Sertraline for panic and anxiety?

[Eighteight]

I have serious health anxiety which has been controlled until the last two years ( by myself ) my mum died suddenly of cancer , had a baby and an abusive relationship all spiralled me into severe daily panic disorder and constant severe anxiety. I always feel like I’m about to stop breathing , dizzy , the ground is swallowing me you name it . It’s so hard to look after my kids including a baby on my own . I’ve been prescribed sertraline 6 times over 16 years and only now I’ve been brave enough to start them …as I’ve been terrified of taking tablets I’ve never tried . Currently on day 8 and I feel pretty much the same with panic and anxiety but more than anything my mood is really really low or dead 😭 even tho before I had constant panic I was still happy during the day to get on with doing things and going out but now I’m the opposite I havnt left the house in over a week . I’m constantly dizzy and breathless , spinning , feeling sick and tired . Will this actually work eventually?? Or will I stay depressed but panic goes ? I’m worried I’m going to be down forever now

I’m really sorry to hear that you have been feeling so bad.

I had very serious PND and was prescribed Sertraline. My understanding is that it takes a while to build up in your system. If you still feel no better in a week’s time, you may need a higher dose.

Please don’t just stop taking them. You need to come off them gradually.

It definitely takes a few weeks to work so give it time . If no improvements after about 4 weeks I’d speak to dr .

It took about 6 weeks to take effect for me, but it was so worth it in the end. Hang on in there. X

1-2 weeks will feel like nothing happening. 4-6 weeks should start to feel better.

They can make you feel worse in the beginning but this passes. If you’re already in a low place when you start them it’s very tough. However stick with it, know that this feeling is only temporary. Things will improve in a week or two.

im back on Sertraline for the 3rd time in 5 years, there are millions of people in the UK currently prescribed medications for depression & anxiety. You’re not alone & there is light at the end of the tunnel.

It took a couple of weeks to feel less nauseous and the dizziness/headaches to go. I was prescribed them for health anxiety as well and they have been brilliant. I have been on them for 5 years. I'm assuming you are on 50mg? I have stayed on this dose and it's been enough but the anxiety didn't go away for my SIL until 150mg which they increased over time.

If you don't feel any better in a few days, then contact your GP. But allow 2 weeks at least on the starter dose. Good luck x

It takes a while to work but if you can stick it out, you’ll reap the benefits x

I think it was two weeks for me to take affect.

Three weeks from starting they kicked in...
Then it was farewell panic, hello the old me.
Give it a few more weeks

Hi there try and stick with them they do say it takes 6 weeks to see benefit. I was on them for several yrs and they did help my anxiety/ depression.
Tips don't suddenly stop them , so strongly advised not to .
You might need stronger dose again it will be slowly increased .
When / If it's time to stop then the secret is to very slowly reduce them under medical support.
My Gp actually advised me that I needed to swap to a different medication and then it would be easier to come of that one .
That plan worked for me .
Hope they work for you and remember medication is only one aspect of improving your mental health .

Thanks all !! I woke up two days ago and havnt felt any side effects since . They just magically disappeared over night ! Fingers crossed it continues. My anxiety seems better too so hoping I’m on the up . Managed to start the gym again this week and things are looking a bit better 😁

Brilliant. Well done for sticking at it.

Well done, if you’re feeling the benefits already it can only improve with time