Will sertraline work? When?!

How are you OP? And are you having any therapy alongside the Sertraline?

I’m on the other side of my Sertraline journey (I hope) but I 100% would not have got here without CBT. Expensive? Yeah. But knowing what I know now, I’d encourage any sacrifice you can possibly make to be able to afford it.

In my experience, you cannot 'raw dog' this med; I couldn't have got through it without taking Ativan/Lorazapam alongside, which I rate highly. Luckily, I didn't become tolerant or addicted to it but doctors don't like to prescribe it for this reason. Which is shit because it REALLY WORKS! 🙏🙏

This. I've actually heard from people who take it, that it takes a minimum of 16 weeks. But no official will tell you this when you start to take it, just that you'll 'get a little bit worse before getting better'. Yeah, no shit Sherlock!

The claim it takes a 'few weeks' for this med to work is grossly underestimated by healthcare professionals: it took me exactly six MONTHS to the day of starting my full dose to be anywhere near back to 'normal' (whatever that is!). During that time, my anxiety got markedly worse and I had every side effect going - loose stools, next level nausea, shakes, muscle tension, disorientation, you name it, I had it.

Mentally, I am in a WAY better place now - so clearly the drug is doing its job, so I'm glad to be on it for that reason. But it was quite the journey to get there, I can tell you and, IMO, doctors need to provide a LOT more information to people before starting them on these meds. But I highly suspect they don't because, if they did, no one would take them!

I felt worse when I started taking it, and to be honest it took 3 - 6 months for it to really make me feel better. The doctor said 2 weeks which was unrealistic. Hang in there, it’s not a quick fix but I found it did work really well once I was settled on it

Hang on in there.

Day 10 for me, the anxiety has finally improved a bit and feeling a bit stronger.

OP how are you doing?

I’m on day 7 today, feel so low, spaced out and weird. I don’t think I can hack it much longer, all I’m doing is going from bed to the couch and back

I know the side effects are horrible but surely you're suffering far too much, it shouldn't be this bad for you?

Yesterday a friend of a friend said their (adult) daughter tried Sertraline but it made her suicidal, they switched to Fluoxetine which then worked wonders, now the daughter has a full time job and is moving into her own place, she's doing that well.

Do you think you might be one of those few that it's not working for you?

I do feel like crap (day 9) still anxious and low but I'm not crisis low, I can function and work, it's awful you're really struggling.

You know they won't give you zopiclone for long don't you?

They don't want you relying it.
It's an awful place to be. Mental health problems suck.
It's a relief when everything comes together and you start to sleep naturally.

I felt exponentially worse for the first month. Absolutely dreadful. But the relief when it kicked in was incredible.

I’m so sorry. I’m actually beginning to wonder what the Crisis Team actually does in most areas!
I think unfortunately you will need to keep calling 111 or presenting at A and E.

That's sad to hear, I'm 5 weeks in and exactly the same, I can't be far from the loo,EVER!!and it's not easing up at all, shame as it seems to be good for me in every other way

Well done for keeping yourself safe, OP. I've been wondering how you are every day!

I feel worse too, if it's any consolation at all. Day 8 of 50mg and I feel anxious and low. No motivation to do anything, wanting to not be here.

I'm hoping 2 weeks will see a change. I hope you're able to be kind to yourself today.

God, I totally get how you’re feeling. There was a time I ended up appearing at A&E saying that I think I was in the middle of some sort of breakdown.

I felt so out of control and just, terrified of myself in all honesty. You have done absolutely the best and right thing for yourself, keep going.

Sending lots of love x

I'm sorry you are feeling so unwell. I know how awful it can be. Sertraline is highly effective for depression and anxiety, but can take a little time to start working.

It can start working after one to two weeks, but it might take up to four to six weeks to be fully effective.

Be aware that the side effects, if you experience them (nausea and headache), can be unpleasant, but usually disappear after a week or two.

Persevere and you will feel better soon. ❤️

I’m so sorry and I can absolutely understand why you did this very smart thing. Don’t give up.

Today is day 5 for me and I honestly feel like giving up. My anxiety is through the roof and I’ve been having panic attacks - never had them before! Plus I can’t stop shaking

I’m very up and down but gradually getting better I think. Day 10 only. How are you op?

It's not the kind of drug that has an immediate positive effect. It's can be weeks to notice something, and months until it's taken full effect. It didn't work for me, I tried a bunch of different ones and when I got the right one, I was on it for two years until I was well enough to stop taking it. Haven't looked back since. Stick with it.

If you're in a seriously bad way, talk to your Dr about Diazepam. It's fast acting (think less than an hour) in tablet form, however it's extremely addictive and many GPs avoid it if they can. Worth an ask though.

Yep hang in and anxiety also seems worse in the morning.