SSRI (sertraline) side effects and health anxiety

[AlwaysFlappable]

I've been taking 50mg of Sertraline for two weeks following a 2 month break. For the last 6 days I've had upper abdominal discomfort and bloating. I've also had lower abdominal cramping. I've had a bowel movement every day and although they've been normal consistency they've been more difficult to pass and much more narrow than usual (sorry for the TMI).

I absolutely can't stop myself from thinking the worst. I've gone from ovarian cancer to bowel cancer and I just can't shake it. I don't know why I'm posting other than I'm looking for reassurance. There is no one else I can ask. I feel so utterly alone at the moment. I'm so sick of masking my worries.

I've been on the same dose for about three months. Other than the expected fatigue and an occasional brain zap when I forget to take it, there's nothing else of note. I don't think it's likely that the Sertraline is causing your digestive issues.

Sertraline has affected my stomach too, it's a common side effect. If you're worried, speak to your GP, they should be able to go into more detail as to why you're feeling unwell. Are you eating well and drinking plenty of water? I know it's easy to say, but try not to worry. Stress will also cause / worsen digestive issues.

Ive been on sertraline for 8 weeks and the biggest change is to my toileting habits so I’d say it’s most likely the cause. Googling, it’s one of the most common symptoms.

Stay healthy with your eating and sleeping habits, avoid alcohol and see if things settle over the next couple of weeks. Feel free to keep posting here if it helps

Sertraline definitely affected my digestive system. It's not unusual at all.

Yep when I started and any increase or decrease in dose led to digestive issues

Have you given yourself pukes by straining? that might explain the narrower stools too

50mg is a v low dose so you might need to increase it eventually

UFC's pukes = piles

Thank you all for replying. I'm definitely spiralling. I've just never had such persistent bloat and discomfort.
Even now I feel like I need to poop but all I'm passing is wind. Its a feeling of being constipated but not actually if that makes sense.
I will try to contact my GP tomorrow.

@thaegumathteth I don't feel like I have piles but that might explain why I keep feeling the urge to go. And yes, have been straining a bit.

Sertraline affected my digestive system, but also about 2 weeks in was some of the worse anxiety I’ve ever had, my GP had warned it might happen that way thankfully. So hopefully the spiralling will slow down soon!

@TeaKitten how did it affect you?

I'm worried sick about the upper abdominal pain and bloating. My biggest fear is being ill and not being able to look after my kids.

I feel dreadful, I'm panicked and scared

I was a bit bloated but mostly it felt like morning sickness. I find peppermint tea really helps with bloating atleast

(TMI) when I first started sertraline my stools were liquid.
Please stay with it op they'll help in the long run, at first there's unpleasant side affects but the difference you'll feel soon will all be worth it.

I had nausea for the first few days then it eased off. Thank you so much for the replies, it definitely helps knowing others have had similar. I'll try peppermint tea tomorrow.

Sertraline has affected me digestive wise. I'm tapering it to come off and it's affected me again.

@teaandtoastwithmarmite were your symptoms the same as mine? I have a GP appointment this afternoon so hopefully they can shed some light on things.
I woke up at 3am in a cold sweat which then turned into a panic attack. I've been tearful ever since. I feel so low and so unwell

Just bloated and wind and diarrhoea. Bit embarrassing really. I do have ibs though. Have had a bit of stomach ache.