Sertraline buddies?

[OnlyGodKnowsWhy]

I started sertraline 2 days ago and I am having a horrible time 🙁 I was hoping there might be others out there starting up too that would like to chat and support each other. I'm a lone parent and only have my mum.

My stomach seems to be settling a bit now thankfully. 8days in and I'm already feeling a bit better. Less irritable.

So far so good four days in. Bit of nausea so eat after tablet in morning . Feeling happy about it

Three days for me. I’m just tired (normal) and struggled to get to sleep last night (really unusual) and had horrible nightmares when I did. If that’s the worst I get though, I’ll be thankful.

May I join please?

Had been on Citalpram 10mg for 5 years, but have noticed during the last 6-8 months that I've been feeling increasingly anxious and panicky again, especially in trigger situations at work (for me it's meetings or anywhere that is claustrophobic). After 2 horrible panic attacks I went back to my GP for a medicine review and on her recommendations have started taking 50mg Sertraline. She told me to do a straight swap, no weaning off one to start the other,.....

Anyway, I have felt dreadful the last couple of weeks. I've been taking it 3 weeks exactly, and I permanently have a thumping heart, sweating hands/feet, anxious thoughts and nervous stomach. Even at the weekend when ordinarily I never used to get these feelings when I was relaxed and at home. I have been constantly on edge at work, and very nearly had to walk out of 2 meetings this week. All my anxious feelings have been elevated and I'm feeling unable to cope.

I was told to stick it out for 4 weeks, but at this rate my ability to function is being compromised. Especially at work, as I spent a lot of last week practising deep breathing in the toilets and wiping my sweaty armpits.

Thinking of going back tomorrow for a further discussion. I do wonder now why the citalopram wasn't upped first to 20mg, as I never had side effects like this when I took that.

Any advice/thoughts greatly appreciated.

TrickyTree, it’s really hard to say as you did a straight swap, I don’t know if you could be getting withdrawals from citalopram as well as start up anxiety from sertraline which is bound to make you feel hellish. It’s possible the sertraline dose needs increased but it’s a really difficult situation.

I don’t know why your doctor didn’t increase citalopram, maybe she felt the medication had stopped working for you altogether but a dose increase sounds like it should have been the way forward.

I think you may need to be signed off whilst the medication situation is sorted out, work sounds incredibly stressful which can’t be helping the situation at all.

I would definitely discuss how you are feeling with the gp and I hope things level out for you soon.

Thank you Work was so bad last week I had to tell a HR manager, just a heads up that I was struggling really, and then quietly confided in 2 colleagues too, as the masking it at work was just adding to the problem. Problem is, although the HR person was lovely, she made a couple of references about how it was better for me to be at work then at home, as I didn't want to be at home 'worrying about work'. Hmm, I kind of see her point, but not sure that's her comment to make, plus it creates a little bit of pressure.

I just feel such a failure. Single working parent, so hard to get any time for myself. The option of having time off work is looking increasingly likely,.... even if just a week of self certification whilst the worst of the sertraline adjustment is over. I've been snappy and short tempered with my little boy this weekend which I never normally am.

Suffering this right now - it's awful!

For me, the brain zaps and disorientation I suffered for 4 weeks after weaning myself off citalopram put me off ever taking it again!! But week 6 after having weaned myself off (I did so over a period of 6 months from 40mg down to 10mg and then spaced doses and then nothing), I am suffering crippling anxiety. The physical symptoms are just unbearable - heart racing, shaking, shivering, pins and needles in hands, high temperature and extremely overactive mind. I'm sure I don't want to go back on medication as I felt such an achievement when I came off. Not sure what the alternative is! Young(ish!) single mum of 1, no social group, no bf/partner. Very supportive but slightly temperamental parents, but I live alone and have done since mid teens. Also previous sufferer of DV. I attend counselling once a fortnight, now increased to once a week. Although feel so bad atm that I have requested 2 sessions this week. Quite frankly at this point I wish my counsellor could just live in my house with me!!!!

TrickyTree. No way are you a failure. Not one single bit. None of us on this thread are. You are trying to take care of your mental health, that is very brave and all of us know how hard it is. In your position I’m sure I would be a total mess, it’s been hard enough to take sertraline never mind transition to another AD.

