Day 3 of Sertraline - reassurance needed!

[CaitrionaAnne]

Hi, after a period of low moods and constant crying, i have started on sertraline. It had already made me feel that I can cope a little better but the side effects are rough. And after alot of googling (stupid idea!) im so anxious about it. I have this internal tremor and can see my hands shaking. I also feel like i have so much nervous energy in my body and my arms are strange and restless. Is this normal after 3 days? Im on 50mg. I know that anxiety increases for a bit after starting on the AD so maybe its all that but i have myself worried even more now! TIA!

@CaitrionaAnne hi, how are you today? I feel rubbish today. My health anxiety has blown up a lot today and now just making me feel this medication ain’t for me.

@Myzone Sorry to hear you are feeling rubbish. Im not too bad and most effects seem to have calmed, apart from sleep. I still have high anxiety but feel more able to cope. It does take a number of weeks so hopefully it will get better for both of us. Did you start your CBT? That might help a little. The heatwave has increased my anxiety too so cant wait for the next couple days to be over.

@CaitrionaAnne i start cbt Thursday so looking forward to that. My hay fever is off the charts too but hoping that settles once the weather cools. I’m definitely going to give it a few weeks as I don’t want to change but just starting to doubt it. I wake up with intense anxiety and it just puts a downer for the rest of the day. I then just keep scanning my body for symptoms/side effects.

@Myzone I get that. I have that too, it has reduced the tiniest bit but still gets overwhelming. That is what wakes me up at 4am every morning. I often have doubts on it too and im trying to trust the process. I have my first review on Thursday after 2 weeks. Hopefully the CBT will help a little to reduce the anxiety

@CaitrionaAnne yes, if I go toilet during the night its just there and then makes it hard to return to sleep. I’m hoping the cbt helps too and will keep you posted. Hopefully we will be feeling a bit better soon

@Myzone How are you feeling now?

Hi @CaitrionaAnne still not great. Had a cbt session yesterday but honestly felt like they didn’t understand health anxiety so I’m now going to see if my doctor can refer me.

How are you?

Im ok i think! Have something on Monday that im dreading so my anxiety is high! Have had tension headaches and jaw pain from clenching for last few days. Other than that, side effects are slowly starting to wear off.
Was it nhs cbt you had? Its hard to find someone that has a good understanding of what you are going through

I am starting on sertraline tonight and am a bit nervous about side affects. Any tips?

Keep going. I almost stopped and forever glad I didn’t.

@Coffeekam can I ask what made you nearly stop?

@yoyamilow The first week or 2 is tough, not gonna lie. In my experience things are slowly getting better. Im almost 3 weeks in and feeling ok. Anxiety not gone yet but im on the road to that.

@Myzone How are you feeling now? I hope things are getting better for you x

Hi @CaitrionaAnne i can honestly say I don’t feel much different. I’m still constantly short of breath and having palpitations which just sets my anxiety of every time.

Oh no @Myzone, maybe give another week and if its no better, might be worth going back to GP for a different AD. Sometimes its trial and error. Its so disheartening when it doesnt seem to be working but its good that there are other options. Have you made any progress in changing the talking therapy?

@CaitrionaAnne yes I have someone who my doctor recommended. I think I might look at increasing my dose and see if that helps

I'm on day 3 on Zoloft 50 mg and I have to say I'm already feeling the soft fluffy energy of femininity and mood has increased rapidly although I cry once or twice a day. I really hope and I have read the reviews and hoping this is the best medicine for PTSD, social anxiety and panic attacks. Being without it and before getting it I was in a constant shock. I feel no desire to sooth my emotional pain with alcohol or substances at all and hunger I don't feel so much, but I eat regularly bf, lunch, dinner, and snack to maintain healthy routine. Sleep pattern has bettered already, I take naps and sleep late at night. It was a big disappointment to have to accept I need the meds and have to get back in SSRI's but I understood that it's not my fault I am a survivor of abuse and my well-being and selflove is increasing. The victim blaming, money shaming and gaslighting from some people is disgusting. I am not my condition that shouldn't define me to anyone. Best of luck, you are not alone. You are enough. Much love, compassion and empathy to you ✌️

How's your anxiety now?! I have health anxiety too and I'm on day 3 and it's been pretty rough!

Doctors usually prescribe Omeprazole alongside some AD meds to stop heartburn as it is a known side effect. AD's can be hard on the stomach.