Positive experiences of sertraline?

[Laurap25]

Ive been suffering from depression & anxiety for most of my life, it's been particularly bad these past 5 years, I've been so reluctant to go on antidepressants I've been trying everything, like herbal remedies, hormone balancing vitamins, nothing is working. My doctor prescribed me sertraline 50mg a few months ago, I tried them for around a week but the side effects were terrible, I couldn't stick them. I'm at a point now where i need to do something, I can't live my life like this anymore, I've started the sertraline agian but I've cut the tablet in half to make it 25mg, hoping that the side effects won't be as bad. I'm on it 2 days now and I feel awful, my anxiety is through the roof. How long will this last? I'm reading reviews on line and they are quite mixed so i was looking for some people's positive experiences to give me hope! I'm determined to stick it out this time because I need something to change

I’ve been on Sertraline for years and find them absolutely brilliant. I was lucky and had barely any side effects even at the start (but I did experience awful side effects from the SSRI I took prior to Sertraline, which was Citalopram. They were short-lived; maybe a couple of weeks at most- but of course that felt like an age at the time).

I’m sure you will come through it if you stick with it. I was taking 200mg Sertraline a day, and have just dropped down to 150mg and feeling ok so far.

God, I think I’ve been really lucky-they’ve never given me any side effects.

Can I join this thread please? I’m on day 8 of 50mg sertraline. The physical side effects have more or less gone - my main problem is huge anxiety in the mornings. I’ve always suffered with this, but it seems worse on the sertraline. I also have anxiety around driving and have to drive my disabled son to school every morning and pick him up in the afternoon. Sometimes it feels as if that 20min journey is a chasm that I can’t cross.
Today was supposed to be my first day back at work but I was horrendously anxious on the drive in ( the ice didn’t help!) and then when I got to work I was tearful and shaky - just felt I couldn’t cope and they sent me home again. Am now feeling much calmer but I know I’ll have to do the drive again tomorrow.

Does anyone have tips for overcoming morning anxiety? I take the sertraline in the evening around 6pm. Will it eventually help with this do you think?

Hi LaBelle. Hopefully this is only temporary for you as it is for many others.

I tried taking it both in the am and the pm, and for whatever reason I just felt better taking it in the morning, so I don't know if it's worth switching it.

Otherwise I think it's a case of using every anxiety management tool you have in your book just to get you through the early days, and know that this is just a phase and will hopefully be worthwhile in the long run. Good luck.

Labelle
Have you considered asking your doctor for something to help with the anxiety until the sertraline settles, I was on propanolol before (beta blockers) they help with the physical symptoms of anxiety (racing heart, shaking) I still take one now an odd time if I need it, they do help to a certain degree

I am already on beta blockers ( a different brand) for an irregular heart beat, so I don't know whether I could take any more. I think I may have got used to them, as they did help my anxiety for a while when I first started them, even though they weren't prescribed for that. My main physical symptom is a churning, aching stomach / solar plexus but the most debilitating thing is the mental symptoms - feeling panicky, trapped, hopeless etc.

Labelle
I'm reading a book at the minute, it was recommended to me by my doctor, it's called "self help for your nerves by Claire weeks" it's only a few pound on eBay. I think it would help you going by the symptoms you've described. My anxiety isn't actually too bad now, my problem is I'm feeling more numb than anything, I can't get any enjoyment out of anything. I'm hoping this phase passes soon

I've got that book somewhere - must dig it out again. Over the years I must have read a ton of stuff, a lot of which was really helpful. The sertraline seems to have really intensified it though - this morning was the worst for ages. And the problem is that I HAVE to take DS to school, and that makes me feel trapped.

Ugh - Day 8 and I’m feeling worse again. Lethargic, sick and anxious. DH has taken DS to school. I know from this thread that things will get better but it’s hard to focus on that.

Labelle
I'm now on day 16 of 50mg. Still feel ugh! I had real bad sickness at your stage too but thankfully that's not there no more. Hope that passes for you too soon. My mum kept my daughter overnight last night so I have a day to myself today. It's exactly what I needed. Yesterday I told myself that I was going to just get up and get on with things, try to keep busy. And it actually helped. I felt a lot less agitated last night knowing I had a productive day. My main problem now is I'm still feeling pretty low mood wise, and having really bad tension headaches. Also that tired feeling in my body like I just want to rest all the time, but like I said I'm trying my best to fight that and keep busy and it does help.

