Sertraline, moods and weight gain

[coffeelaydee]

Posting for traffic as mental health board quiet.

I'm tapering off Sertraline after taking 100mg for the past 18 months. I'm now on 50mg with the intention of getting to 25mg and staying on that dose.

Thing is, this weekend I really felt it! I was so irratable and down, but trying my best to hide it from those closest to me as I don't want anyone to worry or suggest I increase my dose again.

I feel so defeated ATM. On paper, my life is a million times better that what is was a couple of years ago. I should feel happy - naturally! But I don't.

My reason for lowering my dose is because I've gained 3 stone in 18 months since I started this medication. I wonder if I lose the weight, if my mood will be lifted?

So hard pretending I'm fine when I'm not.

Anyone else in the same boat or anyone with similar experience?

Does it get better?

Thanks

Tapering down from sertraline for me was fucking dismal. It's known to be very hard to do - but, just like starting it there is a period of adjustment.

You should be taking care of yourself and letting your support know you are feeling gross, not hiding it. It's all quite normal what you are going through.

Thank you so so much for your reply!

How are you now then? Are you still on a low dose or off it. Completely?

So, do you think I should ride it out? Doesn't help that I'm due on any day now and the pmt combined is probably making me feel worse.

I just feel so bad in my moods. But on a physical level, I don't feel side effects anymore.

Thank you

This is normal when reducing your meds. It honestly doesn’t last as in it’s not permanent- it can last a few weeks

Once you are off your meds please think about taking vitamins, D and B12

Also cut down on processed foods too

Try to excercise regularly too

The weight gain on the meds is shocking! You are not alone it’s a very very common effect especially with sertraline

Thank you quitelikely

That's great to hear. I was just worried I'd be in this permanent state of moodiness and was debating whether to up my dose again. But I know I'd continue to gain weight, which equally makes me unhappy!! Such a viscous circle.

I can ride it out for sure.

Thanks for the tips. I've just started the body coach 90 day program, so hopefully the healthy eating and exercise will help overall.

I wish I was more informed before I embarked on the medication route 😩.

I feel better completely off sertraline but that doesn't mean you will too. I desperately needed them at the time. I am not on beta blockers for anxiety and thats it! I feel really great now most of the time :)

The weight gain circle is awful I know! That and the sexual disfunction is why I came off it.

That's great to hear Mess
You are giving me hope!

I started the meds when things were bad in my life. Things are 100 times better now, so hoping that if I wean myself off completely, I will feel good again.

Yep- Sertraline does definitely lower your sex drive as well as weight gain. Honestly looking forward to normality again! 🙃