Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Mental health

Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have medical concerns, please seek medical attention.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Starting Sertraline, how bad will the next few weeks be?

44 replies

toomuchpanic · 05/02/2024 11:04

I have been suffering from severe panic attacks for 5 weeks, They started at the same time as an illness but haven’t gone away, my gp has prescribed propranolol which isn’t really helping, I have had blood tests and I am waiting on the results.

GP has suggested starting Sertraline, I’ve picked up the prescription this morning but some of the side effects ( increased anxiety/panic etc) are really worrying me, I’ve been struggling over the last 5 weeks and I’m not sure I could cope with these symptoms getting worse.

Can anyone reassure me that the next few weeks won’t be as bad as I think they will be or give me any advice?
Any help at all is appreciated, Thank you

OP posts:

Greensleevevssnotnose · 05/02/2024 12:36

It made life better for me, no bad feelings in the first few weeks

Bargello · 05/02/2024 12:37

DS started on sertraline about 4 weeks ago (he's 22). He is feeling so much better and has not had any serious side effects. I think he;s on 50mg a day.

Original poster

toomuchpanic · 05/02/2024 12:38

Peachandwatermelon · 05/02/2024 12:35

I've just started too. On day 4 so far 🫂

How are you feeling so far?

OP posts:

CaustonCID · 05/02/2024 12:54

@toomuchpanic it hasn't increased my panic levels so far despite the warnings that it might. I'd say they are about the same but it's only day 4. The only side effect I've had is the random travel sick feeling.
I take mine in the morning as the GP advised it was best, not sure why though as I forgot to ask!

Peachandwatermelon · 05/02/2024 12:59

toomuchpanic · 05/02/2024 12:38

How are you feeling so far?

Show quote history

First night I did have increased anxiety and dry mouth with lots of crying when I woke.
2nd and 3rd night wasn't as bad. Experiencing nausea but not too bad and just feel a bit sleepy and low.

MyLadyTheKingsMother · 05/02/2024 12:59

You won't know until you try it but I personally think I had a rough time with side effects. Nausea, diarrhea, sleepyness, increased anxiety.

HOWEVER the propranolol helped me with panic attacks and I pushed through the side effects/started taking then in the evening to combat the worst and on day 14 suddenly started to feel much better.

I still find myself a bit anxious around my period but other than that I'm better than I have been for years and years.

SnackQueen · 05/02/2024 13:37

Everyone is different and responds differently to medication. Some people will get some side effects, some people will get other side effects, some people will get none. In my experience, compared to many other anti-depressants, sertraline is definitely not up there with the worst of them. I never had any issues with Sertraline. The key is to stay positive and open minded that the medication is going to help you and accept that it might take a couple of weeks for your body and mind to adjust to the tinkering and rewiring that is going on upstairs. As with any medication, just keep a sensible eye out for adverse or serious reactions. Don't obsess over possible side effects that might never happen or you'll end up willing them into existence. The power of the mind works both ways.

fixies · 05/02/2024 23:12

First two weeks were awful for me. Worse than before starting. I found it worse than other drugs.

Lifted quite quickly though .

twinkleyEye · 05/02/2024 23:18

Been on Sertraline 50 for almost 4 weeks and the only side effect I've had is extreme tiredness. I've needed to have naps many afternoons as well as going to bed early. I can't wait for this tiredness to disappear as I'm not as productive as usual (nor as anxious though)

ImthatBoleyngirl · 05/02/2024 23:19

I didn't have any side effects. Made me feel much better.

skysmumm · 05/02/2024 23:23

Absolutely life changing! Please stick with them. Get some immodium if they upset your tummy. That eventually goes.

I didn't have a panic attack from day 5 of taking them and haven't had one since. Anxiety is pretty much non existent. I had CBT alongside starting them.

Best of luck with them and get well soon! xxx

Motherrr · 05/02/2024 23:38

I'm off them now but didn't get bad side effects when starting (started on 50, went up to 75). Took me a while to decide that they were working and it's a gradual thing. Lots of people seem to have a bad time when starting. Hang in there hope things get better for you x

LauderSyme · 06/02/2024 00:07

I've been on Sertraline for a long long time, and am happy with it. I feel like my symptoms are better controlled than with any other SSRI I've been prescribed. Am currently on 100mg daily but have varied my dose from 50 to 200 over time as needed.

I have minimal side effects. Other meds made me feel much worse tbh. I did get headaches at the start with Sertraline but no initial increase in panic attacks or excessive psychological distress.

I started feeling better within 2 to 3 weeks. I wouldn't say it was a bad time.

You have been through so much. I really hope the treatment helps you feel better soon 💐

A relative of mine who became ill with anxiety whist grieving was prescribed pregabalin which helped her.

MYSTERIOUSGIRL2024 · 06/02/2024 00:23

Ooh sertaline, it for me was a rollercoaster the first month taking them as I'd tried others & made me worse but I stuck with sertaline & was nauseous, exhausted & still anxious but it settled & I am quite tired taking them so I take mine at night-time. Also please eat something prior to taking it as I've made that error & felt so sick afterwards. I still get the odd anxiety attack but nothing compared to it was priori to starting sertaline. I highly recommend you stay on them & give them a chance. It's improved my life so much! Good luck with them & hopefully they'll work for you!

Ponderingwindow · 06/02/2024 00:23

I had absolutely no side effects. I took the pill and I felt better.

I am the queen of pills causing side effects. If it is listed on the product literature that 1/1million people grew an extra limb, I was that person. I kid, but you get what I mean.

my only negative After a few years I upped my dose and it made it ever so slightly harder to orgasm. I wouldn't want to increase doses again without good cause.

Frogget · 06/02/2024 01:33

Definitely go gradual increase (and decrease when/if you do). I've been on a few different ADs and found sertraline the worst for starting/stopping if not eased on or off, but fine once settled.

PurpleOrchid42 · 06/02/2024 03:00

For me, I felt anxious for a couple of hours on day 3, and drowsy that same day too. But by the next day I felt pretty much back to normal. I'm nearly 4 weeks in, and the last few days I feel a big improvement.

DRS1970 · 07/02/2024 09:10

If you had asked I would have told you not to read the possible side effects. I have been taking Sertaline for a long time now, and the common problems I had when starting out, or changing dose, were nausea for a couple of days, and insomnia which lingered - but was resolved by switching my dose to mornings. I am sure others will add other issues to this, but my point is that the bad symptoms are normally short lived. GL

SCeee · 28/05/2024 17:17

Hi all,

I know this chat hasn’t been active for a few months but wanted to know how you’re all doing? I’m on day 8 of sertraline and so far not too bad. I’ve experienced loss of appetite, dry mouth, nausea. Today I’m feeling really anxious 😥 just wondering when I’ll turn a corner?

Flip

1 2