Sertraline Support Group anyone?

[yoomoo]

Hi all. Have been looking on here for some people to hold hands with while we start the journey of taking Sertraline, some of the threads look older so thought I'd start a new one.
I have been depressed and anxious for some time now, can't pinpoint the exact cause but I think losing my dear Nan 3 years ago was a trigger. I was also off work for most of 2016 following major knee surgery and then an injury so I think that gave me far too much time on my own to reflect on things. I didn't have a great childhood and I think lots of my anxiety comes from that. I've had 5 counselling sessions through my work scheme and although I've now got some coping mechanisms me and the counsellor agreed I probably need something more. Took me 2 weeks to pluck up the courage to book a doctors appt, finally went on Monday morning, GP was lovely asked me questions and agreed with the counsellor that I probably need a bit of help. So I was prescribed a months worth of Sertraline, starting off at half a tablet for 6 days then increasing to a whole one, review with GP in 2 weeks. Took my 1st tablet about 10.30 yesterday once I'd collected prescription- felt terrible! So exhausted I had to have a nap at 5pm. Decided to then take them before bed so that I could sleep through some of the symptoms. Currently on the train to London for a meeting and feeling shattered and a bit spaced out- hope no one notices!
Anyone enough about me, is there anybody else just starting out or recently started who'd like to chat about our experiences with the medication or just chat in general?

[Pollyanna9]

I've just started in recent weeks and happy to chat.

I have had anxiety (although I didn't know I had it) since I was about 8 or 9? Just from seeing my parents arguing with each other endlessly, that was enough.

When my DS was born (17 years ago!!) I turned into a terrible control freak and was SO anxious - still didn't realise it was anxiety. Not quite so bad after DD was born 15 yrs ago but the anxiety has gotten lots lots worse (I'm 50 now) and it expresses itself in not regular day to day drinking but when I drink wine it's the bottle, not a couple of glasses, and I pick my skin. My skin is in tatters. I'm hoping to get the anxiety dampened down and then consider CBT for the skin picking, and then phase 3 (or 2, haven't decided yet) will be to look at HRT as I also think I'm going through the menopause as well and whilst I'm very clear that I'm not depressed, I'm anxious and have constant brain fog and absolutely no energy at all. I feel old, really old!

I started 50mg 4 weeks ago - can't feel any difference (but then again, I'm not sure how it should feel to have the anxiety reduce - have no idea what that feels like to be honest so not sure if I'd even recognise it!!). Saw Dr earlier this week and she's put me up to 100mg so I've got four weeks of that and will probably try for 4 to 6 weeks and then ask for another boost to the dosage.

I don't really know what I'm expecting, how I'm meant to feel symptoms-wise.

I would say this, for god's sake don't let the tablet get stuck in your throat - it's bloody agony. I use Gummy Bears sweets and insert the pill having cut a little hole for it first - it slips straight down then without the pill even touching the throat at all. Got that on taped!

I'm not sure from what you say about feeling spaced out whether I'm on the right dosage yet as I am nowhere near approaching spaced out - I'd welcome a bit of spaced out!!!

[yoomoo]

Thank you for replying polly although I wouldn't wish anxiety on anyone else it is nice to talk to someone else in the same position. I know what you mean about not feeling a difference I'm really worried they won't work and I'll just continue to feel the way I do forever! I was reading an older thread and some people notice a difference straight away but for others it can take 6-8 weeks so I'd say keep going and fingers crossed gradually you'll start to notice improvements. I guess too everyone's tolerance to medication is different. Ouch the pill getting stuck in throats sounds sore, as I'm chopping 50mg in half at moment it's quite small but I'll bear that in mind for the future, gummy bear sounds good anyway! I feel a bit better this afternoon and had a good meeting which has cheered me up a bit, I was so anxious on the way worrying about this and that but it was fine. I'm wondering if I'll feel worse in the mornings when my head is trying to wake up from having the tablet the night before. How has your day been?

[Pollyanna9]

Yeah I've been ok in the mornings, and I also take my tablet at night as well.

I think typically people don't really understand anxiety - depression, PND, yeah, but anxiety I think people seem to expect that you can control it. Wish I could!!

Keep chugging the tablets and see if it starts to take effect at some point!!

[yoomoo]

I'll be honest I didn't really get it until I found out the way I'd been feeling was anxiety! I think it's a lot more common than we think. My anxiety comes from my childhood, depression more recent but the depression definitely makes my anxiety worse. I wish I could control it too, I feel like such a failure!!

