Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Am I on the wrong dose of sertraline? When should it work?

26 replies

Lllllg · 07/02/2025 19:45

I’ve been given 25mg daily for anxiety, mainly intrusive thoughts. I’ve been googling and 25mg seems low? Will it even work? It’s taken me a LOT of guts to admit I need them and I feel a bit miffed that I may have the wrong dose so it will be pointless?

OP posts:
biscuitsandbooks · 07/02/2025 19:47

It can take 4-6 weeks. How long have you been on it?

popandchoc · 07/02/2025 19:47

That is quite low , maybe they just wanted to start you on that to get you used to it ?

HaddyAbrams · 07/02/2025 19:48

How long have you been on them? They usually take a few weeks to work.
It's perfectly normal to start on a low dose and then the dr will up it as needed.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
RachelGreensHair · 07/02/2025 19:48

I started at 50mg and after six months moved to 100mg. I didn't even realise it came in a 25mg dose. How long have you been on it? I think it's better to start on a lower dose. I did find the first few weeks so hard and actually really horrible but it did settle down. I'd say give it six weeks and then see GP?

MrsJHernandez · 07/02/2025 19:48

They always start you on a low dose, especially for anxiety and work your way up if needed. Give it a month and if you still feel the same, go back to the Dr.

mynameiscalypso · 07/02/2025 19:49

I think you need to build up but yes, 25mg is a very low dose. I'd expect you to be on it for no more than a week or two before moving up to 50mg. I was on 200mg for many years, even going to 250mg at one point.

sleighbelles · 07/02/2025 19:49

I've been on 25mg for over a year for much the same as you. I would say it took about a month or 2 to kick in really.

LoztWorld · 07/02/2025 19:55

Usual to start on 50mg. 25mg is low. If you’re feeling no different and it’s been four weeks ask to go up to 50mg.

I didn’t feel fully “cured” until I reached 100mg. But I had to increase the dose gradually to get there.

hamstersarse · 07/02/2025 19:56

There is absolutely no evidence that this drugs works better than the placebo effect

Original poster
Lllllg · 07/02/2025 19:58

hamstersarse · 07/02/2025 19:56

There is absolutely no evidence that this drugs works better than the placebo effect

@hamstersarse really? I thought there was lots of evidence it worked

OP posts:
Original poster
Lllllg · 07/02/2025 19:59

sleighbelles · 07/02/2025 19:49

I've been on 25mg for over a year for much the same as you. I would say it took about a month or 2 to kick in really.

@sleighbelles thanks, does it really make a difference for you? Other posters are saying it’s very low, is there a reason you haven’t increased the dose?

OP posts:
sleighbelles · 07/02/2025 20:04

@Lllllg so I was having chest pains and issues with my bloody pressure related to anxiety and that has all pretty much stopped. I'd be lying if I said it's all 100% all ok all the time but even the small dose makes a difference and if I miss a pill for a day or 2 I really feel it and I suppose that's put me off going on a higher dose.

ImthatBoleyngirl · 07/02/2025 20:17

That is a very low dose. I'm on 200 now but I can't remember my starting dose.

Whippetlovely · 07/02/2025 20:26

I was on 50mg, I felt worse after starting it. Then after a few weeks a little bit numb but also side effecs like night sweats. Came off it felt miles better after doing exercise. The thing with any of these drugs is they don't get to the route cause i don't think I'd ever take any meds again. Work out what is causing your worries and deal with the actual problem, get some exercise and make some changes in your life. Mine was my job. Hope you start to feel better soon.

crankytoes · 07/02/2025 20:43

Usually people start on 50 but if it's for anxiety people generally are out in 25 first as starting any AD can bring in anxiety.

Usually after a month or so you are out up to 50 which is the typical therapeutic starting dose

Talk with your dr

crankytoes · 07/02/2025 20:44

Typos. So many typos 😫

podirnot · 07/02/2025 20:44

25mg is low. I started on 50mg but needed 100mg

Original poster
Lllllg · 07/02/2025 21:26

It seems pointless taking this. Frustrated I’ve even gone through the stress of having an appointment and discussing it

OP posts:
Greyingmumto3 · 07/02/2025 21:37

I’m on 25mg and have been for well over a year . I found it worked for me so never upped it . ( I was given such a low dose originally as I reacted to 2 other medications)

Lyn348 · 07/02/2025 21:39

OH was told that 50mg was the dose 'for little old ladies' by his doctor.

Scutterbug · 07/02/2025 21:42

25 is quite low but stick with it. Do you have a follow up appointment booked? I would anticipate they will then move you to 50 if you’re not feeling any better.
I am on 200 and that’s the best dose for me.

LightCameraBitchSmile · 07/02/2025 21:51

Lllllg · 07/02/2025 21:26

It seems pointless taking this. Frustrated I’ve even gone through the stress of having an appointment and discussing it

Why does it feel pointless? as others have said it's a completely normal starting dose. Give it time to kick in.

FWIW I started on 25 and am settled on 50. Have been on for a few years

Squiggles23 · 07/02/2025 21:53

Total rubbish - find an article that supports that then? Absolute drivel.

As with any drug there’s evidence that long term use can no longer be effective (as your body has got used to the drug). However, sertraline absolutely does make a huge difference for many people.

Squiggles23 · 07/02/2025 21:56

It’s not pointless OP. It’s good to start off low as the side effects can be hard (nausea etc). You usually get used to it after a couple of weeks. It sounds like anxiety might need a lower dose than depression. Just try it for a couple of weeks and you can look at upping it next appointment x

Whattheduck · 07/02/2025 22:01

I started on 50 mg then it was changed to 150 mg but found it did nothing for me saw my doctor last week and now taking Venlafaxine 75 mg for 2 weeks upping it to 150 mg after that.