Sertraline side effects

[pbjsandwich]

Just been prescribed sertraline 50mg by my doctor for depression, have been on them previous but stopped them after a little while (had no side effects apart from night sweats but these were manageable), second time of being prescribed just after having DS for PND, took one in the morning around 3 days in and the nausea was horrendous, thought it best to take on a night instead, again stopped after a while as didn't get the repeat prescription in time.

This time round I'm going to take them in the evening before bed but unsure of how to deal / what to expect with any of the side effects. I understand the likelihood of you getting a little worse before you get better but I'm so nervous and apprehensive about the unknown

If anyone has any positive stories please share, will need all the hand holding I can get through the next few weeks.

@pbjsandwich just wanted to send you a hug. I'm not on sertaline but on citalopram (similar SSRI) and the side effects are known to be worse the first few weeks but then should subside and you should hopefully feel a lift in mood after 3-6 weeks. If they don't, discuss with your GP. I know how you feel it can be scary starting a new med especially when you already feel rubbish. x

I was on sertraline for about 18 months. I can't particularly remember any nausea (might have forgotten about it if it was early stages); the side effects I can remember were dry mouth, which got better after the first couple of weeks, an intermittent slightly odd but not unbearable dizziness/lack of focus when I turned my head - really hard to describe, but it felt like it was taking my eyes just a second longer than normal to 'catch up' if that makes sense - and it became really hard to achieve orgasm (that one lasted throughout the time I was taking it).

On the plus side it really helped me regain my equilibrium, take back control of my thoughts, become able to make decisions again and generally feel calmer and more able to cope.

Handholds ahoy OP, I hope you get through this. Don't be afraid to go back to your GP if the side effects are too much to cope with, there are plenty of things you can try.