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Original poster

Starting sertraline

9 replies

Lostand44 · 04/02/2025 19:16

For a bit of background: I’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember. There’s been points in my life when it’s been worse than others but for the past few years it’s really ramped up. There’s been lots of health issues and deaths in the family that has heightened my anxiety.

In September I went to my GP. I should’ve gone a LOT sooner but it took a massive month long anxiety induced panic for me to walk in to the drs to make an appointment. A huge part of my anxiety is around medical things so GPs, dentists and hospitals etc so I avoid them at all costs! I’ve been really poorly in the past and tried to ‘get through it’ because I was too scared to go to hospital and had to be taken in - it was sepsis!

My GP thinks I have health anxiety and GAD, she prescribed 50mg sertraline. However, due to my anxiety I’m too scared to start them even though they could change my life! My DH has lots of serious health issues that require lots of hospital appointments and it’s got to the point I can’t even go with him to support him. I need to do something for his sake otherwise he’s going through things on his own!

So, is anyone willing to share their experiences of sertraline? The good and the bad?

OP posts:
Waitingforthesunshine24 · 04/02/2025 19:42

Lostand44 · 04/02/2025 19:16

For a bit of background: I’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember. There’s been points in my life when it’s been worse than others but for the past few years it’s really ramped up. There’s been lots of health issues and deaths in the family that has heightened my anxiety.

In September I went to my GP. I should’ve gone a LOT sooner but it took a massive month long anxiety induced panic for me to walk in to the drs to make an appointment. A huge part of my anxiety is around medical things so GPs, dentists and hospitals etc so I avoid them at all costs! I’ve been really poorly in the past and tried to ‘get through it’ because I was too scared to go to hospital and had to be taken in - it was sepsis!

My GP thinks I have health anxiety and GAD, she prescribed 50mg sertraline. However, due to my anxiety I’m too scared to start them even though they could change my life! My DH has lots of serious health issues that require lots of hospital appointments and it’s got to the point I can’t even go with him to support him. I need to do something for his sake otherwise he’s going through things on his own!

So, is anyone willing to share their experiences of sertraline? The good and the bad?

Hi OP,

I came off mine in October (my choice due to ttc and I felt really well) but prior to that took them for 18 months. No exaggeration they saved me. I was a shadow of myself and they brought me back to life. Took about 6 weeks to work, had to persevere as the results are not instant but when they kicked in...my world went back to colour and felt like me again. Could work normally, socialise and felt positive. At first they upset my tummy but I powered on and so glad I did. I wouldn't hesitate to take them again! Was on my knees with anxiety and panic attacks. Reluctant at first to take them, similarly to you health anxiety and all my panic came from being rushed to hospital.
There are other antidepressants also so if this didn't work for you others are available Biscuit

YouveCatToBeKittenMe · 04/02/2025 19:43

Sertraline worked really well for me. I had crippling anxiety related to menopause.
it made me feel normal again it took about 3 weeks if i remember correctly. Unfortunately I had to stop taking it as it gave me unmanageable diarrhoea. Ive not met or read of anyone else having this side effect although it is apparently a common one. I had to change to a different medication which is ok but not quite as effective.
i hope it works well for you

Original poster
Lostand44 · 05/02/2025 05:17

Thank you for your replies.

Is there a best time to take it to minimise side effects? Do I eat beforehand or is that a bad idea incase I’m sick?

OP posts:
AmusedGoose · 05/02/2025 06:38

I take venlafaxine which has side effects but honestly they have changed my life. I'm happier and a nicer person to be around. Surely a few side effects are a decent trade for helping you to be well and functional.

AnotherCunningPlan · 07/02/2025 16:08

Hi op
I started on 50mg sertraline about 6 weeks ago. It was for health related anxiety causing panic attacks and lots of other unpleasant symptoms.

I've had a pretty positive experience of taking them. For the first few days I felt really quite jittery and on edge and if anything the underlying symptoms seemed worse. However after a bout a week the side effects faded away more or less and I began to feel less anxious.

I now feel a lot less anxious than previously, although not 100%. Im also doing cbt therapy via the nhs, but im not sure im finding it that useful.

If your anxious about starting sertraline could you start on 25 mg? Either by getting another prescription or just splitting the table in 2. This is what I did as like you I was very nervous about starting sertraline but rationalised if I did have unpleasant side effects they couldn't be that bad on such a low dose.

Original poster
Lostand44 · 07/02/2025 20:16

AnotherCunningPlan · 07/02/2025 16:08

Hi op
I started on 50mg sertraline about 6 weeks ago. It was for health related anxiety causing panic attacks and lots of other unpleasant symptoms.

I've had a pretty positive experience of taking them. For the first few days I felt really quite jittery and on edge and if anything the underlying symptoms seemed worse. However after a bout a week the side effects faded away more or less and I began to feel less anxious.

I now feel a lot less anxious than previously, although not 100%. Im also doing cbt therapy via the nhs, but im not sure im finding it that useful.

If your anxious about starting sertraline could you start on 25 mg? Either by getting another prescription or just splitting the table in 2. This is what I did as like you I was very nervous about starting sertraline but rationalised if I did have unpleasant side effects they couldn't be that bad on such a low dose.

I have thought about halving the tablet for a while to see how I get on, with the same rationale as you, surely the side effects wouldn’t be as bad. Maybe that’s what I need to do. I’m just really nervous about the side effects, specifically my anxiety getting worse before it gets better!

Do you take yours morning or evening? Do you eat with it? I think I’m thinking, maybe naively, I can take it of an evening and sleep through any minimal side effects (knowing me I’ll go the other way and the side effect I experience will be insomnia 🙄)

OP posts:
AmusedOpalShaker · 10/02/2025 20:59

@Lostand44 how are you getting on? I’m on day 5 of 50mg x

Original poster
Lostand44 · 10/02/2025 21:02

I still haven’t plucked up the courage to take them out of the cupboard. How are you getting on with them? Have you had any side effects?

OP posts:
AmusedOpalShaker · 11/02/2025 05:58

Lostand44 · 10/02/2025 21:02

I still haven’t plucked up the courage to take them out of the cupboard. How are you getting on with them? Have you had any side effects?

I’ve had a bit of a rough couple of days, I won’t fib to you, but yesterday I felt calmer and had such a deep sleep, so I’m hoping this is the turning point.

Please don’t let me put you off when I talk about a few rough days - go for it, don’t let fear and anxiety stop you - you’ve nothing to lose. Xx

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