Sertraline - experiences

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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.

Hi everyone. Took my first half-tablet today. I have been really unhappy after my DP had an affair and left me a few months ago. I started on citalopram about a month ago and lasted 5 days- I didn't sleep at all, and was unable to work (and am self-employed in a creative role so I need to be on the ball all the time.) Doctor agreed that I had to come off the citalopram.
Weird question- does anyone get weird vision/jerky eyes with sertraline?

My mouth has been so dry recently, anyone else experiencing this or know how to overcome this side effect?

Hi all,

I'm on my 5th week of sertraline and I'm no better at all, I cannot go out of the house alone still, I need to be with my daughter or a friend I trust, I worry/over think all day and not showering often, I'm not tired until around 2am every night, I'm on a waiting list for CBT.. been off work since 18th feb, just fed up with everything. Anyone else been like this after 5 weeks? Do I need to ask to up the dose?

Hugs to all x

I started on 25mg and then went up to 50mg after a week. I thought I'd comment because a lot of people are reporting side effects but I've been lucky enough not to experience any. I felt tired out for a few mornings after starting it, but otherwise completely fine. So it is possible to have no side effects when starting (not sure how common/rare this is though!), it effects everyone differently

I’ve been on sertraline for 10weeks now and have been feeling so much better for the last 2 weeks. I’m actually happy for most of the time and have more energy and motivation. The morning anxiety has lifted since the GP gave me diazepam- I only took 2ng twice, but it seemed to break the connection between the morning drive and anxiety somehow, which is so wonderful I can’t tell you!

The only side effect I’m getting now is morning headaches ( I take it at night) and a tendency to muddle my words. Anyone else get this?

Has anyone else noticed that different brands make a difference? I was on Aurobindo Sertraline - 2x50mg, but recently got swapped onto Crescent Pharma 1x100mg. I've given it 10 days and feel terrible - jittery and anxious. I'm going to go back to the doctors to see if I can switch back to the original brand, as that worked like a dream for me. So annoyed to have had this setback :(

Hi, how is everyone?

I'm still taking the medication, it's been almost 3 months now. I do feel much better but that could be because I'm still signed off from work but I'm sure the tablets have helped. I still get sleepy after taking the tablet but that's fine, I wake up several times during the night normally dripping with sweat, I think these are the only side effects I have now but I manage them. Think the acid issue is more weight related rather than the tablet. I finally start therapy tomorrow. I am anxious about it, I don't want to relive my situation again. It's one of my issues not being able to turn off my thoughts. I don't want to take any steps back.

Good luck tomorrow.

I took my first one this morning. It's not been as awful as I thought but it's been weird. Didn't sleep much but it gave me loads of sort of energy but my pupils got a bit bigger.. my jaw has been clenching all day.. subsiding a little bit. Had a nap and I just feel sicky and ill now. I don't fancy eating but I'm hungry so I'll try something

I'm eight months in now. Feeling great. They're a life saver.

Day 2 and it's just nausea I'm feeling really. And a bit weird but not awful. Tired because I havent slept properly but that's preexisting. Don't mind the lack of eating making up for being off the gym until I stop feeling sick

Hi, I hope everyone is feeling better. I have been taking sertraline for just over 3 weeks now, diagnosed for anxiety and depression. The first week I felt quite sick but that has worn off, but I am having trouble sleeping, in 3 weeks I think I have only had about 5 nights decent sleep, the rest I get about 4 hours broken sleep. Is this a common side effect that any of you experienced? if so does it also wear off eventually?

How are you feeling op?
I’ve just started today on 25mg. I fell asleep about two hours after taking it and feel a bit sick and foggy.
I was on it for a while years ago but can’t remember what it was like (I tried a few).
Children are home now and I need to wake up properly.

My GP prescribed Sertraline this morning.

I am planning to start to take it tonight.
I've been drinking heavily for years, and my mental health is in a terrible state.
Determined to stop drinking and sort myself out.

I’m on day 4 and feeling very jittery and sleepy. Hoping the side effects pass soon.

Took first pill last night. Obviously no effect yet, but yesterday was the first day in a very-very long time when I didn't have a drink. 🤞

Took it for a couple of months and it didn’t really do anything for me (nothing positive anyway in terms of alleviating anxiety & depression), at least the weird side effects disappeared after a fortnight lol.
Clearly, from reading this thread, Sertraline can be of great benefit to many people, but if you’ve given it a good go and it doesn’t help you then don’t be surprised, but go back to your doc and explain. Maybe some another medication may help. We are all individuals so we won’t all react the same way. Good luck to everyone with anxiety and depression.