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Original poster

Sertraline - gradually feel better ?

33 replies

Trainwardrobe · 28/01/2020 11:08

Hello I’ve been on 50mg of sertraline for two weeks and feeling fair bit lower than before started taking it. Trying to hang in there. Do you gradually start feeling better or can it be quite quick? Need some hope please ! Thank you

OP posts:
DorsetCamping · 26/02/2020 20:29

DH's GP was so concerned with the sertraline side effects he instantly took him off of it.
He is now on venlafaxine and whilst his mood isn't any lighter yet, he doesn't seem quite as emotional. Still not sleeping properly but is on prescribed sleeping tabs to try and help

Francis24 · 12/04/2025 15:35

Just started sertraline 25mg. Feel absolutely lousy any positive stories please

Lightsabre · 12/04/2025 16:24

My dh went on Sertraline after an ‘out of the blue’ anxiety breakdown where he was pacing, crying uncontrollably and had to stop working. It was such a scary time for us all and sympathy to you.

He started on 50mg and was prescribed Lorazepam also for the first two weeks to take the edge off. He couldn’t sleep well at first and had brain zaps/twitches but these wore off. It was tough as we weren’t sure it would work and he seemed worse initially. It was increased to 75mg after 3 weeks and then up to 100mg on the advice of a psychiatrist where he stayed for around 4 months. During that time his anxiety slowly decreased and he also took up cycling outdoors which helped a lot. Being away from work was also a huge help as that was a stressor.

In the end he was off work for around 6 months and was his ‘old self’ by the end of that so slowly titrated down over a period of two years. I think it’s worth a visit to the Gp if suicidal thoughts creep in as that can be another side effect and they can try something different. It’s trial and error unfortunately with anti depressants.

Francis24 · 12/04/2025 17:19

Lightsabre · 12/04/2025 16:24

My dh went on Sertraline after an ‘out of the blue’ anxiety breakdown where he was pacing, crying uncontrollably and had to stop working. It was such a scary time for us all and sympathy to you.

He started on 50mg and was prescribed Lorazepam also for the first two weeks to take the edge off. He couldn’t sleep well at first and had brain zaps/twitches but these wore off. It was tough as we weren’t sure it would work and he seemed worse initially. It was increased to 75mg after 3 weeks and then up to 100mg on the advice of a psychiatrist where he stayed for around 4 months. During that time his anxiety slowly decreased and he also took up cycling outdoors which helped a lot. Being away from work was also a huge help as that was a stressor.

In the end he was off work for around 6 months and was his ‘old self’ by the end of that so slowly titrated down over a period of two years. I think it’s worth a visit to the Gp if suicidal thoughts creep in as that can be another side effect and they can try something different. It’s trial and error unfortunately with anti depressants.

Thanks for your reply. It's my anxiety that's gone through the roof although I knew that could happen. So hot and sweating all the time. Only been taking it 4 days but it's so hard

ThreeLeggedCat · 19/04/2025 11:41

I’m on day 5 and finding it really hard. I’ve been on it previously and just remember feeling sick for 3 weeks, not such anxiety. I know it has worked previously for me, but this is really difficult.

Lightsabre · 23/04/2025 23:12

@ThreeLeggedCatcould you ask your GP for a short course of Lorazepam or Diazepam for the times when it’s really bad to get you through the initial starter weeks?

Tezzalouwill5 · 25/09/2025 19:41

How are you now? On day 11 and not great x

Tezzalouwill5 · 25/09/2025 19:42

How are you now? On day 11 and not feeling great x

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