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Original poster

Will sertraline work? When?!

158 replies

Pelvicpaininthebum · 11/10/2025 10:08

I've been having anxiety attacks and panic attacks.

I started Sertraline 11 days ago at 25mg and then went up to 50mg 4 days ago.

I feel my anxiety is worse if anything. I've got constant low level anxiety and am so worn out from it. I'm waking early and feeling panicky.

Will the sertraline end up working? I feel so desperate for it to.

OP posts:
AmusedOpalShaker · 11/10/2025 11:38

Pelvicpaininthebum · 11/10/2025 10:36

@ZenithAndQuasar thank you. Do you remember how long until you felt better?

@HourlyTime did you start straight on 50mg? You sound so positive, I don't know how you are doing it! The constant anxiety is horrible. How are you coping?

@AmusedOpalShaker thank you. Yes I was told to go up after a week but I've read that 50mg is the lowest therapeutic dose so was keen to go up as just want to feel better quicker! I can't take propranolol as have asthma.

I remember I was so keen to get started that I went on 50mg straight off, the effects were just awful. It takes its sweet time, but just stick it out. I know right now it mostly likely feels absolutely impossible, but trust me, it gets better and you’ll be back to yourself.

Something that used to help me was reading peoples reviews on medication.com. They’re all moaning about the side effects which helped reassure me that I wasn’t alone in it, also their positive stories were a big help in the moment!

Thats such a shame about the Propranolol, is there any other options the GP suggested for you? Xx

Anyoldsalad · 11/10/2025 11:17

Every time you feel like that remind yourself it’s just the Sertraline temporarily doing it, it isn’t you. It likely will improve and anxiety reduce.

Original poster
Pelvicpaininthebum · 11/10/2025 10:39

ninjahamster · 11/10/2025 10:37

Yes it will, if you can just ride out these few weeks. I’m on 200mg now.

Thanks. A few weeks feels impossible. I don't know how to ride it out. Do you feel normal and happy on it?

OP posts:
ninjahamster · 11/10/2025 10:37

Yes it will, if you can just ride out these few weeks. I’m on 200mg now.

Original poster
Pelvicpaininthebum · 11/10/2025 10:36

@ZenithAndQuasar thank you. Do you remember how long until you felt better?

@HourlyTime did you start straight on 50mg? You sound so positive, I don't know how you are doing it! The constant anxiety is horrible. How are you coping?

@AmusedOpalShaker thank you. Yes I was told to go up after a week but I've read that 50mg is the lowest therapeutic dose so was keen to go up as just want to feel better quicker! I can't take propranolol as have asthma.

OP posts:
AmusedOpalShaker · 11/10/2025 10:28

Morning!

Yes it will settle and level out. It’s well known that Sertraline makes symptoms worse before they improve - pretty crap, I know.

Just keep reminding yourself that it’s all progress, even on the days where it feels anything but.

Also, give yourself time between each dosage increase. I’m currently on 150mg for OCD; and went up in 25 increments.

I stayed in each dosage for at least 2 months, otherwise you go through the start up effects non stop and you’re not giving yourself any chance to feel better. From what you’ve said in your OP, it seems pretty quick? Did the GP advise that?
If so I’d find another! Maybe ask for something like Propranolol alongside to help with the heightened anxiety for a while?

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon xx

HourlyTime · 11/10/2025 10:24

I just started on this, day 3 of 50mg.

I've had constant anxiety, two bouts of heartburn and I couldn't sleep well.

All really common in the first 4 weeks.

Apparently having these side affects (maybe not the heartburn...) are a positive sign that it'll work well once it kicks in.

Just got to ride through this bit!

ZenithAndQuasar · 11/10/2025 10:20

From my experience and from the advice of my GP in the past, you can sometimes feel worse temporarily before you start to feel better. But obviously this will vary from person to person.
Once it was in my system, I felt a lot better.
Maybe have a chat with your GP for some advice.
Sending you lots of love, and hope you feel better soon. Look after yourself xxx

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