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Original poster

Sertraline buddies?

999 replies

OnlyGodKnowsWhy · 24/07/2017 17:22

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.

OP posts:
BeerBaby · 01/12/2017 13:17

It's day 5 of 50mg. I do feel better. Things I'd normally panic about to the point of pulling out or just straight avoidance I'm able to work through. My circumstances at home are changing dramatically after Christmas. This would panic me to the point I'd be unable to go ahead. Instead I'm able to make plan and take it as it comes.

Sleep is a huge problem for me at the moment. I've only had 1 night of more than 4 hours in the last week. Last night was only 2 hours and the nausea and dizzyness is making me feel really unwell. I still feel spaced out but not all the time. I've had to take today off work which is rare for me as I find work is my safe place but I don't feel safe to drive.

On the whole I feel much more stable than I have done.

ringsnthings · 01/12/2017 13:52

Hi all..

My first week on 50mg and feel really weird. My brain feels like its "fizzing" so hard to describe. I've got numbness in my hand and it's a bit pins and needles sensation. Has anyone experienced this? Have been hiding how bad I was feeling from everyone, didn't even tell that I had seen the GP but told my DH last night.

Glad I've found you's.

MrsPatmore · 01/12/2017 14:08

Sam, it is common to feel sick and anxious still. 3 weeks in isn't a long time for Sertraline. If you can, you need to persevere for at least 6 weeks. Sometimes GP's prescribe very short courses of Lorazepam/Diazepam to alleviate the initial side effects.Have you looked at the No More Panic Forum? It is useful for information about the effects of Sertraline and there are many posts on there about side effects.

mrsdiddlydoo · 01/12/2017 19:19

Hi rings and well done starting the meds. I haven't had the fizzing or numbness you describe, but struggle to concentrate sometimes and still waves of nausea.

So I haven't been on the wine so to speak since starting 2 weeks ago, and was wondering how many of you still have the occasional (or more) alcoholic beverage WineGin

mrsdiddlydoo · 01/12/2017 19:28

Sat here talking to dh about being unable to smell things like normal, and my sense of taste has reduced. Hadn't considered they could be a side effect...

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 01/12/2017 19:41

I've had an OK day. Slightly quick to temper, but otherwise alright.

Slight headache most of the day, and a deep feeling of nausea on and off. Picking up the dog's poo nearly lost me my breakfast 😷

Am having a glass of prosecco this evening, so will see how that pans out.

Mykiddies20132010 · 01/12/2017 21:18

Rings things so happy you found us I'm 2 and half weeks into sertraline and I'm feeling great!! First week it was terrible shakey zoned out sick anxious just awful but now I'm loving life and I'm already thinking how do I come off them. I no I shouldn't think that way but the change iv had is so dramatic I just hope you guys can experince it too. I'd like to just explain I did have awfulnside effects but I was one of the lucky ones where it did only last a little while but I was so ruined I wanted to get through it and I did and I don't want to be one of the positive people on the shnshine bus but it happened for me!! Lol xx

BeerBaby · 02/12/2017 08:32

Has anyone found the sickness got worse? I'm on day 5/6 and I'm feeling very sick and dizzy today. Huge headache as well.

Maccapacca88 · 02/12/2017 09:44

beerbaby all of my side effects peaked at weeks 2-3 including the sickness. Pleased to say it did subside and I can eat well again now.

mrsdiddlydoo · 02/12/2017 11:47

Beerbaby it definitely got worse before getting better. Stick with it and be kind to yourself today if you can.

BeerBaby · 02/12/2017 15:15

Thank you both. My anxiety is creeping up as well so its likely the oncoming second week. I remember last time day 7-12 I think we're very hard going.

mrsdiddlydoo · 03/12/2017 10:03

Just had a major freak out in a swimming class. I'm so upset at myself. I know it can take 6 weeks for the full effects but I'm wondering if I just need a higher dose. Sad

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 03/12/2017 10:11

mrsdiddlydoo it's OK not to be ok. What dose are you on? When are you due to see the doc again?

I'm on day 2 of a cracking headache with nausea that doesn't want to shift. However I'm prone to these anyway, so I've no idea whether it's a side effect or not.

