Sertraline

[Ultimatebetrayal]

I've had a recent trauma. Basically my ex has lied to the police and got me arrested. I'm in shock and feel absolutely betrayed by someone who claimed to love me only a few weeks ago.
Police have taken all my devices. I don't believe they will find a thing but I have to get through the next few months.

I'm struggling as in I can't turn my mind off. I keep going over and over why he's done this. I want it to stop. I keep crying. I'm not eating. I'm not sleeping.

Gp has recommended sertraline but I'm reluctant to take it. I know this is a short term issue but I don't want to go through side effects and then struggle to stop taking them.

Any advice.

@Ultimatebetrayal

Really sorry to hear about what happened, I can understand your reluctance over the Sertraline. Not eating and sleeping is understandable but will also be making it all seem a lot worse as we simply can't function without those things.

If you think you might need something but are worried about the antidepressant side effects and withdrawal how about a beta blocker like propanolol to see if you can calm your nerves enough to get some food in you and then see how you feel?

I started on it today and so far the only side effect I've had was feeling a little nauseous and twitchy for about an hour. I've been on it in the past and had a similar experience then - little bit of nausea for the first few days, plus initially sleeping for a bit longer than I would usually. Then when it started working I found it incredibly effective, and had no problems coming off it when I no longer needed it (in fact I think I just stopped taking it without even consulting my doctor and it was fine - definitely wouldn't recommend this though!) Not everyone gets the really bad side effects that you hear about, so it might be worth giving it a go in case you're one of the people who gets a lot of benefit from it with few downsides. If you do have a bad experience you can always stop.

I completely understand your reluctance though - I put off starting for two weeks this time round because I just had a bit of a psychological block about it, even though I'd taken them before and already knew they're fine and effective for me. I think sometimes you can build it up in your mind more than it actually warrants.