I am thinking I should get out of bed and do something productive though I’m not sure what! You’re definitely right that keeping busy helps but it’s so difficult with the lack of energy. I’m sleeping fine but still knackered!

I'm actually having a pretty shitty day today, been trying to do my work but I'm just not in the right frame of mind. My body feels so weak. I'm really questioning wether to continue with the sertraline or not. I can't take much more of feeling like this. It's holding me back with my work. I've hardly been outside the door these past 3 weeks. I can't live my life like this, but if i give up I'm back to having depression and anxiety. It seems like a no win situation. 😢

I feel the same. The only thing I’m holding onto is the others on this thread who’ve had positive experiences after quite a long time. The problem is that it’s diffcult to put life on hold while we wait!

Exactly, life has to go on. Especially when there are kids to look after and bills to pay. Aggghh my heads done in with this 🙈 I wish now I'd never started with these. I know I'm being negative but the way I feel right now I can't imagine ever getting better.

Laura, my husband went through the same thoughts a couple of days ago. He's actually had a few really good days now, actually functioning in the morning.

But he is still very tired and says his mind is (to quote Macbeth) 'like scorpions'. He's definitely having a tough time overthinking things. But it is improving.

He went to doctors a few days ago and doc said to keep at it. The side effects may be subsiding but the drug not fully in system yet to affect moods fully. Hang in there. Think you two are at. Similar stage.

Mediawhore
If the exhausted feeling would go away I could cope with the low mood part. It's the not bring able to function that's really getting to me. I specifically asked my mum to look after my DD today so that I could get some work done and now I feel like I'm wasting my day. That's what's bugging me the most

I was absolutely exhausted for the first few weeks but it has definitely passed now.

I remember I was sleeping for about 10 hours, getting up for two, and then feeling like I needed to go back to bed again.

That has got much better now.

How long have you been taking them? That's hopeful to hear

I'm on week 7-8. Still tired but I think that might be my normal state, but the overwhelming exhaustion has gone thankfully.

Overall I just feel so much more positive and hopeful and able to cope. I still don't think I've settled 100% and not sure I'm on the right dose yet, but the difference I've felt in the last couple of weeks is astonishing. And I really really didn't expect it.

Well these past 2 days I've taken my b vitamins along with my Ad's and I feel a bit difference. Don't know if it's just a coincidence or what but I'm defo feeling lot more energy and the fog in my brain seems to have lifted

Really really effective within 3 days!
Came off them eventually because couldn't orgasm and couldn't cry which wasn't worth it for me. Narrowed my emotional spectrum.

I'm feeling really good and positive these past 3 days, I know it's a bit optimistic to think this will last but when I feel good like this it makes me realise how unwell I really was! I'm noticing a difference in so many areas of my life. I'm enjoying food more, I can watch tv and actually be interested in it, it's made me realise I was so depressed, I couldn't get enjoyment out of anything! I actually thought at one stage I was going to break up with my husband! For the past 6 months I couldn't bear him touching me or coming near me In any way! I knew I still loved him but i was so confused with the feelings I was having. I thought maybe I didn't fancy him no more, and I didn't want to feel like that. But last night for the first time in ages we had a really nice cuddle (nothing sexual) but it just made me realise it was the depression that was making me push him away. Just thought id share my experience with u hope everyone at the same stage as me with the medication is starting to at least have some good days x

I’ve had two better days as well and although I’m slightly suspicious that this is just because it’s the weekend, I think things are gradually improving. Glad to hear you’re feeling better too Laura.

Ah @Laurap25 I'm so pleased to hear that.

I'm still struggling to believe how much happier and hopeful I feel, and like you it's also highlighted how bad I really was.

Going to see doc this week and hope to move to 10mg from 75mg to really get me better.

Laura. Really pleased to hear this.

My husband has had those exact same feelings as you've described. It has nearly broken us tbh. And still might. But I'm hoping he's hit rock bottom and things can improve. And your statement has also given me hope.

Is b12 a supplement aimed at women, or could it maybe be beneficial for him too?

Really hope it keeps going well x