Sertraline help

[clpsmum]

I have today been prescribed sertraline. I do not have any depression but I have crippling anxiety, intrusive thoughts, overthinking and panic attacks. I've just read the leaflet and then a thread on here that for the first few weeks it can actually make all these things worse. Has anyone experienced this? I really can't cope with things getting any worse than they already are and I just don't know what to do. Any help is greatly appreciated

It didn't for me! I've been on it for six years and I don't have/didn't have any side effects. The only thing is I take it in the morning otherwise I can't sleep. It's saved my life, and I'm not being dramatic.
It's worth a try, isn't it?x

I didn’t get worse when I started taking it. I’ve been on it for almost a decade now. It was a game changer for me.

I hope you start to feel better soon OP. Those leaflets have to give you any possible side effects - you’d never take a paracetamol if you took any notice.

I found for the first few days sleep was difficult, though by day almost too chilled - it soon evened out - game changer for my anxiety.

I read a thread on here as well as the levels and it terrified me. I went to the doctor today and asked for this as tbh I just can't cope with it anymore but when I read the thread I just thought wtf have I done. Anything is worth a try because I really can't live like this but I just can't get worse I can't cope as it is.

Thank you both for replying to me and I'm so glad it has worked for you both. I think I will give it a go.

Oh no I honestly don't think I could cope if it got worse. There are sleep issues but I can't take anything to put me to sleep as I'm a single mum. I'm so conflicted I want to try it and make myself better but just know I couldn't cope if it got any worse even for a day

I've tried a lot of different SSRIs and have worked in CMHTs - I've heard so many good things about sertraline so gave it a try myself. I was super frustrated because it didn't work for me (PMDD) however I didn't have any negative mood related side effects from it. So I think you should absolutely give it a go.

Also - stick to it for at least month, even if you don't notice any difference at first. It takes weeks to start working and takes our brains a while to notice we've changed sometimes.

If sertraline doesn't work for you, try fluoxetine as that has helped me a lot with rumination/obsessive thoughts ❤️

Unfortunately I did experience horrible side effects, worsening of my anxiety and horrible nausea and upset tummy so I came off it after a month but I know others who haven’t had any adverse effects so it really just depend how well your body tolerates it I guess! It’s worth a try and you can always try something else if it doesn’t agree with you. Good luck! 🤞🏻

Hi. I've been on them for 17 years now. Started at the low dose and over the years they were increased to the dose I'm on now and will probably be for life. I too have anxiety and intrusive thoughts plus the odd paranoia. My anxiety is also to do with health. These have been a lifesaver for me. No other meds helped. I can't say it will be the same for you but go through the early days knowing that there maybe some side effects. Of course get back to your doctor if you're worried about them. Hopefully you'll have a review after 4 weeks? Xxx

My ds takes sertraline for severe ocd, he is on 100mg and will go up to 150mg - only side effects were going a bit manic when the doses were increased and feeling very tired - but these settled down quickly and he is now able to live his life and be happier generally. He also had CBT therapy - I would suggest doing this alongside the medication.

My ds has been on sertraline for anxiety since he was 12. Apart from a little stomach upset for the few days he had zero side effects. He's on a higher dose now and it does help him so much.

Thank you so much everybody. Your kind words have settled m3 a bit thank you. I've got myself in such a state being anxious about being anxious 🤦‍♀️ I can't carry on like this so will give them a go. I will be having a review in four weeks so hoping for no or little side effects and that I get to the four week point! I've also been referred to cbt therapy and talking therapy and advised to get outside and exercise daily and cut certain items such as caffeine out of my diet as this apparently helps. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 thank you everybody again your kindness has really helped me at such a low point xx

Hi. I’ve been taking sertraline for 10 years now, literally saved my life. The first week on them I didn’t feel great at all but after that each day just got better and better. Hope things are going well for everyone

I always took mine in the evening so I’m the hope if I did get side effects I would hopefully sleep through them. I still after all this time take my tablet 9:30pm every night

That's maybe a good idea. What time do people generally take the tablets? I was going to take it first thing but evening is possibly better then

I take mine before bed as it helps me sleep. I didn’t have any negative side effects apart from being nauseous for the first week or so. I’ve been taking 100mg for 18 months and love it! I never feel anxious anymore.

That's reassuring thank you

Are most of you taking the tablets at night time?

I felt worse initially but honestly it was so worth it for the relief when it lifted. It was only a week of feeling worse, my GP prescribed diazepam for me which took the edge off. For me it was panic that I was struggling with and the diazepam did help that. Have you got support at home or can you go somewhere that will help support you? Without my DH and my Mum, I would have been very lonely

Definitely take at night initially. That's what I was advised by the psych.

Im not on Sertraline ( escitalopram here ) and had side effects initially. My gp prescribed low dose diazepam to ease the initial side effects. Good luck op

I honestly don't think I could handle it being any worse tbh. I don't have any support unfortunately which makes things harder. I'm so glad that it was worth it for you and you have people supporting you xx

Thank you I think I can handle the physical side effects I'm just so terrified that my anxiety will increase that's the part I can't handle

I'll maybe hold off starting them until Monday and phone drs to see if I. A. Get some diazepam to go alongside it