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Day 6 of sertraline

40 replies

Sarathom · 27/01/2024 09:17

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.

OP posts:
Sarathom · 29/01/2024 10:43

I’m on day 8 some side effects seem to have worn off. I still get nausea. But what’s bothering me more is the extreme anxiety on a morning and night. I didn’t really have problems with sleep before but now I’m waking up with extreme anxiety and unable to go back to sleep. This is so overwhelming. I don’t know wether to continue this medication.

OP posts:
frostedfruits · 29/01/2024 16:35

As I said further up, the anxiety for me peaked days 8-12 - if you can tolerate a few more days you will slowly start to reap the benefits.

It's a slow burner, your body needs time to adjust and regulate.

It's really hard but you will feel better this time next week. I believe it's 12 weeks before it totally settles into 100% feeling fine.

Reading the reviews about other people's experiences on sertaline via the Drug.com website helped me stick with the first few weeks so you might want to a look:
https://www.drugs.com/comments/sertraline/for-depression.html?search=&sort_reviews=highest_rating#reviews

Sertraline for Depression Reviews - Drugs.com

Reviews and ratings for Sertraline when used in the treatment of depression. 1179 reviews submitted with a 6.9 average score.

https://www.drugs.com/comments/sertraline/for-depression.html?search=&sort_reviews=highest_rating#reviews

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Sarathom · 29/01/2024 20:46

@frostedfruits thank you, yes I’ve been reading those reviews daily on that website and they have really helped. I really hope that by the end of this second week I’ll be through the worst of it as it’s really taking over my life. I’ve sat and had a long think tonight about wether or not to continue with it. Looking for reassurance to keep going.

OP posts:
Seasaltsquall · 29/01/2024 21:24

I've been on many different SSRI's/SRNI's and Sertraline has been one of the very best. Yes it's a rocky road in the beginning- the first 2-3 weeks for me, but they all have side effects like this to start off with and the irony for me was that I was prescribed them for insomnia and anxiety induced insomnia. And they made it worse during that time. Once on an even keel again. I feel amazing and that I can cope. I did drop to 25mg for a bit but have now settled back to 50mg which is still a low dose. Side effects are ridiculous yawning (again I seem to get that with all
of them), and body jerks when relaxing before going to sleep. If you feel nauseous you could ask the chemist for something to help until it wears off. I also have Diazepam for the odd occasion I cannot control my distress and/or anxiety/need to stay away from home. I handle them well on an ad-hoc basis but many GP's will not prescribe them due to addiction issues.

suki1964 · 29/01/2024 21:38

I really hope for you that the side effects ease this week because it really is a fantastic drug

I was prescribed during the peri menopause, I had been on and off anti depressants for most of my adult life, but had been free of them for years, then the peri menopause and I was a complete disaster - my anxiety became crippling , I couldn't even remember my husbands name on the worse days, could barely string a sentence, started to isolate etc etc etc

I stuck mostly at 50mg, it was increased during lockdowns at my request

I quit them last new year. Not a problem coming off them which I found amazing as in the past Ive spent longer weaning off meds then I took them for (Seroxate ) Im doing well now but I wouldn't hesitate going back to them again

ScaredAndPanicky · 29/01/2024 21:48

The first couple of weeks on Sertraline were hell. I started on 50mg. I'm now on 200mg a day. Every increase the side effects haven't been anywhere near as bad as when I first went on it. It hasn't had any effect on my anxiety levels (I have severe PTSD) but has been amazing at getting rid of the depression).

Sixpence39 · 29/01/2024 21:49

Don't give up! I felt like this the first 1 or 2 weeks, panic attacks, heart palpitations, nausea, extreme fatigue. It got better and now 6 months later my life is so so much better than before the drugs. You can get through this.

Judithx · 14/05/2025 08:42

Hey love, I completely understand how you're feeling right now. I’ve been there too. Please don’t give up just yet. I’ve been taking Zoloft (sertraline) for a long time, and I can honestly say it has completely changed my life. But I also remember how hard those first days were… the side effects, the anxiety ramping up instead of calming down — it’s brutal and confusing.

What you're experiencing is actually really common in the beginning. That heightened anxiety and panic can feel unbearable, especially when you’re already struggling and have little ones depending on you. But I promise you, if you give it time, things will start to shift. For many people, the turning point starts around week 3 to 6, sometimes even earlier. You've already gotten through six days, you're stronger than you think, and you’re on your way.

Dropping to 25mg was a smart move to ease in gently. That’s what many of us need, starting slow and letting our body adjust. Keep reminding yourself: this is temporary. You're not broken. Your brain is just recalibrating. Try to be as gentle with yourself as possible during this time. If you can, ask for a bit of extra support with the kids, even if it’s just to take a shower or breathe for 10 minutes.

Also, one thing I can’t stress enough — make sure you’re using high-quality Zoloft from a trusted source. It really makes a difference in how well it works and how your body tolerates it. If it helps, I always order mine from this pharmacy: topsup24.com/buy-zoloft-uk.html. They’re super reliable, the price is great, and delivery has always been fast.

You’re doing an amazing job just by taking this step. Please don’t lose hope. The calm will come. And when it does, you’ll be so glad you stuck it out. You're not alone in this. 💛

Purplecatshopaholic · 14/05/2025 08:44

Try and stay with it. I felt brutally awful for about a fortnight - phoned the emergency doctor twice I felt so bad. They talked me round and it was worth it. Sertraline has changed my life.

Seasaltsquall · 17/05/2025 10:03

Hi OP-just checking in to see how you are getting on?

GreenFressia · 17/05/2025 10:08

Yes thought I was having a breakdown after a couple of weeks. Saw GP who reassured this happens and stayed on it. Was okay.

DeliasMyth · 17/05/2025 10:42

Seasaltsquall · 17/05/2025 10:03

Hi OP-just checking in to see how you are getting on?

OP started this thread in January 2024 so I imagine she's over any initial side effects now ....

Apollo365 · 17/05/2025 10:44

I havent RTFT but please hang on in there OP. It will start to lift soon and you will come out the other side. I promise!

Apollo365 · 17/05/2025 10:44

DeliasMyth · 17/05/2025 10:42

OP started this thread in January 2024 so I imagine she's over any initial side effects now ....

Haha I missed this too 🤣

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