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Original poster

Just prescribed Sertraline but scared to take them

17 replies

GooodMythicalMorning · 10/06/2021 10:33

Just been down to the pharmacy and picked up my sertraline prescribed for my anxiety, agoraphobia and panic attacks but reading through the leaflet the side effects seem scary. I know they all have these lists but these seemed particularly long. Can someone talk some sense into me?

Also is taking them in the morning or evening better?

I was on citalopram a few years ago but made me much worse before they helped so dr suggested these as shouldn't have that dip?

OP posts:
Muddydoor · 10/06/2021 10:39

I see the side effects list as something to check if you feel ill after taking the pills. Most people have none of them. Your gp or pharmacist should have told you about the time.

SomethingNastyInTheBallPool · 10/06/2021 12:00

OP, I’ve taken sertraline for years and have experienced no side effects. I’m sure you’ll be absolutely fine. I take mine in the morning with my breakfast tea or coffee.

Georgina125 · 10/06/2021 12:08

Hello there. I started taking a small dose of Sertraline last summer and it made all the difference to me. No more dark walls closing in,no more mood swings. I took mine in the evening and it worked for me. I had a fews days of feeling a bit nauseous in the morning but then no side effects at all. It has been so nice to feel stable again.

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TheAirbender · 10/06/2021 12:11

Sertraline has made the most amazing difference to my life. I had a few small side effects (nausea, hot flushes and a couple of days increased anxiety) but now it's almost 100% got rid of my anxiety and OMG my sleep! I am having the best sleep of my life - amazing! (I take it first thing in the morning).

I never want to come off Sertraline.

TwoLeftElbows · 10/06/2021 12:14

hello, I used them fine for 18 months and found them fine. Just don't google too much, I think there's a huge bias that people who don't get on with them are more likely to write about it. I tried them in the morning and the evening to see if either helped my sleep patterns more. I settled on evenings but you just have to see what works for you. Main thing is start taking them, and you can try moving the time once you're stable on them.

Original poster
GooodMythicalMorning · 10/06/2021 12:17

Thank you, this is really helping. I work til 11 in the evenings so I think I will take it later and hopefully won't feel too bad.

I know realistically it will probably help me lots but guess its always something you think about when starting new meds.

I would like to feel normal again

OP posts:
AdelindSchade · 10/06/2021 12:19

If you read potential side effects for any medication it's scary but these things are vedy rare.. Sertraline is one they give while breastfeeding so must be one of the safer ones. Give it a go OP and hopefully you will start to feel better.

OldTinHat · 10/06/2021 12:24

I took 200mg daily of sertraline five years ago (started on 50mg and worked up). I won't lie, the initial side effects were horrid. My GP has prescribed them again, initial 50mg dose. I've had them for 8 days now, they're hiding in the cupboard. Sorry I have no words of wisdom!

showmethegin · 10/06/2021 12:50

My partner started sertraline a couple of years ago and they have transformed his life. His anxiety was terrible and limited everything he did. The change in him was dramatic, he is just him now, wonderful him who can do things he never thought he would be able to do.

Well done for getting this far and seeking help OP, you can do it! Thanks

Vooga · 10/06/2021 13:30

Sertraline is life changing for me. My side effects were very poor sleep for a few weeks, very slight nausea on the first day and I think that's it.

Original poster
GooodMythicalMorning · 10/06/2021 13:36

Thank you. This is all very helpful.

OP posts:
vampirethriller · 10/06/2021 13:40

I take them first thing in the morning. They've honestly changed my life and I wish I'd started years ago. As it is I've had them for three years and never any side effects.

Original poster
GooodMythicalMorning · 12/06/2021 11:34

Just wanted to say thanks again. 2 days in and everything going well. tiny bit of nausea this morning but seems fine so far.

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 12/06/2021 11:39

I had a bad time for the first two weeks of being on them but then as others have said they transformed by life as far as anxiety and intrusive thoughts go.

TwoLeftElbows · 12/06/2021 13:44

Well done for giving it a go @GooodMythicalMorning . Thanks for the update. I hope you are feeling the benefits soon.

yeahdarling · 22/06/2021 19:13

Hi op. Sorry to highjack. How are you getting on? I'm in the same position of being scared to start talking them.
Thanks

Bringonthebloodydrama · 22/06/2021 19:52

Bless you...I felt the same...
I noticed some slight changes- stomach a bit dodgy first few days. That was it.
The overall benefits are great. I can function again. Since being on a higher dose, I've managed teacher training the past year, had Covid, home schooled 3 kids and am now managing the sale of a house.
This time a couple of years ago, even the thought of changing a bed and putting on a duvet cover was enough to stress me out.
Take them 😘

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