Your HR will have to say along the lines of that and as usual, people that haven’t suffered with crippling anxiety and depression just don’t understand what it’s like.

You are under a huge amount of pressure, raising your wee boy on your own and working. Taking time off to ensure you can get well enough to do both is not failing, it’s good self care and an important part of learning how to stop relapses.

I really think you should take time off and focus on resting, trying to eat and spending time with your boy.

I was a lone parent for 7 years with my four and working too. I’ve had two episodes of severe depression, we cannot do it all.

Whilst you are trying every day to work and raise your son, there is no way you are a failure and you need to tell yourself that. This will not last forever, it’s just taking a bit of time to find the right meds’ and dosage for you. Hang on in there and most of all, be kind to yourself.

Hello all, hope you are all ok today, I had my review with GP today and have agreed to up my dose to 100mg. I accidentally forgot to take my tablet last night so will start higher dose tomorrow.

Dr didn't tell me to phase in the new dose but do you think I should do every other day for a week?
Will I get side effects as if I'm starting up again?

Wow!! All I can say is I'm so grateful to have found this support group. I started having horrible panic attacks about 15 years ago. It seems every few years they would reappear and then turn into anxiety that lasted a couple months. I have taken Paxil, propanolol, Xanax, Ativan, and gabapentin. This last bout of panic/anxiety has lasted about 8 weeks and I'm just exhausted. I decided to start sertraline because I took it once before during postpartum/breastfeeding. (And Paxil made me gain about 40 pounds).

I started at 12.5 mg last Wednesday because I am as sensitive to side effects as you can get and I make up the side effects due to my own panic and anxiety. The first day was ok- able to go to work and sleep. Day 2 and 3 were horrible. Felt like a zombie, staring off into space, couldn't eat and was having major panic attacks. Day 4 a little better but not much. Day 5 I was able to go to my sons soccer game- huge feat for me. Woke up multiple times last night with panic. Just feel out of it and don't really want to get out of bed. Can't go into public like the bank or grocery store. Barely eating- force feeding basically.

I am also taking 60 mg of propanolol daily and eating .5 mg of Xanax usually at bedtime to help me sleep. You are all so incredibly brave to have done this without something like Xanax to help.

I know I need to raise my dose to 25 mg today or tomorrow but I'm still scared. I know the sooner I do it the quicker this horrible beginning phase will be over.

I had to take a month off work as I'm an oncall midwife. I feel like a shitshow of a mother and wife right now. I feel I will never be myself again.

All that being said, deep inside I know I will make it through this. I have before and I will again. As will each of you! I will continue to read this everyday and respond to posts. This thread is greatly helping me. Thank you! Sending love and prayers to each of you!

Back2work I just stepped straight up from 50 to 100mg. I don't think there's a benefit to doing alternate days. Something to do with the half life.
I was ok for side effects, but you might feel a bit grotty for a day or two. It's nothing like starting from scratch though, or at least it wasn't for me.

Hello, another one who after a GP visit today has been upped from 50 to 100mg, she said do it straight away. Also got 2 weeks worth of betablockers to help with the dreadful anxiety sertraline has given me. Signed off for 2 weeks, which I was reluctant about, but have just spent an hour emailing my bosses and setting up out of offices on all my emails, I feel so guilty all the time,...

OnlyGod thank you for your kind supportive words.

I'm on day 3 of increased dose of 75mg from 50mg, spent the whole day having panic attacks! Hoping it's just the increase and it will settle really quickly like tomorrow lol wishful thinking x
Keep going positivethoughtsdaily it's an up hill struggle but we will all get there xx

Positivethoughts, isn’t it funny how we know the start up of AD’s, we know increasing dosage helps get well sooner when needed and we know we will get better but still get scared! That’s the nature of anxiety, it’s irrational. I have been on sertraline twice now and it already seems a distant memory, those early days of full on crying, anxiety and plain suffering. But it was only eight weeks ago. Step up that dose and ride it out, it will be so so worth it.

Back2work, I went straight from 50mg to 100mg last time round and honestly didn’t notice any side effects. It was a massive turning point for me then, within 48 hours I was like a different person. The world looked colourful again.

TrickyTree, I know you feel guilty but I am glad you have some time off. You need it to recover and get back to work strong again.

