Sertraline and constant diarrhoea.

[Stygimoloch]

I started a thread on sertraline a few weeks ago because I found the side effects awful at first and received some excellent advice.

I’ve been taking them for about 5 weeks now and thought the side effects had settled down. I am starting to feel some positive effects. In fact, when I think about it, I feel much better than I did. People around me have told me how much better I look too.

However, I have started to have the most awful diarrhoea over the last two weeks. Since starting the tablets I’ve had quite loose bowel movements (sorry TMI) and I have IBS anyway so this isn’t unusual for me but it has got much worse. Awful cramping and urgency.

Has anyone experienced this 5 or more weeks in? It wasn’t this bad at first. Will it go away? I’m really frightened of having to stop taking them because I really think they are helping me. I can’t even contemplate the thought of going back to feeling the way I did in September and early October. I’ve read about a link between sertraline and microscopic colitis which has frightened me too. My mom has colitis and really suffers. I also take lansoprazole for reflux.

Thank you!

@Stygimoloch

Hi there I've started a thread on this yesterday the exact same thing has happened to me, and I was googling and your thread came up.

I know it's an old thread but in case your still around and see this may be I ask how things went for you.

Did the diarrhea calm down?

Mines started after 3 weeks in on 50mg and when I increased my dose to 75mg.

Thanks in advance x

Another sufferer here from early last year. I had been feeling low with back and knee pain and I needed what I called “a cheer up pill” as a joke. I was given Sertraline in a fairly low dose but after a very short time- less than you - I started experiencing horrendous diarrhoea and cramps. I too had bouts of ibs but this was awful. After about 3 weeks ( in which time my sister died suddenly and I realised I couldn’t cry!) I messaged the doctor, got a phone call and told to wean myself off fairly quickly, and was given an intensive 3 week course of steroids. My problem persisted but less dramatically until a scheduled colonoscopy a couple of months later. Diagnosis of microscopic colitis followed. I still feel low and apathetic but I refuse to try another antidepressant. I get severe bouts of constipation now and intermittent cramps and diarrhoea. I honestly wish I’d tried illegal drugs instead rather than go through the last year or more!

@Jessebaby

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/feelingdepressed/5362142-sertraline-severe-diarrhea-after-3-weeks-of-taking-it?reply=145279845?utmcampaign=thread&utmmedium=appshare

Hi there I'm sorry to have read what you've been through.

So sorry for your sudden loss.

That's my thread linked if you wanted to reply to me at all.
I started it yesterday so could be great if I could connect with you seeing as your symptoms are closely matched?

Hope the link works x