Sertraline side effects

[IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere]

I started on 50mg Sertraline a week ago. I take the tablets at bed time if that makes a difference. I was warned that it could increase bleeding and I had a couple of heavyish nose bleeds over the weekend. Then last night I had the worst nosebleed I have every known. Rather than dripping it was actually running down my nose, both nostrils and down my throat and I was coughing up clots. It lasted two hours. I rang the surgery this morning but the GP I saw wasn't in so I am ringing back tomorrow. But has anyone else had similar effects?

Hello,
I haven't had any bleeding or nose bleeds. I've had panic attacks and extreme anxiety.
I hope that you feel better soon.

Im very sorry to hear this. I haven't experienced that but, like PP have had dreadful anxiety with dose increases. Worth it in the end though!

It's good to know it's worth persevering. I've had no more bleeding but it has left me feeling anxious about leaving the house in case it starts again. I didn't phone the surgery this morning because I wasn't going to be around to speak to the GP so I will contact them after the weekend if I get any more serious nosebleeds.

I have had a couple of really uncomfortable panic attacks but I know that's a side effect so I'm trying to ride them out.

I started on Sertraline 25mg (increase to 50mg after 1 week) in April 23. Initially, no side effects apart from making me feel spaced out. My GP explained this was normal and after six I'd feel normal. I can't recall if I stopped taking Sertraline for a short period & restarting. Unfortunately, after four days of restarting, like yourself, I experienced nosebleed. I've never had before so shock to system. I woke up and getting dressed and could feel warm sensation trickling down my face. First nose bleeds lasted 15 minutes. Then restarted again on & off 3 more times..I attended a&e as I became worried..After examination they said, I had 2 burst blood vessels and prescribed anti inflammatory cream. 24hrs later I was back in a&e as I started having a more nose bleeds running down my throat and bringing up large scary clots. I was referred to ENT, and consultant couldn't pin the nose bleeds to anything apart from bad luck of burst blood vessels. I mentioned i was on Sertraline and could it be this. The doctor said, no!

I stopped the Sertraline for my own safety and have had no scary nose bleeds since. I'd like to go back on the medication as it helped me but won't risk because of nose bleeds.

I didn't get anymore nose bleeds but I had horrendous diarrhoea - 10 times a day and in the night - so I went back to the GP and changed to Citalopram and the side effects went away. I get a lot of headaches now, I feel like my hot flushes have returned and I have a very dry mouth but even at its worst it is better than Sertraline.

Is Citalopram helping you with your symptoms? I have been experiencing very low mood again & intrusive thoughts and thinking of starring new medication but side effects of Sertraline have put me off.

I definitely feel a lot better. I am much more positive and less anxious. I have been on Citalopram for two months. I am much less tearful and much more myself. I am very sleepy however and my face feels hot and flushed but that's a small price to pay for being able to get through the day without sitting in a little soggy heap of tears!

Aw the little soggy heap of tears gave me a smile! Glad you're much better. Ten years here on sertraline, no soggy anything. Big fan.

A friend had a stroke the day after starting sertraline; no health issues prior. Just explained as one of those things but I have always wondered if there was a link. There do seem to be studies pointing to one / bleeding.

Glad to hear you're feeling more yourself and sorry to hear what you have been through previously. I'm 42 and never previously had mental health issues before. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety last year due to trauma and abuse. Writing I have d &a makes me upset. It's very hard to function when my brain is not functioning as it should and I know it's trying to protect me. I'm trying to survive day to day with my thoughts however it is suffering. I will discuss with my doctor about citalopram. Thank you for your help

That must have been a huge shock for your friend. How is she now?