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Original poster

Sertraline - experiences

142 replies

expanded · 25/01/2019 22:22

I've just been diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. Didn't think I'd ever get to this state but here I am and I've asked for help. GP today gave me Sertraline 50mg, advice was to take half a tablet for a few days to get used to them. I've been warned I could feel worse before feeling better! I'm signed off work but still have things to do, how bad will it get? How good will it get?

Experiences please, Thankyou.

OP posts:
NChangeForNoReason · 02/02/2019 14:52

Why not take it 30mins before bed (approx 8:30/9). Mins his way u can use ur tiredness to send u off to sleep 👍🏻

Karmin · 02/02/2019 19:17

How are you feeling this evening?

I take 200mg in the morning, this has been increased from 100mg to start.

I am fairly flatlined, no extreme emotions. I also take mirtazipine 30mg at night and propanalol 3x a day for the physical symptoms of anxiety.

This is the first time I have complied with treatment, I am no longer planning suicide, I am no longer too scared to leave the house, I am just about able to go into a shop on my own. This has taken me since October to get to this point.

Take the opportunity if offered to access counselling and mindfulness, I have found it really helps support the medication.

HaveAWeeNap · 02/02/2019 22:13

Well done Karmin. Definitely positive steps in the right direction.

Bumbalaya · 03/02/2019 03:04

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.

Original poster
expanded · 04/02/2019 10:46

I'm feeling unsettled today, lost even.

OP posts:
Original poster
expanded · 04/02/2019 15:38

This is my lowest day yet on this medication. Can't seem to shake it off. I'm trying to rationalise it, it's just the medication making me feel this way. Seeing the GP on Friday, hope I feel better than I do now.

OP posts:
Original poster
expanded · 04/02/2019 17:57

Bloody belly ache now Confused

OP posts:
Nothisispatrick · 04/02/2019 18:13

Hi op,

I have just started sertraline today for PND. I took one at about 2pm and have had horrible nausea all afternoon, it’s started to ease off now.

From tomorrow I will take it in the evening as i can’t be nauseous in the day with a baby to look after, the reason I am taking them is so I cope with looking after baby!

The doctor did warn me I may feel sick for the first two weeks. Really helpful to read others experiences.

Original poster
expanded · 04/02/2019 21:55

Nothisispatrick- you have a great incentive to get you through this. I really hope this medication helps you. Do you have much support around you?

OP posts:
Nothisispatrick · 04/02/2019 22:10

Yes I have a brilliant dp who works from home which has allowed me to have regular naps and can help when dd is being fussy, he’s great at putting her to sleep.

This really is one of those ‘no reason to be depressed’ situations, I just am.

I took citolopram when I was younger and it really messed with my digestion for months and months. I was pooing about 7 times a day! Hoping this doesn’t have the same effect.

Hope tomorrow is a good day for you op!

Original poster
expanded · 05/02/2019 11:21

Feeling less down today but exhausted. Relieved the tummy ache has gone but feel sick now and again.

OP posts:
HaveAWeeNap · 05/02/2019 19:02

Sounds like the side effects are lessening a wee bit?

Original poster
expanded · 05/02/2019 21:15

Everyone keeps asking if I'm ok, even the hairdresser said it in a concerned way not chit chat way. I might be paranoid but I feel people can see I'm having problems. I hope I don't look to strange.

OP posts:
HaveAWeeNap · 05/02/2019 23:50

You won't. You'll just feel paranoid and horrendous - it will pass.

Original poster
expanded · 06/02/2019 13:14

Upset stomach and acid today.

OP posts:
Nothisispatrick · 06/02/2019 13:24

Sorry to hear it’s not getting better op. I took my tablet just before bed last night, woke up at about 1.30 feeling sick but it passed after half an hour. I also slept really badly, which is not what I need with a baby! Really hoping that symptom doesn’t continue.

HaveAWeeNap · 06/02/2019 23:36

How are we all feeling now? I really hope that it works for you like it has done for me - I'm six months in, take a 50mg tablet as I get into bed each night and it has totally transformed my life.
I feel a wee bit sick every morning, but it's no big deal. The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages for me.
I felt better mentally within a week or two.
Feel gutted for you that it doesn't seem to be working right.

Nothisispatrick · 07/02/2019 09:31

Has it affected anyone’s sleep? I’m taking it at bedtime to help with the sickness but my sleep has been awful. I’m so knackered.

combatbarbie · 07/02/2019 10:10

First 10 days are the worst for these type of meds. I know it's hard but try not to overanylse everything, tummy cramps etc, if your tired at night don't fight it just go to bed, tell DP to do clearing up etc.... it will get easier, promise!

Original poster
expanded · 07/02/2019 21:16

Day 10 now (I think) feel I've turned a corner! Haven't felt like death today, no extreme tiredness, stomach ache or upset. Sleep is disturbed but manage to get back to sleep eventually. Seeing the dr tomorrow for a catch up.

OP posts:
Original poster
expanded · 08/02/2019 10:17

Just been shopping, feel like I had some sort of anxiety/panic attack. It happened a couple of days ago to whilst in the supermarket. Huge wave of heat washes over me, dripping in sweat, tight chest and throat. Stomach pains like when tummy upset. Just needed to get home. I felt on edge like someone was after me, they weren't but it's how I felt. It's very windy here maybe that set me off, things blowing around and noises. Don't know if this is a side effect of the medication or just me. Will mention it to the GP later during our catch up.

OP posts:
HaveAWeeNap · 10/02/2019 10:46

How's things?

Marazzi87 · 11/02/2019 17:52

Hello I have been on Sertaline for some time now. My GP gave me these due to a nervous breakdown. The side effects do wear off so please try to persevere.
The medication for me made me feel sleepy. I also had jerky movements before dropping off to sleep. I had a really strange sensation of feeling on fire inside . I also had the feeling of something on my face like a mask (I don't mean in a scary way ) Tremor is another side effect. As I say persevere and within around 4 to 6 weeks you should be feeling so much better.

Contact me any time you want and good luck.

Original poster
expanded · 11/02/2019 22:43

I am feeling well actually. It's been a positive day.

The side effects are lessening thankfully. I do wake during the night shaking sometimes but it stops once I'm properly awake. Bit strange.

Hopefully I stay on track now and don't turn back. I'm really worried that returning to work so soon will set me back. I feel I've taken baby steps forward and still have some way to go. I have another week off until my note ends. The GP is calling me on Friday to see how I'm doing. Don't know how to approach asking for another note especially as things have just started to improve.

OP posts:
HaveAWeeNap · 12/02/2019 19:43

Get another note. Just say what you've told us. Side effects are lessening but you feel as if you need a wee bit more time.

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