To be afraid to start Sertraline?

[AstridAv]

I am really struggling at the moment. Ive been dealing with anxiety for a while but lately things have come to a head and I'm now experiencing panic attacks too. I've been having CBT for 10 weeks but clearly things are getting worse. I have two children to think about and and absolutely sick of feeling the way I do constantly.

The doctor has prescribed me Sertraline but of course I am anxious to take it. On the one hand it feels like a lifeline, on the other I've seen and heard some scary things about it and I'm petrified to start taking it.

Anyone have any experience? Thank you

Thank you all. I took it earlier after dinner and I feel awful. I feel high as a kite. My head and face hurt and ive got dodgy belly. The side effects are freaking me out a little if I'm honest. Hardly surprising with health anxiety.

This could be your anxiety, OP. You’re in fight or flight mode so all that adrenaline pumping around your body can produce all of those physical feelings.

If you struggle to sleep, try taking the next one in the morning rather than the evening.

You might have vivid dreams in the early stages. You won’t feel the benefit for about 3 weeks. You might even feel a bit worse. You may need your dosage increased. But stick with it. It’s a brave step but worth it.

No vivid dreams, however a massive headache and woke at 5 and started being sick. This feeling is horrendous and ive only taken 1 tablet 😕

There's like 7 million people in the UK taking antidepressants. 4 million have been taking them for years. And sertraline is one of the most common ones. Just to put those stories of individuals who have had serious side effects into perspective numbers-wise (though for those unlucky individuals it's awful of course).

The initiation effects go quickly. Got any painkillers and antiemetics?

Yes i have painkillers may try them later. Ive got d+v which is nice and feel what I would describe as drunk/not with it.

I have been on it for years, in varying doses. Initial two weeks and two weeks after any dose adjustment I've had a few weird wobbles and light-headed moments, but that's about it. Now stable at 50mg and it's brilliant. Keeps me balanced. The only side effects I feet now are if I forget to take it cos my brain gets upset without the chemicals. I find taking it first thing with a big glass of water is best.

Ugh. Hope you feel better soon. Remember to drink enough, with all that d&v.