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Original poster

Is now a bad time to start Sertraline? (Sort of coronavirus related)

53 replies

Hulabalula · 17/03/2020 19:00

After a few months of battling with PND and PNA, my GP and I decided yesterday afternoon to start me on a low dose of sertraline.

Then everything with COVID changed in a heartbeat and I have never felt so anxious in all my life. It’s not like me at all but it’s overwhelming. I can feel it in my chest - it aches.

I picked up the prescription today but I’m wobbling... I know things can get worse before they get better. Is this a terrible time to start??

I didn’t want to ring the GP to discuss if I can help it as I know how busy they must be. Sad

OP posts:
Numbness2020 · 17/03/2020 19:03

Now is a very good time to start as it takes about 4-6 weeks to kick in.

Yes things can get worse but they can also get better. Without medication and the current anxiety in the UK your feelings are more likely to get worse without medication

SomeoneElseEntirelyNow · 17/03/2020 19:05

My experience of sertraline is that the side effects were physical rather than mental, and i was on a huge dose. Keep a trusted loved one in the loop, and keep checking in with yourself. You can do this.

Original poster
Hulabalula · 17/03/2020 19:23

Thank you both so much. DH is working from home so I will have his support. I’m scared to try but I think I have to don’t I.

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SpockPaperScissorsLizardRock · 17/03/2020 19:30

I actually found I felt much better in a day or 2 although then it did dip a little before I started to feel better again a few weeks later.

Watch out for a dodgy tummy to start with but thats the only problem I had. It has much improved my life.

Original poster
Hulabalula · 17/03/2020 19:32

Thank you. I really am hoping it helps. It’s not been an easy decision but I owe it to my beautiful baby to be as well as I can be.

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Original poster
Hulabalula · 17/03/2020 20:14

I’ve just read the side effects and I’m terrified. I don’t think I can do this.

OP posts:
Lynda07 · 17/03/2020 20:15

Is it ever a good time to start Sertraline?

No, don't start it.

Bluewater1 · 17/03/2020 20:17

It took 4 weeks until I started to feel the benefits. At the end of week 1 I felt much worse but this lifted after a week or so.
It's a good time to start Flowers

SpockPaperScissorsLizardRock · 17/03/2020 20:18

Please take it, it's made my life so much better. I promise.

Original poster
Hulabalula · 17/03/2020 20:20

I have a 6.5 month old baby and she’s so reliant on me... I need to be well but I’m so scared of how I will feel initially. She’s EBF and apparently it can be passed through the milk. Could she be affected too??

@Lynda07 please can you elaborate?

OP posts:
Splitsunrise · 17/03/2020 20:20

If the side effects are too scary for you then you can stop. You are going to be at home with your husband for support, it’s the best time to try. Otherwise with everything else going on things might just keep going downhill. Give it a try Flowers

Glassio · 17/03/2020 20:21

I didnt notice any real side effects and wouldn't hesitate to take it if i needed to again.

mynameiscalypso · 17/03/2020 20:25

I was on it for two years; zero side effects and it worked an absolute treat. The vast vast majority of people tolerate it with no issues at all. Well done for seeking help Thanks

Blackbelt · 17/03/2020 20:28

Hey, I'm just starting it too. I'm scared too because last time the side effects weren't great and I gave up after a week. But I've tried everything for the last 15 years so now I'm giving meds a proper go.
My doctor gave me another tablet to go with it to help side effects. I'm cutting the pills in two also to wean myself on. Doc is ok with this.

For years I was against meds but it's right for me now. I'm TTC and could potentially be pregnant. Have read on here mums that said their DC was more chilled as a result if that's true or not. Only you know what's more important to you. Nothing feels more important to me than TTC but actually without my mental health, I don't have anything else...

SugarMiceInTheRain · 17/03/2020 20:31

I just started sertraline a week ago and am glad I have, with all that's going on. Already I am less tearful than I was a week ago. Main side effect for me was a few days of nausea and not wanting to eat. That's eased off now. Sounds like a good time to start it.

chocolateorangeinhaler · 17/03/2020 20:39

Sertraline is a class of anti depressants called an SSRI. There are other brands out there that act in the same way I.e flouroxatine (Prozac). If you have only just started and there are supply issues then just see your doc and switch to another brand.
Oh and for the people saying not to start on it in the first place - until you have been in a place where it's your only way of getting back to normality - please keep your comments to yourself, it really isn't helpful.

Original poster
Hulabalula · 17/03/2020 20:50

Thank you all. This is really helpful. I’m still really nervous - especially as I don’t know how easy it will be to speak to a GP if I need to.

I might have to try and ring the surgery tomorrow to discuss. Or I might try my HV first (she has been really supportive).

@Blackbelt good luck with both TTC and the anti-ds Flowers

OP posts:
Splitsunrise · 17/03/2020 22:08

Being nervous is to be expected, don't worry. When it comes down to it though, you don't want to carry on how you are, and with the world as it is currently it will likely only get worse. I think you'll need something to help you manage your anxiety over next few months. There are lots of support boards here to talk through side effects etc and keep you company Smile

chester18 · 17/03/2020 23:14

Is it 50mg you've been started on? You could always half it and take 25mg for the first week or so to get used to it. I started on 50mg about 8 weeks ago. I felt a bit nauseated for first 2 or 3 weeks and didn't sleep so well but they were the only side effects.

Original poster
Hulabalula · 18/03/2020 13:59

I spoke to my GP this morning and got some reassurance and a plan for if I suffer too much. Thank you all so much. I feel better already and I’ve not taken the first dose yet!

OP posts:
BlackCatFan · 18/03/2020 19:09

Hi OP. I understand it's a dodgy time but I started sertraline about 4 weeks ago and it has turned my life around. I may need to increase my dose with everything that's going on but if it wasn't for the meds I would be an absolute mess by now.
Side effects for me were minimal.. but I only take a low dose
My advice is to start off low and go up if needed

Good luck x

Original poster
Hulabalula · 18/03/2020 19:37

@BlackCatFan oh thank you so much. I’m starting tomorrow and genuinely feeling so much stronger and better thanks to everyone’s support on here. I think I’ll be using this board a lot in the coming weeks.

Hope you are all as well as you can be in these difficult times Flowers

OP posts:
Splitsunrise · 19/03/2020 08:47

What time of day are you planning to take them?

Original poster
Hulabalula · 19/03/2020 12:30

Morning @Splitsunrise

Is that ok??

OP posts:
Original poster
Hulabalula · 19/03/2020 14:00

Hope you all don’t mind if I use this thread to record any side effects.

Took my first tablet this morning. Dose is 50mg. Feeling a bit nauseous a few hours later but otherwise fine.

OP posts: