Sertraline…to ask if this is normal?

[Yiie]

I’m on 50mg of sertraline for anxiety. I took 25mg for a week and now been on 50 for another week. I feel exhausted. Like first trimester pregnancy tired. Also spaced out and lethargic. On the plus side I don’t feel as anxious. However I literally don’t know how I will function at work tomorrow as I’ve felt totally drained all day! Is this normal?!

It'll pass, I'm certain. Just hang in there!

I think the first time I tried them the best explanation I could give to anyone at the time was to call them "Don't give a shit" pills. All that stuff that worried me before, it just went. And didn't cross my mind. I didn't give a shit. Not in a irresponsible, impulsive way, but just felt worry free. Antidepressants have unfairly got a bad name for themselves because people are scared they'll be walking round acting like a robot, not themselves and devoid of thoughts and feelings. But once the feeling of tiredness and exhaustion is gone it's just like being you, but without the worries and constant questions and thoughts running through your head.

I've gone back on them after 2 years off, the last 18 months of which have been horrendous with stuff that I've had in my plate. I just wish I'd gone back on them sooner! The person I now know as "normal" me has returned!

@FarmGirl78 do you think they lose their effectiveness over time? I keep wondering how long it will last until I have another outburst of sadness!

Maybe you increased dose too quick? I stay a few weeks on low dose now as have several episodes where a higher dose too soon has sent me a bit manic and wanting to run away .

They don't lose effectiveness. Maybe after like many years continuous you might need a smidge higher dose but I only ever needed more for a short time when I hit a rough patch in circumstances and was under extra additional pressure at work. I've never needed more just because the effects started wearing off.

You'll probably start off on 25 or 50mg, then they'll put you up to 100mg after a while if you've not seen any improvement. The maximum recommended dose is usually 200mg, but I've never needed more than 100mg.

Edited: This is in response to @Whatifitallgoesright's post that I thought I'd quoted!

@Yiie I've just re-read your initial post, and I'm tempted to agree with this. Increasing dose after only a week on might be a big cause of the drowsiness. Stay on 50 for a 2-3 weeks before you think about increasing up again. It might be that you don't need to, and 50mg is the right dose for you. See how you get on with the tiredness first.

I’m absolutely wiped out today. Feel weirdly exhausted. Worried this isn’t right

I lasted 3 days on sertraline. When I was so exhausted I couldn't lift my arms to wash my hair I called it quits

It's so tough OP. For me it was two weeks before the tiredness started to lift, although it took far longer to feel back to normal energy. I also felt really sick and just craved ice cold diet coke. Just take it easy if you can, listen to your body and let the medicine work. It'll settle down if you're able to persevere a little. It's honestly changed my life, both personal and work. Did you manage to work or did you take the day off?