in place a better solution so you reduce the anxiety you are feeling. They don't need to be taken forever, because if you are feeling anxious over something that can be helped i.e a job or a relationship, then you need to assess that aspect and not simply take medication to make that situation easier. If that makes sense!

Good luck OP x

Not all anxiety works like this. Mine certainly doesn't.
You don't always need something in particular to feel anxious about, such as money or a job or a relationship etc. Its a persons way of thinking.

I could be doing good at work, good at home but then something minor will happen and I'll lose it. Over think, over analyse and make a problem out of nothing. My brains works like this so I will need medication for the foreseeable future.