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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this normal for sertraline and would you carry on?

5 replies

Ga100 · 09/02/2025 15:58

I’ve been on a low dose of sertraline for nearly a week now. On the day of my first dose I felt slightly numb, almost like I was in a more relaxed state. I was suspicious it was a placebo effect however the following day something happened that would usually trigger my anxiety massively and whilst it did trigger it, I was pretty calm throughout and I felt almost like I was out of body, like I tried to make myself feel the familiar stress I would usually feel but it was like I couldn’t access it. I don’t know if this makes sense. Like I was trying to feel the usual panic but whilst the anxiety was there, it was as if I couldn’t manage to force myself to get too stressed about it.

Almost a week later I feel like I’ve got this numb feeling in my head. I’ve had mild ringing in my ears too but that has gradually lessened.

I am surprised by all of this and feel a bit scared at the effects of such a tiny dose. I feel like I’m almost reckless about life but not sure if that’s because I was so horrendously anxious before. Just wanting some reassurance I suppose.

OP posts:
Catza · 09/02/2025 17:29

Sertraline is supposed to lower anxiety and, I assume, this is why you are being prescribed it. I'm not sure the first dose would have done it bit of it did, it's good news. I am really not sure why you would deliberately try to make yourself stressed. If say, sertraline works remarkably well for you so now you can live your life the way you want to and not being limited by anxiety.

Scutterbug · 09/02/2025 17:31

It sounds like it is doing its job. It’s good that you are only needing a low dose.

AsLivingArrows · 09/02/2025 17:33

I take a different antidepressant, but yes I noticed that when I went to my normal anxious thoughts, my brain would slide off them like they were glass.

Anxiety had become a routine for me at that point so it took a while to get used to not overthinking everything. I still take a low dose these days just to manage it.

Theunamedcat · 09/02/2025 17:34

In my experience it made me feel worse before I felt better I also had an upset stomach for a few weeks

TheWonderhorse · 09/02/2025 17:34

It sounds like depersonalisation? It happens sometimes, I had one experience of it when I first started taking it but it's okay, it's very unlikely to last. Side effects are generally considered a good sign that the medication is beginning to work and they do taper off.

I only get the odd clocking sound in my ear sometimes.

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