Too scared to take sertraline

[Cinders29]

I've been prescribed sertraline for anxiety.

I've suffered anxiety for years, and I had been on sertraline for about 7 years. I came off them about 4 years ago after counselling and I've been great since, up until about 6 weeks ago when I had a random panic attack and it's just started it all off again 😩 I've started counselling but doctor has said as I have quite a stressful life ( son with special needs ) she thinks it's best I take medication too.

I know it's so ridiculous as I've been on them before and I cannot remember having any really bad side effects when I first started , speaking to friends that have been on them that have had bad effects has made me not want to, I keep telling myself I actually don't need them - when I probably do.

Also, as it's the holidays I'm frightened incase I'm so bad on them and I'm alone with both the kids.

I'm also just so gutted I'm having to go down this route again after finally being free of them.

Can anyone give me experiences ( positive lol ) that will help me to just do it.

I just have a general query re Sertraline as ive never taken them. I understand the reasons why people are prescribed and take them. I also understand the adjustment period etc. So after the adjustment period do you feel just less anxious/depressed,do you feel "normal" or do you feel better than normal i.e positive,happy etc,,even a little bit high ?

When I last took them, I never felt high. They just made me feel more normal. I still had anxious moments and counselling helped with that but they just made me feel as if I could cope more. It's weird, like yesterday after a couple of weeks of taking them I was still having thoughts where I thought I'd feel anxious but I didn't, like it never escalated and I could just carry on.

Just wanna update for everyone. Been on 25mg for about 3 weeks now and feel great. Almost as good as I did before I started having anxiety again. Just feel normal and situations where I'd be worried about having a panic attack I'm much calmer in.

Take away ... if you're scared to take it - I get it I was petrified but by starting slow I got minimal side effects and it's helped so so much. So just do it and start to get your life back 😘

Hey @Cinders29 just wanted to say thanks for coming back and updating.

I’ve suffered from anxiety for years - had 3 prescriptions for sertraline but never got past taking the first one. I’m a single parent with no help so terrrified I won’t be able to look after my kids.

But I’m so tired of feeling anxious - plus my eldest has adhd and anxiety and I’m sure my anxiety heightens his.

Anyway your thread has given me the shove I need to go and get a prescription and start taking them. Many thanks

Hi @BigmouseLittlehouse

It so hard when you have children with special needs - you kinda need to be extra on top of care which means it's so important that you feel ok.

I'll have everything crossed for you that you start to feel better.

I'm still feeling really good. It may help you to go to counselling too and talk about it, but I really think the tablets are the main reason I'm feeling a lot better.

Good luck xxx

Sertraline is fabulous. 9 other people in my family are taking it. All on one side... We clearly have defective serotonin production.

I felt really shitty for the first 6 weeks on it but then everything just lifted. It all seemed OK again. I could sleep, eat, think, even smile a little.

Good luck OP.

It really is @Bluewavescrashing

My son started taking sertraline when he was 6 🙈 and I can't tell you how much it has helped him. He's like a different child, and now I'm feeling so much better for being on them. 😄

Don't feel concerned- if you're over 25 then the majority of negative side effects (such as increased suicidal thoughts) are unlikely to affect you, on the other hand it could improve your quality of life immensely! Take care OP