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.

I have told them. And they think its ok! It can be a side effect of anxiety - the blood rushing to the skin or something.

I'm just not convinced about any of it but the thought of starting something else.

I’m in 50mg. Long time sufferer with depression and more recently, anxiety. I’ve started to feel the more severe depression coming on: insomnia, paranoia- thinking everyone hates me, every comment is taken as a negative, avoiding social situations etc.
Anyone found an increased dose helps?

Hi, just caught up on the new messages.
I remember the crawling sensation, mine was mostly situated over my head and upper body, felt like ants, almost like an uncontrollable shiver. This did eventually pass as with the anxiety.
I would still have sudden wake ups in the night from very vivid dreams but waking up with panic and anxiety eventually stoped after about 2 weeks.

To help with the insomnia I tried a few things, lavender air wick plug ins, camomile tea an hour before bed (not any later as you'll want to go to toilet ), I'd also do all the things I'd normally do right before I'd go to bed like feed the cats, tidy up, wash my face/brush teeth an hour before I'd go to bed. Then I'd watch TV and as soon as I stared to feel tired I'd go straight to bed without the distractions to wake me up. Other things I'd do like have my phone turned face down and keep a notebook and pen next to the bed so any things that I felt panicked I'd forget I could write down then think about them the next day.

If you can stick out the initial side effects Sertraline can be amazing, it has been for me. Just keep telling your GP and those close to you how your feeling and what side effects your experiencing as the initial stages can really play with your mind.

Good luck everyone xx

Thanks seashell. It helps to hear stories from the other side x

Going to join in if that's ok. (Username change.) Been on Sertraline (Lustral brand) 50mg for 10 days. I suffer with depression, obsessive/intrusive thoughts, and been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (Emotionally Unstable type). Feel like the last year in particular I've been fighting a losing battle, and recently came to the conclusion I couldn't take anymore without some medication. I've tried various antidepressants over the years with little success, and only for very short periods because the side effects always put me off. But I knew this time when I started the Sertraline that I'd have to be at death's door before I'd give up, I so desperately need this to work.

Side effects have been bearable so far, not as intense as I'd feared actually. I'd say the worst part is how they affect my stomach - first few days diarrhea, but that wore off quite quickly. Since then lots of wind, rumbling, gurgling and sometimes cramps. Appetite good but equally I'm not overeating, so that's a plus. Didn't sleep well at night for the first 8 days, but last couple of nights have been better and I've started dreaming quite a lot again. Finding I need a sleep in the afternoon, though, but I'm not working at the moment so that's ok.

Mentally and emotionally, well, I wouldn't say there's been much noticeable difference yet. I seem to be able to focus better when I can be bothered to read or study, but am really hoping that my energy levels and motivation will improve greatly so that I can get a lot more done. I've been woefully unproductive for too long, and the fear of just not being able to apply myself has both increased and been caused by depression. Low self-confidence and social anxiety have also been major factors for ages. If this medication could positively improve things in those areas I'd be delighted. Life has felt like wading through treacle for as long as I can remember. I've had lots of therapy but nothing has fundamentally changed my difficulty in moving forward in life, like feeling able to work hard and stand on my own two feet more.

Maybe I'm expecting too much from this, time will tell I guess. I did a lot of retraining and qualifying in the last few years but the depression dragged me down so much that I became unable to fulfill the potential all my studying and training had revealed. I’ve felt so blocked by anxiety and depression.

50mg mightn't be anywhere near the correct therapeutic dose for me, so I'm prepared to increase it as and when, but would like to see if a relatively low dosage can help first. I can't imagine what it'll be like to feel psychological and emotional benefits from this, and I'd love to hear more about the positive differences others have experienced on Sertraline. How did you know you were getting better, and what did it help you to do better in your life?

I thought I'd join. I'm just starting sertraline (day 4) and it's my first time on any medication. I'm feeling miserable and I'm having terrible side effects :(. Nausea, insomnia, violent outbursts, dizziness, confusion, a weird ache in my chest that stops when I push it and blurry vision. I went to A&E two nights ago after calling 111, only to be told that it was normal. I was expecting the nausea and lack of ability to sleep, but not the numerous other side effects I'm experiencing, including some thoughts of harming myself.

Another thing I'm struggling with is the idea that I've given up on my career/sanity by giving in to taking medication I'm an ambitious person and so far have always been able to hide my condition, so now I feel it's all over for me. There are stories about bigwig CEO s having MH issues, but they always only come out with them after already having made it. Feeling really negative at the moment. Does anyone have any positive stories ?

@Really2018 and @reenchantmentofeverydaylife those side effects are totally normal. I had most of those too. Do any of your close friends or family know you're on medication? It's really important to keep sharing how you're feeling and what side effects with someone close and your GP.

Sertraline worked wonders for me, after a week I began to feel less anxious, 4 weeks in I felt like me again. I was told to take Sertraline for severe post natal depression. After 6 months I reduced to 25mg (half a therapeutic dose). Felt no change. July I came off Sertraline. Felt dizzy for a week. Also felt very irritable like bad PMS for two weeks. I've got some anxiety but at normal level. I have a stressful job as a college lecturer. You can be successful with MH issues. The most important thing is you've taken the step towards getting help. That's a brave thing to do.

