Sertraline buddy required!!!

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I’m in day 2 of taking sertraline and could really do with some support as feel horrible 😕

Hi first post on this thread and just wondering if anyone had experienced this?

I’ve been taking Sertraline since December and I do feel it’s really helping my mental health with minimal side effects although the first month was awful. I feel quite stable but not at all ready to come off it because due to lockdown, I’m not able to change any of the things that are making me depressed and anxious. Also I’ve suffered from anxiety and OCD since I was a toddler (diagnosed but parents refused intervention from Psychologist and Social Services) and this is the first time in my entire life I’ve been free of intrusive anxious thoughts and social anxiety most of the time.

Anyway, last night I woke up with a burning hot pain the size of a fifty pence piece that felt like it was in my brain... has anyone else experienced anything like this? I never have in my life and was wondering if it’s Sertraline related... I was genuinely afraid I was about to have an aneurysm or something. My parents are convinced it’s the Sertraline and want me to stop it but I’m afraid (They are medics).

Hi User
I didn’t want to ignore your post as you sound worried but the only thing I can suggest is to ring and speak with your GP. They’re all doing phone consultations at the moment and they may be able to advise. Someone else might be along soon who may have experienced similar.x

Thanks @Desperate30, I called the GP. She put me down to half a dose for the week, back up to 50mg again today, fingers crossed. How are you doing on it now? x

Been on it 2 weeks now. Today I’m not really very anxious so that’s good. I’m a bit up and down but it’s not too bad. I’m due a review with the GP next week so not sure if she’ll increase it or not. Hope everything settles down for you soon.x

Hi NameChange
Did you ring your GP to discuss your symptoms? They may be able to advise you whether it’s anything to do with the sertraline.x

Hey, I used to get these quite regularly in the beginning, like brain zaps?! I just ignored them and they stopped over time xx

Still really struggling with horrid anxiety, nausea and lack of appetite. Day 3 here (1 at 25mg and 2 at 50mg). So so tired too. Someone tell me it will get easier please? I have a child to look after.... 😢

Hi Umbongo
Day 3 was probably my worst day for anxiety - I started on 50mg straightaway. I still had it throughout the first week but it was easier as the week wore on. I’m Day 14 today and I’ve had a couple of days (not consecutive) of not feeling much anxiety at all. Stick with it - this time next week you’ll have turned a corner. I know I’ll still be anxious on and off for a few more weeks but I know it won’t be as bad as the first few days. Good luck - it will get better. Let us know how you get on.xx

Oh that’s rubbish. It does get better honestly. I’d horrible side effects but pushed through and now I’m a different person. Try and look at the bigger picture. You’ll get through it xx

Thanks both. I've taken it before but I'd forgotten (blanked out?) how bad this first bit is. I dread every morning as I'm just a mess. Not sure how many more days like today I can cope with, yet I know it worked in the past. What to do?

I’ve told a few others that I got diazepam 2mgs to help with the weird side effects. My GP had mentioned at my first appointment that if increased anxiety was too bad she would give me some. So I remember having an awful awful night on day 3 and phoned her first thing in the morning so she gave me a prescription. It really helped take the edge off. And also propanolol 10mgs is good for increased anxiety, heart racing symptoms. Have you got either of those? Xx

Makes you just want to stay on them. I’d be scared to come off then need them again in the future and have to go through all that again xx

I have some diazepam but it only seems to have an effect for like 2 hours?

No I haven't got a racing heart or palpitations just surges and surges of panic....

Keep taking it anyway? At least you’ll get some relief. Things should pass soon Xx

I found a couple of things that might be of interest regarding Sertraline.

The brain zaps were diminished to almost non existence by a tiny dose of Stugaron. They were driving nuts and decided to take a quarter of a Stugaron and that took it away by 90% I would say.

The other thing is I really struggled to come off Sertraline. I tried three times and each time the return of symptoms had me running back to it. I found powdered Ashwagandha root that I put into my own empty capsules took the edge off enough to get off it and stay off it. I took one size 00 capsule in the mornings when the cortisol (and blood glucose) spikes first thing and it was really good and dampening it all down.

Sertraline saved my life though without exagerration. I would love to have stayed on it as it was amazing once I got used to it. It normalised me back to how I used to feel before life beat me to a pulp! I hate taking drugs though and I take a half of the original dose of Ashwagandha daily and despite some bad stuff still happening, I can manage it better.

The jaw clenching remains three months after coming off. I think it might have become a habit though.

Still feeling like hell. When will this end?

It will get better Umbongo - I think Day 7 was a turning point for me. I still get more anxious days but having experienced more relaxed days in between it gives me hope. I sympathise with the panic - it’s awful.x

Thanks Desperate, did you feel really tired and zombie like too? I just can't think straight and I feel so queasy and tired...

Why did you have to come off it? My GP had said if I wanted to I could stay on for life xx

@Umbongo1 are you getting no relief at all? Is it 24/7 or on and off? Xx

Pretty much 24/7

Didn't have to come off it I just decided I could cope without it. How wrong I was! How soon did your side effects go Elise?

I am taking zopiclone also maybe that is not helping the tiredness?

I didn’t feel particularly tired or zombie like. Didn’t get nausea either - think I was lucky! Maybe the zoplicone is making you tired then. I take my sertraline in the morning as the pharmacist said it could interfere with sleep.