ADHD worse since going into sertraline

[Blankspace4]

Been on sertraline for depression and anxiety for 5 weeks. I guess I do feel less anxious/low but also so so tired. And my motivation to do anything is worse than ever. I have inattentive ADHD (informally but reliably diagnosed and awaiting formal assessment) and I just can’t seem to force myself to do anything that's expected of me.

it’s really getting me down and the anxiety is building again. Any tips or am I just a lost cause 😩

You are definitely not a lost cause! It's really tough, I can't remember what I was on, but when I was prescribed anti-depressants, which was before my formal ADHD dx, I was at a really low ebb and I gave into the need to rest and nap and not do a whole lot, and after a few weeks I did get more energy and become more productive. Is it that you are tired because of meds or is it that you are unwell and need to rest due to mental health?

Are you taking any medication for your adhd? If the route cause of your anxiety is your adhd symptoms would that be a better route? It may not be of course but I know that the last time I went to the GP with symptoms that were adhd related she wasn't able to prescribe for adhd but offered anti-depressants because she was able to prescribe them and when I finally got to see a psychiatrist that was far more helpful than the GP support.

@wonderstuff thank you so much for your reply. I think you’re right, I’m tired and low because my brain is broken and tired, rather than the meds being the problem. I think overall I feel better, and I’ve also pinpointed PMT as a trigger for how I’m feeling now. I’ve been trying to carry on, but it’s tough. I could sleep for a week if I’m honest. Instead I’m plastering on a brave face.

Im not medicated for my ADHD as I’m still on a waiting list for a formal assessment.

Good luck, I would try to rest and recover, even now, my mental health is better than it’s been in years, I have days when I am so tired by just getting through the day and I just go with it when I can. ADHD is exhausting, think it’s being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world. That and frequent insomnia..

@wonderstuff youre right, it is tough, it’s like I’m constantly doing battle with myself and making life hard for myself.

I think I’m just mentally drained. Going to see if I can take next week off work so I can try and reset

You might do better with a specific adhd medication rather than an antidepressant. If you treat the adhd you may well feel better overall.

Yes I think this might be the case. The issue is the waitlist for the formal diagnosis. I have used a number of self diagnosis tools and also have adhd across my family and so I know I have it, but without the formal diagnosis I’m stuck

OP

Did you get anywhere with your diagnosis?
I have suspected ADHD. On a long waiting list to be seen. Doctors keep firing SSRI’s at me and they are a nightmare and a lot of them have made me feel suicidal, but I’m now on my 6th with desperate hope one will work.

Hi Blankspace4 I'm sorry to hear you are are experiencing low mood and anxiety. I'm a CBT accredited psychotherapist who works with clients who have anxiety, low mood, and all other mood disorders. As you know ADHD is a different type of thinking style and Sertraline doesn't always work for ADHD. There are lots of apps on the market to help with the difficulties ADHA can cause, like lack of motivation, focus or being able to complete tasks. It can be helpful to remember that along with the downsides you may experience with having ADHD there are plenty of upsides too, like hyperfocus, creativity, spontaneity and energy. Starting to notice these skills and focusing on them instead of the negatives can help lift mood.

Hey there, I totally get how you're feeling. I’ve been on sertraline (Zoloft) for depression and anxiety too, so I know it can be tough in the beginning. It took me a while to get past the initial side effects, but over time, I started noticing real benefits. Now I feel so much better. Hang in there—it’s worth giving it time.

For ADHD, I’ve noticed that sertraline can sometimes make it harder to focus at first. But try breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and use timers or reminders. It’s okay to go slow. Your energy might come back as your body adjusts to the medication. If it doesn’t, definitely talk to your doctor.

You’re NOT a lost cause. This is part of the process, and it’s okay to ask for help. By the way, I ordered my sertraline from health-delivery24.com/buy-zoloft-uk.html, and it arrived quickly, which made things less stressful for me. Keep going—you’re doing better than you think. ❤️