Thank you SeaShell33 for your thoughtful post, it's reassuring

I have a feeling I'm going to need medication for the foreseeable future but I'm ok with that as long as it helps me to move forward, and keep moving. My tummy is still upside down - particularly bad evenings/night time - but hopefully it'll pass very soon. I think today is 12 days, so I realise I'm still at the beginning effectively. Fingers crossed I start to feel a proper difference soon. There are moments when I feel a bit less anxious, and yesterday I even noticed I could concentrate on what I was studying, in a qualitative way and for a couple of hours, which meant I felt I had actually learned something afterwards. That hasn't happened for months, so I'm a bit more optimistic. But I'm likely to have to cope with some major changes in the coming months and there's no way I'll manage that the way my mental and emotional health has been this year. It had finally got me close to breaking point, hence the medication.

A handful of significant people know I'm struggling and taking Sertraline now, although I'm on my own most of the time, but I'm not having suicidal thoughts. I just desperately want to get better.

I hope everyone who's in the early stages of taking it is doing ok today. And thanks again Shell

So for two days I've been in bed. Crying. I'm about day 16 and intital good days seems to have disappeared.

I'm so scared that I will never feel any better. I don't understand why I feel so bad. Worse than ever. I still have significant side affects, chronic dioreah, burning skin on and off, dry mouth, hot and cold sweats. I can't do anything. Not even watch tv. I just lie there.

I don't have anyone to look after me other than my 14 yr old DD. It must be awful for her.

I can't find any resources online for depression - it all seems anxiety based.

Not sure why I'm posting. Just coukdnot take being alone with all this anymore.

I don't feel like sertraline is helping me at all. I know it's only been two weeks, but my moods have been all over the place. Similar to pms. The other night I thought my head was going to explode.

I went back to work today after being off for 5 weeks. I would have had an attendance review meeting, but I told my work why I was off for so long.

I was asked if I thought I was suffering from a disability, but to be honest, I don't know what's going on. I like to call them 'blips' as most of the time I don't know what I'm feeing.

Ginandtonic4all I understand the struggle. I have a 2 year old, plus my partner has been there, putting up with my crap. I take my hat off to him, I really do. And I think how, why, would anyone put up with me.

I forget that it's an illness. I still haven't acceped that I am suffering from an illness. In my mind I still believe 'well you have to see it?' But if someone was going through how I felt, I wouldn't dream of thinking the same way that I do.

Bippity, I'm often a lot easier on others (more understanding and forgiving) than I am on myself. But then again, I can have some very unforgiving thoughts about people at times! Mostly, though, I reserve my contempt for myself. Dunno quite why that is, but I was shamed and blamed a lot as a kid so I have my theories lol.

I'll be 2 weeks tomorrow. My stomach has calmed down thank god but last night I woke up with a huge rush of anxiety that took a good half hour to subside and has left me feeling headachey and unmotivated this morning. But I'm reading everywhere that we have to stick this out and be prepared to adjust dosages as we go, in order to get our therapeutic dose right. Hang on in there coz it clearly makes a huge difference at some point.

Just bumping this to see if anyone else is still in the early weeks and still persevering with taking their Sertraline. I'm on day 15 and haven't noticed much (if any) of the lovely feelings lots of people describe on the internet! Physical side effects range from dodgy stomach to weight loss and looking washed out and old. Was wide awake until about 2 this morning and then got about 5 hours or so, on an off. Hardly any vivid dreams, like lots of other users talk about. I'm on 50mg Lustral and take half in the morning, half in the afternoon. Had a psychologist appointment this morning and had to drag myself there feeling quite ropey emotionally - I feel like the medication hasn't even begun to touch the sides of my depression and anxiety except for the occasional slightly giddy moment which makes me smile but vanishes all too quickly. Am I expecting too much? I want to be one of those people who feels great on them and comes on here and gives others support and encouragement

I'm probably being too impatient for my own good! Hope anyone else here in the early stages isn't discouraged by the slow timescale and side effects.

@reenchantmentofeverydaylife so I am day 16 on 100mg sertraline and still all over the shop! I get an hour or two relief but it's random when.

Saw the doctor today and she has said to carry on for another 10 days to really be able to say it is or isnot working.

So I think the advice is to hand in there.

Reenchantment and Gin
I'm on day 15 as well. The first week I felt pretty good but not this week. I think the first week was just placebo effect. This week the emotional pain has been back and I've been very teary and low. I had my two week review yesterday and the GP thinks to stick with it, and that it will get better.

On the positive side I've had very few side effects, only drowsiness and I don't mind that, I'm sleeping much better now.

Hope things pick up for us all soon.

I'm on day 10. Back at work after being off for I think, the best part of 5 weeks. The first week that I got prescribed sertraline, I don't know what happened, even though I told the crisis team that I felt uncomfortable trying an SSRI again after what happened the last time. I was on a massive high, is probably the only way I can describe it.

This week I've hit a plateau. I don't think I'm hugely anxious, just the normal run of the mill that everyone probably experiences when you've been off work a while, and taking your first steps back into the work force. It's not easy.

