Sertraline

[uhOhOhDear]

Hi all, I've been prescribed Sertraline for anxiety (50mg) I took them for a couple of days and felt the effect almost immediately due to side effects - felt groggy and hazy as my mind calmed down (I am quite obsessive and unable to switch off, especially at night, sometimes I barely sleep at all).

It's good that the Sertraline zones me out, however the haze that it induces makes it hard for me to function, especially at work where I need to be alert and clear headed.

I'm not sure whether to continue with this medication, obviously I understand that anti anxiety medication is meant to calm you down, but how to work whilst on it? I'm wondering if I need to quit my job, as can't so anxious and stressed due to work, can't function without medication but can't do job whilst on medication.

Thanks for reading!

Hi it can take a few weeks for antidepressants to work and for side effects to go. Why not go back to gp, get reassurance about symptoms and ask for him to sign you off for a few weeks to allow you to get the medication to work. Can you take holiday from your job as another option? Or be top to give you a fit note for reduced hours?

You say you are stressed due to work. If work is really a cause of stress, as it often can be then no amount of medication can change the cause, so perhaps asking to meet with your manager to tell them you are stressed and need support from work. Perhaps reduce duties, or hours for a while. Or look at task list and how to manage it? Or ask for referral for occupational health? It is always your right to resign from a job, however many people need income so it is sort seeing if changes can be made at work to help you?

At night time good sleep hygiene helps. Regular time to bed, and get up. Room not too hot. No caffeine late at night or heavy meals. No screen time late at night. Milky drinks can help, gentle read etc etc. for me the more I stress about not sleeping the worst it is so I tell myself " can't sleep, will enjoy a gentle book, and will be ok." Being kind to self is a key.