Sertraline slow to work

[MynameisTuesday]

I've had 5 week on sertraline.

Windows here are there of feeling a bit better and then back to being more anxious than ever. 3 days last weekend and I thought I was there then back to the awful feelings of dragging myself through the day until bedtime.

If you are on it, how long did it take for you? Was it a slow burn? Did you feel a lot worse before you felt better?

I realise the doctor may want to increase or change, but I'm just looking for some positivity from others who may have experienced the same before I give up and start tapering off

Thank you

The doctor told me you'll feel the best impact at 6-8 weeks.

I had similar to you and I think it's because psychologically you believe you've got this magic fix so your brain starts functioning as though the medicine has cured you, then when the initial belief wears off you feel your actual emotion again.

Thank you so much. Can I ask did you feel really, really ill at the same point? I'm practically dragging myself through the days to bedtime.
Thank you

I'll be honest I've got on pretty well with it other than horrific heartburn on a couple of occasions.

Glad it went well for you. Thanks for replying

Anyone else?
No idea whether to hang on or give up with it.
Grateful of any stories from people who've had a similar experience.
Thank you

I'd keep taking it, you're nearly there. Its been life changing for me, not trapped by my anxiety.

When you say you're feeling ill during the day, whats the symptom: anxiety, nausea, tiredness?

Are you taking it with food as that helps?

Are you taking it morning or evening?

It took 6 months to stabilise on it for my daughter. They say give every dose increase 12 weeks. So it takes time basically. You don't say what dose you are on.

I had a period of suddenly feeling really positive and cheerful about a month in, then low again. Physically was all over the place, headaches, fatigue, upset stomach. I upped the dose to 100g, which led to another month of up and down. Its been about 6 months now, but I would say the last month things have been on a positive but even keel and I've been feeling generally better in myself.

My daughter had 6 weeks of feeling much worse on it, could hardly get herself out of bed at times. The Doctor encouraged her to persevere, and things started to get better. By week 8, our old Dd was back and she was so much better. She eventually, with Doctors supervision, weaned herself off them. But they were a vital helpmgor her for some time. Hang on in there OP

Thank you everyone.
I'm on 50mg. It's not the 1st AD I've tried this year but the others had side effects which were intolerable.
I wake up around 4am with the most horrific anxiety (which I never had before going on meds). My body feels anxious (bladder wants to wee all the time, shaky, heart pumping, on edge). I'm not able to cry even though I feel like it would do me good.
Feel worse than I ever did before going on them and can't see an end to all this.
Thank you for your messages of positivity

I take it first thing with a bit of food. My appetite has gone altogether at the moment. Without giving TMI, my tummy is on and off (and very strange)

I can relate a lot to this. I wasn’t able to cry either for the first 4 weeks then last night I had a proper meltdown and sobbed and needed looking after for the night. I also had no appetite and just tired all the time.

I’ve just started on 100mg today. So let’s see what happens.

@Plummer88 I hope it works out for you on 100. Please let me know how you get on.

I’ve had to start taking mine before bed as the fatigue was overwhelming. I would sit on the sofa and wake up an hour later without even realising I was falling asleep. I’ve had a lot of nausea and a few stomach issues too although nothing too bad.

I’m only a couple of weeks in but I’m hopeful which is good.

On my first week of taking setraline. Feel incredibly fatigued, more than normal. 50mgs daily dose.

Hope you feel the

Sorry it posted too soon! Hope you feel the benefit soon. I am trying to remain open minded. Feeling overwhelmed was how I felt last week before starting the medication.

Good luck OP, keep us updated. We are all in the same boat 🤞

Thanks . Hope things work out for you both too x

@Plummer88 How are you after you raised to 100? I hope things are improving for you x

I’ve not noticed any difference really. It does take a long time to work - been told two to three months to get the effect properly.

Doctor will review me again after 4 weeks on 100mg. She keeps telling me we can go up to 200mg…

I'm on week 7 and 100mg for 2 weeks now. This has been my best week. It was exactly as you describe. Heart pounding. Awake at 4am etc. I cried solidly for days. But I'm finally seeing the light.

It's tough going through it. Its hard to hear everyone say it will get better. It does. But takes time

@Plummer88 It certainly is a slow haul. Glad you've not had side effects despite the raise. That has got to be a positive.

@Wheelerdeeler So glad you have had a bit of a breakthrough. It's a long time to go feeling so desperate isn't it? Especially when nearly everyone I've spoken to says they felt better after 3 weeks! Onward and upward!

I started on 25mg and slowly increased the dosage over 6 months until I hit 150mg that's when I felt so much better. I would preserve op.

@cushioncovers Glad you have found some improvement. I've felt so ill with the side effects that I dare not up my dose until Ive stabilised. How did you find it as you upped, or did you not have any issues with side effects. Thanks for the positivity. I really need this right now

Hi op. I found the side effects just seemed to pass after a while even on a higher dose. Perhaps speak to your gp if they don't subside.I know it's a bit shitty getting meds to help the anxiety and depression then finding they make you feel physically lousy but stick with it. If you can.

Thank you @cushioncovers It's encouraging to know that they passed for you. Hoping for the same here. x