Will sertraline work? When?!

[Pelvicpaininthebum]

I've been having anxiety attacks and panic attacks.

I started Sertraline 11 days ago at 25mg and then went up to 50mg 4 days ago.

I feel my anxiety is worse if anything. I've got constant low level anxiety and am so worn out from it. I'm waking early and feeling panicky.

Will the sertraline end up working? I feel so desperate for it to.

Hi OP, didnt want to read and run as I know how rough this first bit is! I was on escitaloprám for a couple of years a few years ago but had been SSRI free up until I had my baby boy in May. I was hit with the biggest wave of anxiety and depression I have ever experienced (and that is saying something.) I was totally consumed by panic and dread- made worse by the fact that this hadn't happened with my previous babies so i felt like something was badly wrong! I was put on Sertraline and I have gradually increased it to 100mgs over 3 months ish. I have been on 100 for about a month now and I feel completely myself again! Obviously I am still sleep deprived and have rubbish days but I am calm and rational and able to very much enjoy my baby and my MAT leave. It's like a cloud has been lifted and that feeling of constant dread has disappeared. I have say every time I increased the dose I had about 10 days off feeling terrible (massive increased anxiety, waves of nausea, emotional.) With every dose increase (after it settled down) i felt a bit better but it took getting to 100 to feel myself. Just wanted to let you know as I spent hours reading old mumsent and reddit threads about Sertraline and when things improved etc. I promise it really does!! Xxxxx

Also if you have a pill cutter (and you increase your dose again), increase it smaller increments. Or ask the GP for 5mg tablets to do this! The GP told me to go 50 to 100 but I knew that would be horrible so I did 75 for two weeks first.

Yes I did, I just skipped last night's dose and took it this morning, so was about 8 hours late.

Do you really think it could be that? I've lost all hope again and feel dreadful.

Thank you so much for your story. Yes I'm doing exactly the same, constantly reading other people's stories. But then I inevitably find ones where the sertraline didn't help and think that will be me.

Yes me too! Just remember thats your anxiety talking! Reassurance seeking is a symptom of anxiety it itself and your brain will always seek out the most negative stories to latch onto. I'm sure it will work for you if you keep going but even if it dosent then another SSRI definitely will. I would give it a month (i know that feels like forever!!)

Oh no I was just about to say that was great you were feeling better but saw your later post!

It may well be due to the change in time? I read that sertraline doesn't have much 'leeway' and works best taken at exactly the same time each day.

I'm doing much the same - just coping! Hoping tomorrow will be better.

Maybe it's a bit two steps forward one back?

I'd say you feeling even a bit better this morning is really hopeful!

Sorry you're still feeling bad too..is your anxiety still high constantly or are you having times of feeling better?

Yes, hoping for a better day tomorrow.

It's pretty much constant - at least it feels that way.

It's so hard to keep distracted! Tomorrow will be day 7 for me, I wish I could fast forward a few weeks (for us both).

It's really hard to tell if it's just adjustment or if it doesn't suit you - the effects seem to be the same don't they?

Keeping hopeful ☺️

Yep hang in and anxiety also seems worse in the morning.

How are you now?

I took a zopiclone tonight and still woke up after 1.5 hours and can't get back to sleep.

It's not the kind of drug that has an immediate positive effect. It's can be weeks to notice something, and months until it's taken full effect. It didn't work for me, I tried a bunch of different ones and when I got the right one, I was on it for two years until I was well enough to stop taking it. Haven't looked back since. Stick with it.

If you're in a seriously bad way, talk to your Dr about Diazepam. It's fast acting (think less than an hour) in tablet form, however it's extremely addictive and many GPs avoid it if they can. Worth an ask though.

I’m very up and down but gradually getting better I think. Day 10 only. How are you op?

Today is day 5 for me and I honestly feel like giving up. My anxiety is through the roof and I’ve been having panic attacks - never had them before! Plus I can’t stop shaking

I'm sorry to say things got worse for me. I didn't feel safe so went to a&e yesterday and have stayed overnight last night in a little voluntary mental health unit. I'm being referred to the crisis team on discharge today.

@LuceeeeeLoobieeel day 10 on 50mg for me too. Glad you're feeling improvements.

@ScreamingInfidelities it's horrible isn't it. It's comforting to know you're experiencing the same, but I am sorry.

I’m so sorry and I can absolutely understand why you did this very smart thing. Don’t give up.

Thank you. It's so nice and quiet here. Home is chaos and responsibilities. Think it's been good. I am carrying on with the sertraline with blind faith it will heal me.

I'm sorry you are feeling so unwell. I know how awful it can be. Sertraline is highly effective for depression and anxiety, but can take a little time to start working.

It can start working after one to two weeks, but it might take up to four to six weeks to be fully effective.

Be aware that the side effects, if you experience them (nausea and headache), can be unpleasant, but usually disappear after a week or two.

Persevere and you will feel better soon. ❤️

God, I totally get how you’re feeling. There was a time I ended up appearing at A&E saying that I think I was in the middle of some sort of breakdown.

I felt so out of control and just, terrified of myself in all honesty. You have done absolutely the best and right thing for yourself, keep going.

Sending lots of love x

Well done for keeping yourself safe, OP. I've been wondering how you are every day!

I feel worse too, if it's any consolation at all. Day 8 of 50mg and I feel anxious and low. No motivation to do anything, wanting to not be here.

I'm hoping 2 weeks will see a change. I hope you're able to be kind to yourself today.

I was discharged yesterday and they decided not to refer me to the Crisis Team.

I don't know how I'm meant to go on feeling like this.

That's sad to hear, I'm 5 weeks in and exactly the same, I can't be far from the loo,EVER!!and it's not easing up at all, shame as it seems to be good for me in every other way

I’m so sorry. I’m actually beginning to wonder what the Crisis Team actually does in most areas!
I think unfortunately you will need to keep calling 111 or presenting at A and E.

I felt exponentially worse for the first month. Absolutely dreadful. But the relief when it kicked in was incredible.

You know they won't give you zopiclone for long don't you?

They don't want you relying it.
It's an awful place to be. Mental health problems suck.
It's a relief when everything comes together and you start to sleep naturally.

I know the side effects are horrible but surely you're suffering far too much, it shouldn't be this bad for you?

Yesterday a friend of a friend said their (adult) daughter tried Sertraline but it made her suicidal, they switched to Fluoxetine which then worked wonders, now the daughter has a full time job and is moving into her own place, she's doing that well.

Do you think you might be one of those few that it's not working for you?

I do feel like crap (day 9) still anxious and low but I'm not crisis low, I can function and work, it's awful you're really struggling.