Health anxiety, sertraline and gut issues (TMI?)

[Heronatemygoldfish]

Hi all
I've gone on sertraline 50mg for the third time 6 weeks ago. A few hours after dose 1, I found myself running to the loo. This also happened the last time I was on it, but it was transient.
This time it's not going away. I've now had 6 weeks of abdominal cramping, intermittent diarrhoea and nausea: given I take it primarily for health anxiety, I'm now in a worse state than before I took my first tablet!

I'm puzzled as to why previous treatments didn't have this effect. I've got my check-in with the GP coming up, but it's a locum and a phone consult, not my lovely usual GP, and I'm worried that the locum won't know how to deal with it or will just figuratively pat me on the head. I have written down what and when so I can read it out rather than turning into an incoherent rambler.

I guess I'm asking if anyone else has had their insides go completely crazy on sertraline? I know it's a side-effect but the reliable websites all say it goes away "in a few weeks" but nobody says how many weeks is a few.

I’ve not had gut issues with sertraline. It sounds like it might not be the right drug for you. There are other antidepressants that might be a better fit x

I've tried citalopram but it sent my vision a bit squiffy and that's why sertraline was recommended.

Bump?

I have a weird taste 24/7 but no other effects

i had to stop citalopram due to vision issues.

I was then put on sertraline 50 and my belly settled after 6 / 7 weeks. So you may have to stick with it. Carry imodium if needed.

I also take sertraline just before bed. That may help.

If you type into google, sertaline review, there is a drugs review page were ppl share there symptoms, so you know when starting, these symptoms are normal

The first time I went on sertraline I had an upset tummy for weeks. I had other physical side effects but none of the mental side effects.

The second time I went on it, I got much much worse mentally for the first couple of weeks but I had less (if any) of the physical side effects.

I never understood why the two times were so different!

Yes, so different for me too on each occasion which is what is so baffling. Only difference I can think of was that I was dieting both prior times - so I may not have been eating enough to trigger the gut effects. Who knows... but I'm going out tomorrow so painkillers and imodium it is. After my GP call!
Thank you all.