Starting Sertraline - what to expect?

[thedefinitionofmadness]

well after months (years really) of anxiety, epic stress and not being able to access the usual things that help (lots of yoga, swimming, walking outdoors) I had a full blown panic attack at a spa day, the wheels have finally come off, and I went to the Drs today.

I've been prescribed Sertraline. I'm dubious but desperate. Tried citalopram a few years ago and had an extreme reaction, felt psychotic and stopped after 5 days.

Any ideas what to expect? Tips? Experiences?

Also worried about coming off it....but as I haven't picked up my prescription yet I can postpone that a bit perhaps?

I’ve been on 50mg on and off for 13yrs, and have found it to work very quickly each time. I can’t say I can think of any negatives from being on it. Re: weaning off of it, I took it very slowly (a couple of months in total) of reducing dosage. As long as you don’t suddenly go cold turkey, you should be fine with lesser time frame.
Anxiety is horrible, and I can fully understand what you are going through. Sending hugs your way

Well the first thing to know is that you won’t feel better immeadiately as it usually takes around 4-6 weeks to begin to see an effect .
Many people feel worse when they initially start taking them .
You may find it increases your anxiety initially and that’s why many drs prescribe a short course of something like Xanax to be taken if you have an anxiety attack .
Have a good read of the information inside the pack .
Hope you start to feel better soon

Also, try to avoid taking late at night (it affected my sleep), and take it at a similar time everyday.

I won't cope if my anxiety increases. I'm barely functioning and I have no option not to function. I would have to stop taking it. Should I go back tomorrow and ask for a side order of Xanax?

I have just done the swap from citalopram to sertraline. I did a straight swap as I just couldn't cope with the idea of the come down from citalopram. Luckily it's worked fine and I'm two months on. The only side effect I've had is a very dry mouth and lips, which has now started to get better. I take mine at night and haven't had any sleeping issues, that's just when I took the citalopram so that any effects happen while I'm sleeping. My anxiety has been worse but that's due to the situation I'm currently in, but I have propranolol to take to help with the physical effects, which work really well.
Good luck OP x