I've felt utterly shit today. Even though I'm settled in my meds I can still have spells where I just feel really crap about myself. I'm waiting to start a new job, so I'm winding down my business. I know this isn't good for me, as I have lots of other stuff going in that I can dwell on.
Currently sat in the gym car park trying to muster up the motivation to go and do some exercise. I'll feel better for it if I can just get through the door.
Anyone else struggle to just get going?

NC4now- I know exactly how you feel. I'm lying in bed staring outside at the sunshine trying to convince myself just to walk my driveway! You will feel better after! How about we both do it and report back after!!

Marisa76- I'm sorry you are having such bad panic attacks. It is awful. Keep nurturing yourself as much as you can. It has been helping me to listen to guided meditations. And journaling- even if it's just to weed out the fear.

Only, thank you so much for all of your heartfelt insightful compassionate responses to everyone! You are an angel!!

Let's do it positive.

I've done a few weights and am starting to lift a bit....

You'll feel better for that walk.

Hey. I just posted about coming off sertraline. I wish I hadn't.

Hang in there. Took me over a month for it to kick in, and felt the happiest I'd ever been.

Trust me, now it's out my system I feel sad and blank really.

Good luck. So worth it

NC4now I feel the same some days I had to drag myself to yoga last week, I've been trying to force myself to get out though
Well done for going to the gym!

Hope you managed to get out positive

Will start straight on 100mg tomorrow then and hopefully won't feel too grotty

I didn't walk but I did a couple small chores around the house and went on the deck to watch my son fly a kite. Felt joy for a couple minutes so I'll take it when I get it.

Great job making it into the gym NC4now. I'm looking forward to that day!

Boosting up to 25 mg tonight. I know it seems small but still having to talk myself up to it. Here's my new mantra:

Sertraline is my friend
Thank you god for inventing western medicine.
I'm so grateful to be able to take my sertraline.
People all over the world, including Puerto Rico, who have anxiety and other mental health issues have no medicine right now.
I am so fortunate.
I'm going to take it with happiness!!

So pleased to have found this thread. Went to doctors yesterday and prescribed sertraline and zopiclone to help with sleep and panic attacks. Just took my first dose and now sat here feeling anxious about the side effects I'm about to get. Trying to convince myself it will help in the end and hearing others positive experiences is calming me slightly. Hope everyone has a good anxiety free day.

I need to make myself go again really. Currently curled up in bed with my cat!
Glad you found some joy positive. It's good to stop and notice it.
Does anyone keep a gratitude journal? I might start mine back up. I think it might help.

I have a gratitude journal and I have been logging simple things in it as well. For example- today I lit a candle and am sitting in the living room rather than curled up in bed. I showered and had an appetite for breakfast. It helps me to see the small improvements and then have them to reflect on during harder days. I also like to write all my fears on one side and then more of facts or reality if you will on the other. Helps to release the fears from my body and brain.

NC4now- I have a friend coming to walk with me to the end of my driveway today. That way I know I will do it. If you can't make it to the gym today- what would be attainable for you? Even if it's stretching, sit ups, planks and squats in your house...

OneForward- good job on being brave. When I take my medication, I try to pretend it's magic and feel it coating my brain and nervous system like a balm. Soothing it. I know it sounds crazy- but the more we fight it, the more the side effects flare up, which I really think are mostly our anxiety in the first place. You can do it. One day at a time!

I use gratitude journal 365 app, I am on my phone a lot so I tend to do things using it too.

Also grid diary which is great for those that struggle with journaling as it asks questions and makes an entry with your answers.

There is an app called happier that is basically like Facebook but entirely about positivity and gratitude.

I use mindifi Law of attraction hypnosis app at night and just listen to the free track, sends me to sleep.

A positive thing to do is to try taking a photo of something that made you smile, every day for thirty days. You can make a little album from it as a keepsake.

I also knit, I find it very therapeutic and knit snuggle blankets for animal shelters (snuggleproject.org) which makes me feel good about myself.

Plus I post on here as I really hate the lack of support there is regarding starting up antidepressants. You basically get given them and off you go. It can be so scary and lonely. I’m even considering creating a forum specifically focused on sertraline start up and life with sertraline as I believe it is by far the most prescribed AD these days.