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Original poster

Been given sertraline but scared to take it

45 replies

GiantCheeseMonster · 13/09/2021 20:09

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.

OP posts:

CentrifugalBumblePuppy · 13/09/2021 23:31

Sertraline saved my life. I was prescribed it for cPTSD and chronic depression. It gave me a very stable platform to rebuild some aspects of my life.

I wouldn’t advise drinking on it until you are well used to your dosage. I actually gave up heavy drinking a year after I started (had the universe’s biggest hangover, for a week, nothing to do with the sertraline, never mix shots with more shots & vodka lol).

If anything, the sertraline gave me the good brain stuff that I didn’t need to binge!

I hope it helps you as well as it helped me. I had to stop taking it when I was prescribed synthetic opioids for chronic pain relief (they can cause Serotonin Syndrome if taken together), but I’m grateful for regaining control of my life thanks to sertraline.

EmeraldShamrock · 13/09/2021 23:39

I'd go so far in saying I love it.
It changed my life for the better.
The first month I'd a dry mouth, upset stomach and ferocious appetite everything settled down after a month.
I personally didn't like fluxentine.

Imcatmum · 13/09/2021 23:51

Has been great for me! Have felt well and content and calm for over a year on it. Try it, the potential benefit outweighs any risk 100 times.

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General health

MissTrip82 · 13/09/2021 23:56

The side effects of severe anxiety are pretty serious too.

pltme123 · 14/09/2021 03:33

Sertraline was a game changer for me, honestly amazing. I'm pleased to read you're going to give it a try.

I was actually started with 100mg for some bizzare reason so the first couple of weeks were a rocky ride, but even with such a high dose to start (and lots of side effects) I actually remember that 2 weeks fondly because the positive effects also kicked in within a couple of days and I was actually on cloud 9. I'm not sure if works like that for everyone or if it was due to my high dose.

My main side effects were dizziness, insomnia and really bad restless legs. I think the legs was the worst. But despite all of that I actually started with a new promotion that couple of weeks and didn't miss a day. But worst case scenario you could always have a couple of sick days if needed. Its totally worth investing to get yourself set up nicely on it and I honestly don't think you will regret it at all.

If you get worried again you could always try starting with a half dose (25mg) but to be honest 50mg is already a really low dose!

Take the first tablet a couple hours before your usual bedtime and clear your schedule, I had to go straight to bed with the first one. Instantly bad belly and room spinning, but please don't panic, it wasn't bad just odd and so quickly very, very worth it and it never hit me bad like that again (just telling you so if same happens you don't panic!)

Let us know how you get on?

Original poster

GiantCheeseMonster · 14/09/2021 06:48

Well, I took one last night about 9pm. Woke up at 4 and couldn’t get back to sleep, but I do that anyway most nights so I don’t think I can blame that on the sertraline! I feel fine otherwise so I’ll see how I get on today.

OP posts:

EmeraldShamrock · 14/09/2021 07:20

@GiantCheeseMonster Best of luck.
The side effects if you get any pass quickly.
Stress probably woke you, when I'm anxious I often wake at silly times. 😜

EmeraldShamrock · 14/09/2021 07:22

Take the first tablet a couple hours before your usual bedtime and clear your schedule.
My GP advised me to take right before sleep.

JamesWilbysAbs · 14/09/2021 08:12

DS (19) has been taking Sertraline for 10 weeks for anxiety/ panic. His psychiatrist keeps raising the dose - up to 200 now. Seems v high compared to others?

Fertility87 · 14/09/2021 08:20

Oh my goodness, OP. I am in exactly the same position!! I was prescribed on Friday, I picked it up, but am also afraid to take it. I am considering trying 12.5mg (even though doc said 25mg - so snapping it into quarters as it’s a 50mg tablet) as maybe the side effects will be milder?

I’m also afraid I’ll get hooked / change / etc etc.

I suffer from PMDD which shows itself as anxiety, a sort of heavy feeling, sadness and listlessness.

Fertility87 · 14/09/2021 08:21

@GiantCheeseMonster

I do remember reading that it was better to take it in the morning because of sleep. Someone who really knows can say whether or not this is true!

LindaEllen · 14/09/2021 08:46

@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?

I didn't have any for the first few months as I also read the leaflet, but then I was at a BBQ at my neighbour's and I decided to try it, because I was only next door if I felt unwell and needed to go home.

What I found was that it exacerbates the effects of alcohol. So the drink goes to my head and leaves me feeling like I've had quite a lot more. I wouldn't be safe to drive after one glass of wine, for example, even though I'd be legally under the limit.

It didn't seem to cause anxiety, or increase any effects the next day, though.

I'd advise having a glass and seeing how it affects you. Be careful with it. Some people will be fine, others (like me) will need to be wary. I am learning what I can/can't drink, as some kinds of alcohol seem to be different.

LindaEllen · 14/09/2021 08:48

@Fertility87

I’m also afraid I’ll get hooked / change / etc etc.

I suffer from PMDD which shows itself as anxiety, a sort of heavy feeling, sadness and listlessness.

12.5mg just isn't enough to do anything. I started on 50mg and didn't have too many side effects at all from it. Start on the 25 as prescribed. Don't assume you'll suffer just because of what you've read. You're not going to get hooked on 25/50mg either. It's a very low dose. GPs are allowed to prescribe up to 200mg!

PhoenixIsFlying · 14/09/2021 13:20

I always take mine in the morning. I read many things saying morning was best. I had terrible insomnia which stopped once I started taking it x

Original poster

GiantCheeseMonster · 14/09/2021 17:22

Well, I’ve got through day one and feel fine. It’s a start.

Centrifugal, thanks for the advice. I’m not a binge drinker, but I do like sharing a bottle of wine with DH at the weekend so it would be nice to still be able to do that if it’s not harmful. I definitely won’t be having any for a few weeks until I know how I am on the medication though.

Thanks to you all, your advice has really helped me.

OP posts:

Scutterbug · 14/09/2021 17:23

Sertraline works for me. I take it alongside lamotrigine, aripiprizole and haloperidol.

xprincessxjanetx · 14/09/2021 19:23

I take 100mg daily for anxiety. Have been on it since 2016 after I developed delayed PTSD from my first birth back in 2010. Personally it has helped a lot and allows me to live a reasonably calm and anxious free life. If I forget to take it for a few days I am a complete anxious wreck so it definitely helps. I have had no bad side effects from it either.

Original poster

GiantCheeseMonster · 15/09/2021 06:08

Took it at 6pm yesterday and had the worst night ever….awake for hours. Going to gradually bring it back so I’m taking it in the morning.

OP posts:

tintodeverano2 · 19/09/2021 19:29

@GiantCheeseMonster how's it going? I think I'm going to ask if my dr can sign me off for a couple of weeks as I'm having a lot of stress at work and am worried about that and having side effects

TheGutsyHiker · 06/03/2025 06:30

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