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Mental health

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Original poster

Starting on sertraline

12 replies

OhYouBadBadKitten · 06/11/2018 15:42

I've just been prescribed sertraline today - starting on a tiny dose, then moving up. I wouldn't mind some 'there there' soothing words please. I'm normally pretty private about mental health stuff, but I'm trying to be more open.

I'm nervous about it because I've had some horrendous side effects from other SSRIs in the past and as a result I've been prescribed other ADs in the past that I've not been brave enough to take but I've agreed with the gp today that I need to try and get on top of stuff.

So there we go. I took the first dose and I'm still posting coherently, so that's a good thing!

OP posts:

CarpeVitam · 07/11/2018 18:07

OP, I have taken Sertaline for anxiety and the first few days were a bit 'rough' tbh. By that I mean they made me feel worse for a while.

It is worth persevering though because they really are a life changer!

Good Luck

CarpeVitam · 07/11/2018 23:26

Bumping for you OP

Glitterbubbles · 07/11/2018 23:32

I've taken sertraline for 5 years for anxiety and couldn't do without it. Tried to come off several times but I can't function properly without it.

First few days I felt nauseous, and struggled to sleep. That wore off after 3-4 days and it's been fine since then, no side effects. If I forget it for a couple of days I get "brain zaps", electric shock type feeling in my head when I move my eyes/neck. But that's it!

Good luck OP, I hope it helps

Glitterbubbles · 07/11/2018 23:34

Also I only mentioned I can't function without it because the last time I went to the GP he said that's perfectly okay, and he has a lot of patients who are the same. And that was the first time I felt validated for taking an SSRI! Also to show the positive effect it has had on me. Not saying that you'll be the same OP!

sunshineroo · 07/11/2018 23:39

I think it is a really positive step. Look out for physical side effects - most pass quickly.

They have a short half life so on the plus side you will feel the impact soon, on the negative, if you miss a dose or two you will really feel it. So please get into a routine and take at same time every day.

Good luck and take care of yourself - it's amazing you are being more open about it, you would be surprised at the people who do take it.

Whysosad · 07/11/2018 23:42

I've been taking it for 3 weeks now and really have noticed a difference. I feel a weight has been lifted and I'm able to cope more with day today life.

Downside - I'm struggling a bit with my sleeping routine! May be unrelated though but its been bad the past 2 weeks to go to bed at a reasonable hour. Could be unrelated to the meds though.

maplebaconbun · 08/11/2018 00:20

I've been on them for 3 months and I can't live without them now . They are changing my life.

The first 4 weeks for me were awful though and the first two weeks had horrible side effects. I persevered though and can happily say I am getting on with my life now without breaking down into tears every hour. You'll get there in the end ! ❤️

BoeandBall · 08/11/2018 00:32

Does anyone else get heartburn after taking them? Sometimes I get it really bad soon after having them in the morning

7Days · 08/11/2018 00:41

I've been on sertraline for nearly 5 years. Best decision i ever (had) made (for me)
As pp have said if you miss a dose of two, you will feel woozy and disoriented.
But it has done me the power of good, hope you get the same benefit.
About privacy. I know people say Be open and share. I did that and wish I didnt , tbh. Once you have a few good people to support you, that's enough. When it comes s to your own mental health, you owe nothing to anyone else.

7Days · 08/11/2018 00:43

Me too BoeandBall, taking them with plenty of milk helps , and staying upright and active for a half hour or so. Usually anyway.

Original poster

OhYouBadBadKitten · 08/11/2018 07:37

Thank you for all of the positive stories and thanks Carpe for the kind bump :)

I was taken off them after a couple of doses by my own gp. It seems I shouldn't take that class of meds, it interferes with my Pots. Had a heart rate of 160. Didn't half feel poo. I need to go back in to discuss what I can take.

OP posts:

Papayalady · 08/11/2018 21:19

I was prescribed 25mg, then after 3 weeks up to 50mg, then I went up to 100mg and have on that side since January this year.
I felt a bit sick at first but compared to what is already suffered (a breakdown) it wasn't an issue at all. I don't have side effects, although I may have gained weight (tricky to tell as I can't exercise at the moment for health reasons and have probably put on work as a result).
I used to get the occasional involuntary twitch in my limbs (!), but that's almost disappeared now.
Really good luck, and be very kind to yourself my dear.

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