To start taking sertraline a week before a job interview?

[SweatyUnderboob]

I’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and crack on with the meds. I’ve had various prescriptions over the years but never gone through with them. Tried fluoxetine about 15 years ago and lasted a few weeks, I felt awful.

I’ve been out of work for too long and really need to nail this job. But I know there is an adjustment period before they kick in. I also need to do quite a bit of study in preparation.

I want to feel better but don’t want to risk jeopardising my chances. Shall I start now or delay?

I hate to say this, but I would delay.

My experience of starting antidepressants has always been that the first two weeks are when the side effects are at their worst, and some of them can be quite disruptive - I once spent a week feeling like I was on a boat. Went away after the week, but it was remarkably difficult to do anything while the world was swaying to and fro under my feet.

Now, you'll be very unlucky if that happens to you, but I wouldn't want to be risking it while also trying to study and pass an interview. You'll be stressed enough already.

If you can manage a delay, I’d wait I’m afraid. Not only can they cause some physical side effects at first (dodgy tummy etc), they can also initially cause an increase in anxiety. Also they can take a while to work, and to get the dosage right, so even if you didn’t get any side effects, starting them now probably won’t give you any tangible benefits by next week unfortunately.

Good luck with the interview, and I hope the pills help, whenever you decide to start them!

Thanks guys, you’ve confirmed my suspicions. I’ve waited this long to start them, I can wait a bit longer! Although if I get the job, starting then won’t be ideal either. Aargh!

Bucking the trend, I’d start them straight away. Sertraline has minimal side effects. You’ll be fine to do the interview.

I would also start them now, if you delay then you could end up having the initial unpleasantness at the start of a new job which would be far worse than having them for one job interview.

Not everyone experiences side effects or the initial feeling worse part too!

I found that they did affect my mental sharpness and learning speed.

@Hiddenaspie

I’d love if that were the case, it’s such a gamble though.

I’ve got less than a week now til interview.

Definitely wait, they can bad start up symptoms

I had a very extreme reaction to sertraline. Everyone is different so it’s very hard to tell but personally I wouldn’t risk it if the job is important to you.