[Pollyanna9]

I know, it's bloody annoying to put it mildly!

[BCGRMDP]

i started sertraline on saturday..
really suffering with nausea :( all day everyday

[DedicationToSparkleMotion]

I graduated from Fluoxetine to Sertraline a couple of weeks ago. Depression and anxiety here. I think I'm a slow burner because I didn't feel much on Fluoxetine and I don't feel much yet. I'm hoping it gets better over the next four weeks because right now I just want to curl into a ball and weep constantly.

Hope it helps us all x

[yoomoo]

Hi BCG and Dedication* thanks for joining. Sorry to hear you are suffering with nausea BCG I've only had 2 x 25mg so far but I did feel a little sick in the morning today before I'd eaten, was ok after though. Just really bone achingly tired and very anxious I was convinced earlier people could tell I'm on this medication and would think I'm weak got to love anxiety! Ah Dedication I know the feeling that's all I've wanted to do for weeks now

[MissOnomer]

Hi there - I've been on the setraline bus for 5 weeks now to treat depression. I have noticed a genuine lift in my mood today for the first time today and hope I am now turning a corner. I felt very agitated and had suicidal thoughts when I first took it. I've been told apparently you can feel worse before you feel better, but it is worth sitting it out. I bloody hope so!

[BCGRMDP]

hiya!

i should probabky also add a bit more about myself...

i have been through hell and back the last few months, am now being battered by PND and PTSD.

had a perinatal mental health visit today, all very scary!

[DedicationToSparkleMotion]

How's everyone's appetite?

I think mine is going down but I can't really tell as I am a compulsive eater so still stuffing myself as normal sadly.

[yoomoo]

Hi Miss, welcome I'm pleased to hear you have had a good day, fingers crossed you are turning a corner. My GP also told me it's completely normal to feel worse in the first 2 weeks but to keep going and call her if I need help. I have pre-warned my DH that may be the case so he can keep an eye on me. How has everyone else found the depression/anxiety has affected their relationship? If you don't mind sharing of course. For me personally we've been on the brink of calling it quits for the last few weeks, but these tablets have given me some hope that I can get back to being me and the person he met years ago!
BCG that does sound scary but pleased to hear you are obviously being looked after by specialists. I don't have experience of PTSD or PND myself but feel free to chat here if it helps.
My appetite is low, which is quite handy as I'm on Cambridge weight plan trying to lose 6 stone (I am a comfort eater and have gained that amount in last 3 years) I did read on an old thread people's appetite had reduced so for me that would be a good side effect!

[geologyrocks]

Hey girls, I think I might join too.

I was started on sertraline on Dec 21st, 50mg for anxiety. It took three weeks to kick in...those three weeks were awful for me but everyone is different.

On Monday I went back to the doctor to get an increased dose..I'm praying I don't have the same effects on the increased dose.

As for decreased appetite...in the first few weeks my appetite decreased greatly. There was a 6 day period that NOTHING except coffee passed my lips. It gradually came back but three months on my appetite isn't fully back.

I have found that the tablets don't work wonderfully when alcohol is taken. I have been drinking more than I had been lately so I'm making a concious effort to stop now because the way I feel the next day just isn't worth it

[DedicationToSparkleMotion]

YooMoo I'm the same with regard to my relationship. Been together 3.5 years and I think he's had as much as he can handle of my depression. We have been on the verge of walking away a couple of times in the last few months. Very scary place to be, I feel your pain.

[yoomoo]

Morning all. Welcome geology! Do you feel the tablets have helped since the bad initial 3 weeks? Fingers crossed the increased dose won't cause a bad reaction for you. Thanks for the heads up re alcohol, I have a hen party in next few weeks so I will be very careful not to drink too much. Will need to at least pretend to drink otherwise people will assume I'm pregnant I've just turned 30 and been married 18 months now so it's the most asked question! Dedication sorry to hear you've been experiencing the same with your relationship it's really heartbreaking isn't it, we should be enjoying being recently married but instead I've been in a downward spiral trying to push him away. Luckily he's hung on in there so far but I don't know how many more times I can tell him to leave before he actually does so hoping these tablets get me back to the person I used to be before depression and anxiety swallowed me up.

