Sertraline, side effects- tummy pain, bloat, anxiety

[Chummy21]

Just looking for some reassurance. I'm 11 days into taking 50mg of Sertraline. I have terrible health anxiety so, my first thought is always something sinister.
I came on my period on Saturday. My second true period since coming off contraception. I had none of the usual PMS symptoms so was quite surprised by it, I'm now on day 4 of it and it's just a normal period.
Anyway, I had one episode of diarrhoea on Saturday and then I started with lower tummy pain on Saturday night (day 8). It felt like a dull ache and when pressed it was really quite tender. I convinced myself I could feel a mass... and my mind really started working overtime.
I've pooped normally since the diarrhoea but I'm so windy and feel really bloated (more than usual with a period) also intermittent dull tummy ache which is making me think it's bowel related...

Wondered if anyone has had this as a side effect? If it hasn't resolved by the end of the week I'll contact GP. But, just looking for other perspectives.
All other sertraline side effects seem to have settled down other than my anxiety 😳

Hi @Chummy21. Glad the reading helps, I’m still reading book after book too and really recommend Lisa Jewell books if you haven’t tried them already, real page turners! I am on day 7 of 100mg and actually slept all night last night. Someone at work commented that I am laughing more too, so I know I am definitely improving. Like you I find my cycle definitely affects my mood especially the week before. It’s gorgeous and sunny here today, I think once we get into spring it will help as it’s easier to get out and do things. I read on a thread that one poster said if she gets a sensation anywhere she leaves it a week and only then if it is still there does she follow up and see a doctor, she has never had to do that as the feelings always pass as it is her anxiety talking. That helped me a lot and am trying to adopt the same rule, hopefully it will help you too. How are you doing today?

Hi @cheeseybeans19. Thanks for the book recommendation, I've just downloaded Then She Was Gone. I'm reading One For Sorrow by Helen Fields at the moment. I do love a good psychological thriller!
I'm so glad things are settling for you. Other people noticing the change must be such a good feeling.
I had a phone review yesterday and the doctor said to continue on the 50mg for the time being.

I'm having alot of jaw pain at the moment to the point where I'm convinced I'm going to have lock jaw! Also one of my feet have been incredibly painful for the last week (no injury) but having read that joint pain is a side effect I'm putting it down to the sertraline. This was my plan that if I have something to follow it up a week or two later. You're right it usually passes and I find something else to fixate on.

I actually did a bit of gardening this week. Managed to plant summer bulbs, onions and potatoes! The sunshine definitely helps.

I am on day 4 and have felt anxious last night, so I may stop today until I speak to my GP. Jaw clenching, anxious, nauseous, it started on day 2 and 3. I am not sure if I should continue or switch to Citalopram? I don't think I can deal with the anxiety anymore, I didn't sleep much last night.
I'd be grateful if anyone has any advice.

Hi @Nikky1331, sorry for late reply. I hope things settled down for you? I'm now 7 weeks in and although I'm better than I was I still have days where I'm obsessively checking myself (looking in my mouth, checking my breasts, wondering about bowel cancer).

As far as my side effects are concerned the jaw clenching still makes an appearance and I suspect I clench during the night as I have occasional pain as if it feels locked.

Did you decide to switch to citalopram?

Hi ladies, I have also just been put on sertraline 50mg. 16th December I felt like I was getting movement in my stomach. Trip to hospital blood tests and pregnancy test all say negative and 5 full blown periods.cant seem to go to toilet for bowels. But I'm not eating much. I constantly lay down waiting to feel a movement although I know it's not a baby. It's like im convincing myself I'm pregnant and must be like 20 weeks. I don't want to be pregnant I have 3. I seem to be fine when I'm on the go but when I stop I feel myself getting tensed up. It came out the blue, nausea, feeling pain in my stomach, back hurting. Doctors gave me propranolol but didn't help much. I'm 5 days into sertraline and have 1 diarhea episode 5 days ago. Now I'm full of headaches, horrible taste every now and again. Watery discharge not smelling though. But feel calmer. It must be my bowels making the pops as I feel it high at top and to sides but only once hear and there different nights. It's not continues. But I've convinced myself I must be pregnant although everyone said I'm not. All I can describe to people is. I feel like someone's about to wind me and I'm preparing to take the blow to the stomach thats how my body feels tensed up x

Increase dose of sertraline fom 150mg to 200mg having side effects again nausea stomach ache is this normal

Increase sertraline from 150mg to 200mg having side effects again nausea and Tummy ache is this normal

Hey love, first off—big hugs, I know how rough health anxiety can be, especially when you’re adjusting to a new med. I’ve been on Zoloft (Sertraline) for quite a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. The first few weeks? Not fun. I had some tummy issues too—bloating, random pains, and just feeling "off." But it does get better, and now I barely notice any side effects.

From what you’re describing, it sounds like a mix of period stuff + early sertraline adjustment. Hormones do wild things, and Zoloft can definitely cause some digestive weirdness at first. The bloating and wind? Super common. And the poo color change? Could totally be from the herbal teas or just a normal shift in digestion.

What I’d suggest:

• Give it a bit more time, but of course, if anything worsens, checking in with your GP is always a good call.

• Make sure you’re using high-quality Zoloft—there are so many counterfeits floating around, and sometimes unexpected side effects happen because of that. If it helps, I always get mine from this pharmacy: topsup24.com/buy-zoloft-uk.html —never had an issue with effectiveness.

• Keep up with self-care—gentle movement, hydration, and distractions for the anxious mind (podcasts, comfort shows, anything that helps).

• And most importantly: be kind to yourself. Health anxiety can be so convincing, but your body is just adjusting. You got this. 💛