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Original poster

To ask for your experiences of Sertraline

67 replies

Bussells · 20/02/2019 20:28

I’ve never taken any type of antidepressant before but my GP has prescribed me a low dose of Sertraline due to PMDD (severe PMT). There wasn’t time to ask about side effects etc. so I was wondering if anyone who has experience of taking it would mind sharing how it affected you. I’m a bit nervous and hoping this is the right thing for me. Thank you

OP posts:
BeanTownNancy · 20/02/2019 21:37

Awful. Made me psychotic, stopped my orgasms, gave me diarrhea, made me put on a lot of weight very quickly.

Definitely wasn't the right medication for me, but I know other people who love it so I think I was just unlucky.

CaptainButtock · 20/02/2019 21:43

Saved my life. Gibbering wreck to ‘normal’ in two weeks. Don’t recall any side effects.
Still on it and frankly, the thought of stopping it is...well...unthinkable!

Gracie65 · 20/02/2019 21:50

Initially took it for PHD and anxiety. I can honestly say it saved me. It helped return me to my former self. I did have a few initial side effects but these subsided within weeks. Namely, sweating, slight insomnia and upset tummy. They also took a few weeks to kick in properly but I am eternally grateful I had them. I really thought I was too ill and would never feel better. Sertraline helped me tremendously and played a huge part in my recovery. Also.....stopped my Pmt which my family were eternally grateful for! I was fine coming off them too and had no untoward side effects. I appreciate everyone's experience isn't the same but mine was certainly a positive one.

stanski · 20/02/2019 21:53

I took it as prevention for stress related migraines (the 30hour long ones). I reacted badly to it, changed to citalopram and been fine with it ever since.

MamaTT · 20/02/2019 21:54

Bloody awful stuff. Made me put on weight very quickly (I was being treated for an eating disorder so that was catastrophic for me in itself), totally took away any libido I had and turned me into an absolute psycho. The only time I've ever screamed at my kids was when I was on it. I took myself off it and now I'm too scared to go back to the doctors incase they put me on something else that'll ruin me.

cikecaka · 20/02/2019 22:00

It has been an absolute god send for me, I have survived nearly been made homeless, along with DH leaving me and 4 kids. I can think rational thoughts again. Paranoia has disappeared. Like a PP has said, I dread being taken off them.

Anise7438 · 20/02/2019 22:04

Yes been on it two years (low dose 25mg) and literally a life changer. Good luck

Merryoldgoat · 20/02/2019 22:06

I’ve been taking it for three weeks and noticed a significant improvement in my mood within a week. A bit of a headache and dry mouth but I’m so glad I started taking it.

My DH also says how noticeable the change has been.

steff13 · 20/02/2019 22:22

I've taken it for PMDD for several years. A very low dose, but it helps immensely.

Sandieloo · 20/02/2019 22:25

I have been on 100-150 mg of Sertraline for 4 1/2 years and it keeps me on an even keel. I don't loose my temper, get upset or worry. In fact being on it so long now I don't really feel any emotions at all but its better than all the rubbish that went through my head before. I have put on 3 stone and have no sex life now, it just doesn't interest me and surprised my hubby is not playing away. My Doctor has tried reducing my dose but withdrawal is a nightmare and other meds didn't work.

In the short term it is a lifesaver but I don't recommend it for over a year, so I would suggest take it for 6 months then with your GP reduce gradually and you should be ok.

willstarttomorrow · 20/02/2019 22:51

Setraline has really stabilised me. I am on a low dose and it has helped massively with PMT and also anxiety following a huge life changing event. However it took about 3 months for it to properly be in my system at a therapeutic level and the first 6 weeks were horrible for me. It was worth sticking with and it is important that you realise it may feel worse for a period whilst your body adjusts.

CSIblonde · 20/02/2019 22:55

Been on it for 18months now. kicked in quickly, but I'm really thirsty all the time. It's a small price to pay when I feel the best I've felt in years.

crazycatgal · 20/02/2019 22:57

I didn't like sertraline, it made me put on a lot of weight quickly which for someone with BDD, EDNOS and Anxiety was quite devastating. It also made me become extremely angry and aggressive.

U2HasTheEdge · 20/02/2019 23:12

I started on prozac many years ago which worked wonders but stopped after long term usage.

I went onto Citalopram which never really did a great deal. My anxiety is currently shit so considering going on Sertraline now. Just got to wait three weeks for my appointment.

Lellochip · 20/02/2019 23:31

Didn't really get on with it, so only took it for a short time. Nothing terrible on the whole, brain 'zaps' and made me tired to the point I wasn't really safe to be driving.

However, the first night I took it I was hit with the most horrific panic about what I'd done, that was it, that one tablet had ruined my life, was never going to be sane again 😅

As long as you're expecting your brain to potentially have a bit of a wobble at first, you'll be ok, might just have to ride it out a bit. Hope they get you feeling better soon

Fanjango · 20/02/2019 23:36

My sons on it. He's been on it for 18 months now. I hated the idea of medication for him but it has made life endurable for him. It's not perfect, anxiety and issues remain, but he's had no side effects and he is able to leave the house again.

Sweetbabycheezits · 20/02/2019 23:56

Been on 50mg since mid December for anxiety. I had pretty much every side effect for the first 10 days, but then, it was like a switch! No more intrusive thoughts, I can cope with stressful days, and I am able to go out socially with no problems. Don't feel foggy or dulled; I only notice that I seem to struggle with falling asleep at night, but that's the worst of it. I never want to stop taking it...I am chilled out for the first time in my adult life! Good luck!

AvocadoYUK · 21/02/2019 00:03

I took them for over a month, they made my moods a lil better but my anxiety is set off by illness and they made me nauseous/vomit so it just wasn't worth me taking!! Xx

NoEntryIntoTheMind · 21/02/2019 00:08

I had similar experiences to FamilyReferee in that it made me very ill with sickness and diarrhoea. GP switched me to citalopram which has eased the depression and I take beta blockers for anxiety. The GP has mentioned increasing my current citalopram dose to ease the anxiety but I am comfortable with my current med regime.

I wish sertraline worked as I've heard its much more effective than citalopram and very useful overall combatting both anxiety and depression.

notapizzaeater · 21/02/2019 00:27

My ds started it 3 nights ago, watching with interest. He's not slept well this week but has a bad cold so thought it was that.

Fanjango · 21/02/2019 00:58

@notapizzaeater it takes a few weeks for it to really work. My son was 11 when first put on them..he wasn't sleeping,was a school refuser and had so many phobias leaning the house was almost impossible. He's on 75mg daily...he still has issues..but it's a little easier. Sadly may have to refer for more help as his school placement is breaking down...and with it his MH

Nothinglefttochoose · 21/02/2019 01:50

Very good. Little to no side effects. I did sweat more easily initially but that subsided.

vampirethriller · 21/02/2019 05:40

I've been on it 3 months and feel the best I have in years. No side effects at all. I used to be on fluoxetine and this is much better.

PleaseJustSayNo · 21/02/2019 12:40

Sorry for delay in replying OP. Well my circumstances changed which meant I wasn't coping and needed more support and was struggling so going back down wasn't an option. Instead I changed to a stronger/different type of AD.

Feel free to drop me a private message if you want any other info

notapizzaeater · 21/02/2019 22:29

@Fanjango - thank you, we aren't expecting to much yet, he's ASD and the extra stress of the exams this year are pushing him over the edge.