[LorLorr2]

Hi,
I started Sertraline last summer, '16. Was so scared as I'd never been on a prescription before and I'd read a few horror stories about this medicine. I can say now though that I'm glad I have it as I have been feeling more like my old self at times. It takes a few months to see the full impact I believe. One tip: take it with food! And wash down with plenty of water!

[B1rdinthebush]

I started on 50mg of Sertraline in October 2015, shortly after the birth of my twins at 30 weeks.

I had been under the care of a mental health midwife throughout my pregnancy due to a history of anxiety and depression so we were all keeping an eye out for PND. It struck very soon after the girls were born and my GP prescribed me Sertraline as I was breastfeeding at the time (well, expressing as the girls were still so little).

I was very lucky in that I had no side effects and felt very much better within two weeks. I would honestly say it changed my life and has greatly reduced the anxiety which had been so prevalent before the twins were born. I am continuing to take Sertraline because of this, with the full support of my GP.

To those of you starting out, well done on taking the first step to acknowledging your need for help. Try to be aware of how you are feeling and don't hesitate to go back to your GP if you feel like it's not the right fit for you.

[BCGRMDP]

the nausea is killing me. been 5 days of comstant nausea all bloody day and woke in night feeling ill too :(

what i dont need on top of feeling mega low and tired and whatnot is to feel ill too.

appetite is gone! not eaten in 2 days which wont be helping but i tried to eat and it made me nearly throw up.

oh dear.

[yoomoo]

Thank you Lor and B1rd for sharing your stories, it's really helpful to hear others are doing well on it.
BCG, what dose are you on? How about trying something like soup so you don't need to chew it but will give you some calories.
I'm not feeling good today didn't want to wake up and now I'm up and on my way to work I've got a stinking headache and feel really dizzy am booking tomorrow and Friday off work so I can just relax and not have to work!

[YessicaHaircut]

Afternoon yoo.

I've been taking Sertraline for over 3 years now, for anxiety, and it works well for me. I've suffered with social anxiety and panic attacks since my early twenties (34 now) and due to work stress that got so bad I had to be signed off for 6 weeks. I started on 25mg Sertraline and also had a course of CBT.

I remember the first couple of weeks being a bit rough - feeling very spaced out and 'in a bubble', slightly detached from real life. I also felt very nauseous and had diarrhoea most days too (sorry if tmi!). I tried taking the tablet at night but found it kept me awake, so always take it after breakfast now.

I went up to 50mg, then 100mg, and have been on a 50mg dose for over a year now that seems to be right for me. I try to combine that with a good diet, fresh air and daylight, some cardio exercise and also more mindful exercise like yoga. Heavy binge drinking was a big problem for me throughout my twenties but I've found that Sertraline does not mix well with booze - I get drunk on very little and feel horrendous the next day if I go overboard with alcohol. So a good thing really as I have stopped drinking almost entirely; it's not worth it to feel so awful for literally days afterwards.

Best of luck with it all and hope you find that it works for you.

[AndInShortIWasAfraid]

Hello everyone,

In April we were told that DH had a very, very low sperm count and the only way we could conceive would be through IVF. It completely broke me and I had been on Mirtazpine for years for anxiety and depression and switched to Sertraline and went from 50mg to 150mg in a few months which DH says seemed to help. In January we found out very unexpectedly that we were pregnant. I then stopped taking the Sertraline but sadly miscarried at the end of January.

I am thinking about going back on the Sertraline but 150mg only seemed to take the edge off things. I still cried most days, smashed things up and self harmed. Does anyone have any experience with doses over 150mg?

[yoomoo]

Thank you Yessica for sharing your experiences and the well wishes
AnInShort I am so sorry about your miscarriage sounds like you've had a really tough time I personally don't have experience of that dosage as I'm just starting out but hopefully someone who has will read this and offer you some insight. If you haven't yet please get back and see your GP to discuss it and take care of yourself. Feel free to come back here and chat if it helps

[DedicationToSparkleMotion]

I've just sat in a car park five minutes from home for about half an hour, cried and ate. I hate this.

[yoomoo]

Oh Dedication you poor thing, what happened?

[DedicationToSparkleMotion]

Nothing happened, I just can't 'do' life. Some people are capable and I'm just not. I fail at every simple task.

Also I have the nausea now too! Is it withdrawal I wonder? Because I didn't have it until week 2 when I imagine it was fully in my system, and I get it in the evenings when I take my pill last thing before bed. Anyone else noticed a correlation?

How is everyone else doing today in general? X