Day 6 of sertraline

[Sarathom]

Hi, I recently started sertraline after trying to self manage anxiety and panic attacks. I was getting worse but have severe health anxiety so was really trying to avoid meditation. I was started on 50mg but the side effects were unbearable so doctor advised to drop to 25mg until feeling better. I’m now on day six and feel like giving up. I have every side effect but what I can’t deal with is the increased anxiety and panic attacks. It just won’t end. Yesterday was the first day I managed to get out of bed and although still feeling rough I felt more positive. Then lastnight , huge panic attack. Woke up this morning feeling so anxious. I’m so much worse than before I started this medication and I’m wondering if it’s even worth it. I have 3 children, one is only 11 months old. I’m really struggling but I know I need to get through this to see the benefits.

My daughter was like this for the first week then anxiety reduced loads in week 2. Hang in there.

It does pass but if you're sensitive it's a brutal ride to get there. Think mine got better after 10 days.

Thank you, that’s so good to hear. I’m glad your daughter is feeling better. I just feel useless as a parent because I’m worse than ever now. I keep reminding myself that I’m doing this so I can be better for my children in the long run.

SomeCatFromJapan yeah I definitely think I must be sensitive to it because I’ve read other people being able to carry on with their days, go to work etc. I’ve not been able to leave the house or do anything at all. Back in bed today I’m just hoping I come out of the other side soon and feel a little more normal! I’m glad you’re feeling better it’s a rough ride!

It definitely gets better so try and push through if you can . It was so worth it for me to go on them .

It can be a bit of a rollercoaster. I’m back on Setraline for a third time in about 5 years. This is the first time I’ve stuck with being consistent as like you, I felt so much worse and I gave up. I’m a month in this time round, and up until this week I have felt absolutely awful- exhausted with it that I’ve not been able to really function. It can get better!

Unless you’re feeling suicidal or have thoughts of harm crack through it- you’ll suddenly feel great in a few days

popandchoc do you mind if I ask what dosage you were on and if you suffered increased anxiety? If so how long would you say it lasted for you? I know the medication won’t show the full effects for 4-6 weeks, it’s just the feeling worse than I was and thinking this could last that long that’s really making me struggle and want to give up.

It was truly awful for me that first week. Started to change around day 9 iirc, and was then absolutely brilliant.

@Winekg I’m sorry to hear that you’re still feeling awful. But, hopefully you will start to feel the benefits soon as they do say 4-6 weeks. You’re smashing it to have made it that far. Don’t give up

@DeliasMyth That’s amazing to hear! I’m so glad it’s working for you.

It’s rough for a bit, and then it’s great. You’re right in the eye of the storm at the moment but a few more days and hopefully it will pass, stick with it even if it means the kids are watching 12 hours of TV this weekend. It’s really worth it.

I kept a diary and days 8-12 were the ones where my anxiety was highest. At about the 2 week point I started to feel a sense of calm creep over me. The tiredness and jaw clenching last a couple more weeks. The diary was simple - a yellow day was a calm day, an orange day was an anxious or sad day. After two weeks the colours tipped to mainly yellow.

Now they are always yellow no matter what life throws at me! It's been absolutely the best help I'd never had before.

You are, and will be, a great mum - just hang in there a few more days

It definitely didn’t take that long for me to feel better. Two weeks I’d say

BTW - I did 25g for the first 2 weeks then upped to 50 once my body had got a bit used to it. I don't know if that upping to 50 is why I felt the more positive changes after 2 weeks but it's worth bearing in mind.

@Shf thank you! It’s good to know it will get better and I’m not the only one feeling so much worse. I think I could deal with all of the other side effects. It’s just the increased anxiety and panic is horrific

@frostedfruits thank you so much, that means a lot to hear. And I’ve also thought about keeping a diary so I can actually keep track and hopefully realise it is worth it! I’m glad you’re feeling better!

@frostedfruits yes my doctor said to go back to 50mg when I’m feeling better. I’m just now worried that I’ll feel better and then increase and the side effects will start again!

I’m on 100mg. I felt sick for a few days but it passed. But honestly my life is so much better for being on them. However the side effect that has never gone is teeth grinding and I have damaged my jaw from it

@Strangermanger thats really good to hear! Hopefully not much longer of feeling like this

@Olliequick thats really strange , I’ve noticed too that I’m grinding my teeth and clenching my jaw! I’m glad to hear they have worked for you though. How long until you started to notice positive changes?

I found I ground my teeth on Sertraline and had to cut my caffeine intake down a lot, but that’s no bad thing really in terms of health. I preferred taking it in the evening as I slept through some of the side effects, but it suits different people at different times

That is a good point actually, I take mine when I go to bed so have always slept through the worst of it

I started on 50mg and went up to 100 after about 6 weeks . I did still have some anxiety in first 3-4 weeks but did improve .

Im on day 20. Feeling low an tearful (menopausal and HRT did nothing). On 50mg and feel absolutely better. Sleeping better and tired but no other symptoms. I haven’t actually cried since that morning at the GP’s.

i have a review on Monday but im happy to stay on 50.

keep going!