Starting Sertraline Support Thread

[Newtosertraline]

Hi,

I’m on day 2 of sertraline and wondered if anyone else was at a similar stage for a bit of moral support? I’ve read someone mention a support thread somewhere but I can’t find it!

So far I feel okay… definitely a bit dizzy/spaced out/drowsy/tired but that could also be my 2 young children/other health things I’ve got going on (that triggered the health anxiety and decision to ask for some help!)

I’m worried about work on Monday and how I’ll cope if I’ve got side effects (I’m a primary teacher so work is very very busy and intense!)

I’m wondering whether to switch to taking it on evenings to combat the drowsy feeling but if I take another one tonight now it will be like a double dose!?

Sertraline is used when energy levels are low, it shouldn’t sedate past the bodies initial response to it, taking meds on a night is usually sensible if just once a day as it can help reduce impact of any potential side effect, don’t take two doses in a day though

Hello, is this your first time taking ssri's?
I just started citalopram 3 weeks ago so I'm quite further ahead and different med but I'd like to join in if I can.
I'm terrified of medication and so I cut the tablets in half and took 5mg a day for a fortnight first, now on this 3rd week I've been alternating 10mg one day and 5mg the next back n forth. I know all this sounds crazy, believe me I know, but it's the only way I can get around the paralyzing fear of taking them.
I've suffered health anxiety for 15yrs and PTSD for 9 years plus phobia's and I've tried all sorts of therapy so I'm really at a breaking point now of absolutely needing medication.

Side effects have been hard - increased anxiety, reduced appetite, worsening of my IBS, tiredness. I have 2mg diazepam that I've been taking on the worst days.

Hi @Nogodsnomasters! Yes it’s my first time too. I’m sorry you’re having so many side effects! I hope you can get through them ❤️ Are they starting to even out at all?

I’m on day 3 and have been okay today - less dizzy/spaced out than yesterday I think. I do have this weird thing where my skin down one side feels really sensitive/sore but there’s no rash, and it keeps moving…I’ve just finished a course of metronidazole though so it could be a side effect of that, or of the unknown gynae issue that seems to have triggered this complete meltdown….!

Are you taking yours in the evenings or mornings op? I'm taking mine in the mornings. My sleep is awful so I really don't need anything further disrupting it. Yesterday was my 7th day of doing 10/5/10/5 so I'm now this fresh week going to do two days of 10mg then a 5mg day then another 2 days of 10 and just keep slowly building it up.

The side effects have not fully settled yet no, some days are manageable, other days are horrendous. Glad to hear your dizziness is starting to ease up some, hopefully the skin sensitivity will be a fleeting thing 🙏

Unfortunately citalopram is noted for increasing anxiety symptoms during its initial use, possibly for upto two weeks, using diazepam is a good option, but only if you really need it