MargoChanning · 03/12/2017 10:15

So glad I found this thread. I'm on day 3 and feel very sick and spun out. I'm hoping to persevere though.

mrsdiddlydoo · 03/12/2017 12:15

Day 11 or 12 of 50mg vivienne and see the GP mid week. I know it's early days. Hope your headache does one soon.

Glad you found us margo

BeerBaby · 03/12/2017 12:21

Mrs diddly last time I was on sertraline days 7-12 were really tough going! My anxiety at one stage was so unbearable I phoned the GP insisting someone help me. It passed! If I remember correctly it took 4 weeks to feel "normal" again.

I try to manage it by constantly telling myself it's not reality. It's the medication and it will all be ok. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Not feeling ok is actually very "normal"especially in the second week.

I'm bracing myself for next week which will be my second week. Im expecting it to be hardwork but trying to stay strong and positive.

jarhead123 · 03/12/2017 13:25

It's comforting to read this.

I am on 100mg. Took them march-september when I tried to stop thinking I had sorted myself out. I was wrong, by October I was a mess. Stressed, anxious etc about everything.

Back on them a month now and I feel so much better already. Not 100% - I still avoid situations etc but getting there.

BeerBaby · 04/12/2017 06:48

Day 6/7 and I've woken with my anxiety high. I'm feel uncomfortable and on edge. I'm sure it's side effects. I'm not looking forward to this week because of the anxiety side effects.

I've slept well the last few nights after initial insomnia. Nausea still there but I think it's easing slightly and I don't feel as foggy headed. My appetite is increasing, I feel hungry alot which is something I need to monitor as I'm already overweight and want to lose some. Might be a good day to wrap for Christmas and focus on practical tasks to help distract me. I think I'll try and go for a walk midday as I'm off work today.

mrsdiddlydoo · 04/12/2017 09:27

I'm going to write off yesterday as a bad day and have tried to start today positive. Have a foggy head first thing still most days but everything else seems manageable today. I have been trying to do the things I use to enjoy and keep busy but it can be difficult with a young family and little nearby close support.

I occasionally panic wondering if I really should have started the sertraline and question if it's working/how I will ever stop/what if I get worse but having read through most of this thread it seems a normal thing when recovering from depression /anxiety. Just need to take one day at a time and try to stay kind to myself.

A walk today sounds good beerbaby. I find fresh air usually helps me a lot. Although my anxiety builds before I actually walk out the door... Then it reduces.

AdalindSchade · 04/12/2017 09:35

Can I join?
Day 13 and starting to feel better. Chest tightness has subsided. Hideous anxiety waves every couple of days are still happening. Sleep is ok, unaffected, but yawning a lot.
Mentally I feel kind of ok. I started to have some thoughts yesterday about making changes in the new year which is new. And I opened the questionnaire the mental health service sent me which I have been ignoring for the last week.

ringsnthings · 04/12/2017 14:14

Hi all..

Hope everyone's doing ok after the weekend. Still feeling a bit zoned out at times and also the tingling and numbness in my hand is still there. Glad to say the fizzing sensation in my head has mostly gone. I find the sick feeling is hard to plough through but I'm sticking with it. It's great to read that some of you are seeing some light in this dark road.

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 05/12/2017 02:48

OMG the heartburn. It's horrendous! Nothing is working. Anyone got the same? It keeps waking me up.

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 05/12/2017 06:21

Yep, still there, this is awful!

BeerBaby · 05/12/2017 08:15

Morning Vivienne. Sorry your struggling. I've not had heartburn yet. Milk and dry bread used to help when I was pregnant. I'm 7 days in and feeling very anxious, a bit sick and dizzy this morning. I'll try and push through it today and hopefully work will help distract me. I'm overthinking which I need to control.

mrsdiddlydoo · 05/12/2017 09:23

Almost scared to admit it but yesterday turned out to be a pretty good day. I still felt very anxious at times but I tried to acknowledge it and accept it and carry on regardless.

Hi adalind in my reading I've noticed a few people have yawning as a side effect. Not one I've experienced. Well done opening your questionnaire!

No heartburn vivienne. Hope it passes soon.

rings I think nausea and sickness is one of my most dreaded feelings. Although I feel groggy in the mornings the nausea is nowhere near as bad for me so hopefully it will go for you too soon. Well done for keeping going

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