Please reassure me - this is anxiety, isn't it?

[angelislington]

I started taking sertraline three weeks ago and have been having terrible side effects - I posted about these yesterday and received some very supportive replies.

The thing is I'm panicking because I'm convinced I have something physically wrong with me, and therefore the sertraline won't solve the problem. As I wake up in the morning, a wave of something horrible washes over me and makes me feel poisoned. This stays with me for hours; I feel faint and weak - in addition to all the other side effects. Can anxiety be so physical?

yes @angelislington anxiety can be hugely physical, and it's a vicious circle because the more anxious you get the more your physical symptoms reflect that.

when I had this I just kept repeating to myself "it's the anxiety it's not real" over and over again...and eventually the meds kicked in/the side-effects went away and I gradually realised that it really was "just" anxiety rather than something physically wrong with me. The brain is a VERY powerful thing, and can make you feel all sorts of things, but it will be just that I promise.

Yes.

Anxiety happens in your body - your brain and central nervous system are both involved and that means your whole body is affected. Which means it absolutely is felt in a very physical way.

Anxiety as a MH condition is a psychological trigger for physical reactions in your body as your CNS ramps up in response.

Anxiety can absolutely be physical!!
When I started same drug I was a mess for weeks, had to go on diazepam for a week in the end.
You will feel better soon xx

Thank you so much for your replies. I'm hugely grateful.

Yep. Sit tight though, sertraline is likely to make this so much better once you get through the side effects

Thank you so much for your support and flowers.

Do you think I've had the worst of the side effects now? Surely after three weeks I should be seeing some positive effects?

It could possibly be an anxiety disorder, which is more extreme than anxiety, or even a panic attack. My way of dealing with it is to allow the feelings to come, don't resist, it takes practice but what l found is they then become less powerful.

It could possibly be an anxiety disorder, which is more extreme than anxiety, or even a panic attack. My way of dealing with it is to allow the feelings to come, don't resist, it takes practice but what l found is they then become less powerful.

Thank you, that's good advice, but I know I don't have an anxiety disorder. I started taking sertraline because I was very stressed following a physical illness. I wasn't sleeping and I completely lost my appetite and felt sick a lot of the time. I thought taking them would make me feel calmer and help me to recover. I feel now I was very naive.

I think the length of time the side effects last can be quite variable. Have you spoken to your GP? They may advise you change the dose

I think it takes at least a month to see positive effects. I've been on citalopram since nov, increased the dose in feb, and although I felt a bit better after a month to six weeks, it's only recently that I feel 'settled' if that makes sense?