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

[Hulabalula]

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.

Well done, I hope you start to feel better soon. I found eating helped with the nausea!

I’ve been on and off Sertraline for many years and never had any problems when starting it.

Thank you @SpockPaperScissorsLizardRock and @HildegardeCrowe

If it wasn’t for the lovely people on this thread I would be feeling so much worse about all this.

I got a prescription for this a few weeks ago (for severe anxiety) but haven’t dared take it. I looked at the side effects (some very common) and it really put me off, thought it sounded potentially worse than I’m experiencing.
Im also worried that’s it’s just a 4 week supply and won’t be able to get more.

How are you OP?

I’m okay @BlackCatFan thank you so much for asking.

First dose taken this morning. Some nausea today but manageable. Feeling quite positive about it - expecting some stumbling blocks but feeling like I can tackle them and know how to get support if I think at any point I can’t.

I’m glad first day has been ok just take each day as it comes. And do keep checking in here!

Thank you @splitsunrise

It’s lovely having somewhere to check in to.

Can’t sleep and feeling a bit groggy. The wakefulness is making DD’s hourly wake-ups much easier to deal with though.

Also got a slight metallic taste in my mouth -a bit like early pregnancy so far!

Sorry just seen this... sorry you’re restless in bed. But hey bright side with the night wake-ups at least

I can’t remember having the metallic taste! I don’t think - the side effects are so varied and random!

I remember the metallic taste! And the wakefulness, try not to let your mind run away with you in the wee hours.

I had ALL the side effects but apparently that means you're responding well to the medication. It's worth it OP I promise. I'm so much more stable than I was - no more evenings crying hysterically on the sofa about nothing. Hardly any intrusive thoughts. No more thoughts about suicide.

I had a clenchy jaw for quite a while, that was the worst thing. I also started out taking mine at night but then I couldnt sleep

Thanks all for keeping me going and appreciate the reassurances!

@Lefkosia how bizarre ever time I woke in the night I was clenching my teeth to the point they were painful - it didn’t even occur to me it could be a side effect! Glad you are feeling better on it.

Oh yes I had clenching jaw! I think that lessened after a while but keep an eye on it and mention to dentist if it carries on long term (they suggested a mouth guard for night as it would eventually damage teeth! I think I was grinding too though)

Thanks @Splitsunrise

Still feel nauseous and jaw clenchy today but also very very anxious

I don’t know how much if this feeling is my PNA flaring, a side effect of the medication, or a relatively normal amount of anxiety for anyone who watches the news at the moment.

The house is a mess and I’ve not got any motivation to do anything. But that’s not particularly new.

Going to ask DH to look after the baby for half an hour shortly so I can and try to relax for a bit.

My doctor prescribed me citalopram but also beta blockers to deal with the anxiety in the meantime

My friend is in intensive care with suspected COVID. I am literally shaking and my heart is racing. He is in his fifties but with underlying health issues. He has two teenage daughters.

The best advice I have is to take them last thing at night before bed, I did this so if I was going to have any side effects I'd sleep through them but I never noticed any. I've been taking them since summer last year and don't know why I let myself suffer for so long without them. I'm 18 weeks pregnant now and have continued taking them throughout my pregnancy under the recommendations of my midwife (it's better not to mess around with medication during pregnancy). I think once baby is born and my hormones are back in check I'll definitely look at coming off of them, but they've been an amazing support and I'm forever grateful to myself for making a decision that has literally changed my life and made me a better happier person. Good luck x

@reginaphalange101 so glad to hear you’re doing much better on them... fingers crossed for a similar outcome for me!

I have just had a mild panic attack. Out of nowhere. I spotted the signs early and did some breathing exercises and I’m still shaky.

I’m absolutely terrified of what’s going on at the moment.

I've been on them 2 weeks now. Things are a little easier to cope with. Take care OP

Felt a bit better today I think.

Was really tearful earlier but for good reason tbh. Had some bouts of anxiety throughout the day but not as bad as yesterday.

Nausea still going strong.

Hi OP. (Sorry it won't let me @ you) sorry to hear you've had some dips. I had a bad day yesterday with anxiety, but managed to calm myself down. The good thing about the sertraline for me is it's easier to calm myself down when I'm feeling anxious and after it's passed I get nice and sleepy and ready for a cosy sleep in the evening.. it's difficult to explain but I feel so much better than I did prior to starting them.

I still have nausea sometimes, particularly when my anxiety rears it's head, like yesterday I felt like I might be sick but I didn't.

I still yawn lots and have loss of appetite but these things don't bother me too much. I think I'm on week 6 ish.

P.s I got very tearful and low around day 2/3. It passed and I haven't felt like that since.

My dad was released from hospital yesterday after being admitted with suspected CV. He is doing really well now and on the way to being normal again. He was in for two nights. For the majority of people it's not serious.

Thank you for checking in @BlackCatFan

Today I feel like a different person. I’ve smiled more than I’ve frowned. I haven’t cried and my anxiety feels a bit more normal for a global pandemic. I don’t even feel nauseous and I actually feel tired (which I should be on 4-5hours sleep a night!)

It feels like early days to feel better already......

Hi
I was very low and moody after my DD was born and then had terrible pmt. I reluctantly started sertraline and it had worked for me. It's not a miracle pill, but it takes the edge off the doom and helps me to think more clearly and be less emotional if that makes sense. Initially I felt detached but that passed after 2 weeks. I didn't have any tummy issues. Sometimes I notice I clench my jaw, but that's all. It's worth taking.