I'm on day 8 now. I've been off work for the best part of three weeks and the thought of going back fills me with anxiety. I went to the GP on Tuesday and he made me feel the worst I'd felt in two weeks. When I explained that I had been feeling really angry and had had suicidal thoughts, he responded with 'thats not the medicine' he then asked me why I was there, even though he said I was to come back after a bit. I asked him if I should return to work, to which he responded with 'well, it depends on whether you want to mess up your sickness record. But then, if you go back and make a hash job of it due to your anxiety...' I cried the rest of the day, thought about killing myself and didn't get to sleep until 3am that night. So
much for support

Really your gp is an absolute prick.

Gin, glad you're listening to your GP. Hope it's not too long now before things start to even out and you get more than random little windows of relief! Likewise ThePartingLass, although I'm sorry to hear you've had such an upsetting second week, especially after the first week feeling better. Can feel a bit like these tablets play with my head, but I've read that's a good sign for those who eventually feel a lot of benefit from them. Fingers crossed, hope you have a better weekend. Bippity, you sound like you had an intense first week, at an unsustainable level maybe. It's terrific that you've got through this week back at work though, hats off, and with luck next week will feel like you're getting a bit more than just plateua-ing.

Really2018, I completely agree with max, your GP sounds dreadful and shouldn't be allowed to deal with patients who are struggling with their mental health. What a rotter, I'm sorry you've been treated so rudely and thoughtlessly. You deserve proper support and I hope today has been much less distressing for you. How's your support network otherwise, do you have someone you can tell when you're having suicidal thoughts?

I've had a better day. Looked after my niece and nephew for a few hours at home and then went out for a couple of hours with them and their mum, to the local park/playground. Felt a bit on edge when I realised I hadn't brought my afternoon dose out with me, but otherwise coped very well with chatting and had more energy for the kids than I've had for ages. Even felt a bit 'real' and relaxed at times, and the kids were clearly very satisfied by our time together, so I'm more hopeful than I was yesterday. Still feel ropey physically, itchy, and I look tired. But no physical pain as such, which is a big plus for me coz I have fibro and get quite a lot of dental pain. Could it actually be starting to work?!

Wishing you all a nice Friday night/weekend, if at all poss

Thank you @reenchantmentofeverydaylife

I've been feeling a bit better. I feel like I might actually be getting back to my usual self. Hopefully I'm getting discharged next week from the crisis team, from what I was told today. I think next week will be 6 weeks I've been seeing them. I feel like I could open up a lot more today than I ever have in previous meetings, which is a big deal for me. I've never tried cbt, but will having that in the next month or so. I think it will be beneficial.

I know it's irrational and it's my negative thoughts creeping in, but one of the silliest reasons I've never sought help before was in fear of being perceived as a drama queen or attention seeking, which I discussed today about, which is funny because I hate attention!

I used to be the same when I took my son to the park. Would feel quite on edge and anxious. I have no idea what I thought would happen. I still have those feelings from time to time.

Oh yes, I get so anxious that they'll have horrid accidents on the more hair-raising bits of the apparatus! Although yesterday I was pretty attentive and hands on; the edginess was more about suddenly realising that it was past the time I usually take my second dose and I got a wave of dizziness. Otherwise I noticed I was relaxing into chatting without as much of my usual 'can't wait to get away' feeling. I suppose I felt more 'present', more able to listen to someone else instead of just hearing my own relentless, draining thought process! Well, I'd be happy to be much more in that zone, so fingers crossed.

Sounds like it was really hard for you to let yourself ask for the right support, having that feeling of being perceived as a drama queen even though attention is the last thing you feel comfortable with. Must be very hard for you to feel your needs are valid when you fear being perceived in that way. Hope this experience is helping you feel that it's perfectly valid to seek support when you're in mental/emotional distress.

Today I'm not so aware of side effects but wondering if 50mg is going to be the right therapeutic dose for me. My GP is happy to let me assess that for myself and start increasing it if I feel like, but I guess I should give this dose more time. It has only been 17 days after all. I'm just so impatient to feel happy to be alive again! It has been years.

How's everyone else doing today? Bippity, do you work at the weekends or are you free to regroup now for a couple of days? It's so positive that you're trying CBT and almost discharged from the crisis team, especially if the sertraline is starting to make you feel back to your usual self.

So woke up at 6 with jittery legs and tight stomach and anxiety. I can't shake it.

Not sure what it's about either. I am
Now getting some relief from the depression feelings. Just not the anxiety. And then there is the loneliness.

So overall not a good morning and struggling to get out of bed. But if I do and get my day started I will feel better.

reenchantmentofeverydaylife I've reduced my days 2 a week for about a month.

I think my body hates me. Literally hates me. I must have caught a bug or something as I did nothing but throw up all day yesterday and spent the majority of the time in bed. Still feel pretty rubbish today.

So I had to miss a dose yesterday and today I couldn't stop sweating, awful. I don't know if it's because I missed a dose or if it's just the sick bug I have at the moment.

Just sending you @BippityBoppity87 a big poor you. Being ill sucks x