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Original poster

Positive experiences of Sertraline or similar?

45 replies

NudeRevengeWiggle · 23/10/2013 06:10

I'm going through the crappy first couple of weeks, I'd like to hear some positive stories! Did they help you? How long did it take before you felt better?

OP posts:
Original poster
NudeRevengeWiggle · 23/10/2013 11:24

bump

OP posts:
Fyll · 23/10/2013 16:32

I'm on about week 4 of sertraline.

First couple of weeks I felt sick, headache, tired and generally numb.

Then I started to feel better, stopped worrying about stuff and felt happier and in control - I really thought they were working.

But then on Monday I had a massive dip in mood and it's not got any better. I feel down, unmotivated and angry again. I'm hoping it picks up but I'm doubtful.

Weegiemum · 23/10/2013 16:35

Kept me sane (and possibly kept me alive) through 3 lots of PND. It works!!

PeggyCarter · 23/10/2013 16:37

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2old2beamum · 23/10/2013 20:37

I am on day 7 of Sertraline 50 mgs, feel nauseous all the time and diarrhoea which makes me very grumpy. Also feel lightheaded and numb and can't sleep but I suppose it is early days.

LunaticFringe · 23/10/2013 20:39

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bundaberg · 23/10/2013 20:42

sertraline worked very well for me. tried several before it, but sertraline was the only one that really made me feel better.

came off it easily too

Funnyfishface · 24/10/2013 23:56

Hi.

I have been on sertraline for 4 weeks for anxiety. I switched from citalopram.
I have had no side effects switching. I feel much better. I am sleeping normally.
I take mine with my evening meal.

Good luck

leezl · 25/10/2013 00:03

Works for me, no side effects, no problems switching from other meds, no withdrawal. I love it :D good luck :)

GingerbreadMoomin · 25/10/2013 00:08

Sertraline got me through pnd and I found it easy to come off when the time was right. It did make me feel a bit sick for the first couple of weeks and I also experienced jaw-clenching but those side effects did wear off. I don't think I realised how low I was until it actually started to work and should I suffer from pnd again I wouldn't try and put off taking it like I did last time.

GingerbreadMoomin · 25/10/2013 00:10

Forgot to say, I was on it for about 7-8 months before I started to wean myself off it.

I hope you get through the first few weeks ok and it works for you. Good luck x

Original poster
NudeRevengeWiggle · 25/10/2013 04:47

Thank you. Can I ask what time of the day you all take/took it?

OP posts:
leezl · 25/10/2013 08:09

First thing when I wake up.

PeggyCarter · 25/10/2013 09:18

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Megbeth · 25/10/2013 09:40

I've been on it for years. It's the best one for me with the least side effects. Takes about 4 weeks to feel it's working. I have switched to others but have always gone back to this one.

teawomen · 25/10/2013 10:16

Hi, can u join in. I've just started taking this for anxiety. Fluoxetine made me depressed I couldn't stop crying. Have been asked to take these in morning but last night I took my first one worried about the side effects. Is it too for anxiety? Sorry for gatecrashing

Treasures · 25/10/2013 10:26

I've been on Sertraline for over 2 years now. Excessive sweating and jaw clenching were the worst side effects for me. I take mine mid-morning. I didn't really notice I was feeling better until about 3 months in. They absolutely work though and I would recommend sticking with it through the side effects. They have been an enormous help to me. I think they are used for anxiety, mine are for depression though.

Original poster
NudeRevengeWiggle · 25/10/2013 10:35

I'm taking them for PND and health anxiety, possible PTSD.

I am absolutely shattered, I take mine about 9am and am so tired I can barely function by late afternoon. Wondering if I should take them in the evening instead or if this will pass in a few weeks.

OP posts:
2old2beamum · 25/10/2013 10:43

Have written on other post please don't confuse my addled brain and yes I am shattered too and no appetite!!

Treasures · 25/10/2013 10:58

At first I took them at night as recommended by my GP. It interfered with my sleep so I switched to first thing in the morning. But like you say, I'd be shattered by tea time. Now I take them about 10:30am and that seems just about right for me. Try different times and see what works best for you.

PeggyCarter · 25/10/2013 11:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

teawomen · 25/10/2013 11:31

2old2bamum thanks I seen ur other post. Unfortunatly I don't have a 21st birthday to look forward too Hmm so I'm ok on alcohol front. Il start taking mine midday. Have a dd to look after so don't wanna b feelin to bad. I also have GAD really can't b doing with this. I'm trying my hardest to overcome it that is my problem x

MooseyFate · 25/10/2013 13:10

My DD (15) has autism and is on Sertraline for anxiety disorder. It has also helped stabilise her mood swings and PMT. It has been fantastic. She didn't eat as much as usual during the first two weeks on it, probably because she was feeling nauseous, but absolutely fine now. She takes hers in the morning and sleeps fine at night. She isn't tired during the day. Her psychiatrist built her up slowly starting from 25mg, going up in small increments and she is now on 100mg.

leezl · 25/10/2013 20:46

You could always ask to have your dose adjusted if you find you are very drowsy after the initial four to six weeks, or even change to something else. What works for one person won't necessarily work for someone else, and you shouldn't feel bad about that. It's a bit like some people preferring aspirin for a headache and others preferring paracetamol.

Clairekyrah · 02/01/2015 16:59

Been on 100mg for 5 years worked well just had a baby and suffering frm pnd!!! So upped my dose to 150mg a week ago I feel like crap will it start to help soon and will the side effects lesson I just want to enjoy my baby and my life again please someone help me and give me some hope to stick with it