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Help sertraline

6 replies

Mezza80s · 14/09/2024 10:26

Hi I need some reassurance... I started sertraline 5 days ago for severe anxiety & I honestly feel as though I'm going insane. The side effect are crippling, can't sleep at all not even tired it's like I'm wired, my body feels like it's constantly vibrating or shaking inside, intrusive thoughts, anxiety was even more heighten at the beginning but must admit I'm starting to feel a bit numb to that now although the over thinking & worrying hasn't stopped. Got prescribed zopiclone for sleep took it 1st night & was amazing got sleep for the 1st time in 4 days but took it for the 2nd night & it did absolutely nothing I was just laying there all night with my eyes closed shaking from how rough I feel. Is this the new me? When I try to go to sleep on my own as I start to feel relaxed or nod off it's like a zap of electricity & I jerk awake & it takes my breath away I'm so so scared I need positive stories or reassurance that this is normal on sertraline because I feel like I'm going crazy & that I'll be committed at this point. Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Bohomovies · 14/09/2024 10:27

I had a very similar experience when starting my SSRI. It did go away though. What is your start-up dose?

missmousemouth · 14/09/2024 10:30

Stick with it. I started on a very low dose and had all that plus insane crazy exploding dreams. Every time the dose was stepped up, the same again. That's all gone now. I sleep soundly and life is generally so much better.

greatvisuals · 14/09/2024 10:39

The symptoms do get worse before they get better, then at about 14 days you gradually start to feel really really calm and amazing. I think it took about 6 weeks for me to totally level out - felt great for over 3 years now.

What dose are you on?

Mezza80s · 14/09/2024 12:27

I'm on 25mg

OP posts:
Mezza80s · 14/09/2024 16:37

Thank you so much for the feedback, it's nice to know I'm not going mad I've literally never felt so scared in my life, I've been signed off work for 2 weeks already because I just can't function. I can't afford to be off any longer so I really hope they do their stuff soon.

OP posts:
greatvisuals · 14/09/2024 16:56

25mg is a very good and low starting dose. I think you'll be fine in two weeks. Just rest a lot - I kept falling asleep for the afternoon for the first few weeks.

Also, depending on how it affects you (wakes you up or makes you drowsy) decide when is best to take it. I take mine at midday and that works for me.

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