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Original poster

Just taken my first sertraline

32 replies

LibbyL92 · 13/08/2025 20:14

I’ve been prescribed sertraline 5 times before and never managed to take even 1. Out of fear of getting worse before I got better.

I was given 25mg 6 weeks ago. It’s taken me 6 weeks to work the courage up (and rapidly deteriorate with my MH) last night was the final straw. The ruminating has got completely out of control. My head was feeling like it was going to explode. It was the worst feeling.

i’m starting with 25mg, doctors said to follow up once I’ve completely with potential to up the dosage.

im also on the wait list for therapy. Another 5 weeks to go supposedly.

please tell me I'm going to be ok? I feel like I’m in such a deep black hole with no point of return.

any successful stories? I don’t know what I’m expecting from this post. Please, any happy stories to share from taking this? Does it get better?

OP posts:
Thunderpants88 · 14/08/2025 08:11

Youlittlerascal · 13/08/2025 20:43

Could any long term users of Sertraline tell me does it make you hungry. Also does it help with sleep. Thanks very much for any advice from any user of this medication. 🙏

For me no, not at all and I have been on it for 15 years and haven’t gained any weight

JustPinkFinch · 14/08/2025 08:24

I once experienced a massive trauma and went straight to the GP as I felt I needed something to take the edge off and help me get through. He prescribed sertraline.

It did indeed help me get through, and during the 12 months I was on it, it also completely rid me of the OCD I had suffered with my entire life. I had no idea it would do that. Miraculous drug.

Side effects at the start - jaw clenching and dizziness. Soon wore off. Longer term I was quite hot and sweaty.

I am long off it now and the OCD has crept back but nowhere near the levels it was before. If my OCD ever gets worse I wouldn't hesitate to get back on it.

Original poster
LibbyL92 · 14/08/2025 08:34

WiseSeal · 13/08/2025 22:40

I was terrified of it and so broke up my first 50mg tablet into tiny pieces. I took one piece and within about half an hour felt as if my brain was being given a hug. It certainly saved me from a trough of despair and anxiety. I have been on 100 now for more than 10 years. The only bad effect has been weight gain.

I’m sorry you are having a rough time and wish you all the best with your recovery.

The weight gain is what worries me! I’m getting married in 2 months! Haha.

im going to be very mindful of what I’m eating and try not cave into the hunger it supposedly brings x

OP posts:
Original poster
LibbyL92 · 14/08/2025 08:38

Thunderpants88 · 14/08/2025 08:08

I have many years of experience with Sertraline and always following a crashing my MH. I have come off and started it 4 times I do believe. 3 times for crippling anxiety and once for depression and anxeity together.

the conclusion I have come to is I do not think I will ever stop taking it again. Starting it is too hard to take that risk.

The last time I restarted it (it was 4 years ago)

For me, going straight to 50 and staying there was all I needed so I didn’t taper up and make the side effects last longer.

For me starting it week one is awful awful awful. My sleep disappears, anxiety ramps wayyy up, jaw clenched shut, face sore, feel physically shaky, can’t get any peace but no energy to move, arms feel detached and tingly. I spoke to the doctor the last twice about how it affected my sleep and was prescribed Valium 2mgs and zopiclone 7.5 at night for sleep. This made the week significantly easier and I found with sleep and low dose valium taking the intensity out of it the physical feeling I could cope.

Do not struggle with lack of sleep in silence. most GPs know how hard it is to start medication like this and will try to help you through.

My intense symptoms only last one week. And then the drastically lessen the second week. By the third week I begin to feel calmed internally and it only goes up from there.

You CAN do this. I think one of the biggest mistakes people make with ADs is quitting in the first couple of weeks because they can be so treacherous. Don’t. Write down all the reasons you went to the GP in the first place, the constant struggles to cope you have been having and how they impact your life. Refer back to all of this for the first while to keep you going.

you will get better and life WILL be brighter and more sweet then you can imagine when everything calms down and you get over this initial hurdle. Cling to that.

I had to up my dose from 50mgs to 200 when I had PPA after my first baby. I am not in 75 msg and I think I could cope with 50mgs but will leave it at 75mg until I return to work

Thank you so much for this. Really helpful.

was writing things down what made it easier to continue to the medication? The thought of feeling worse worries me, but I know it’s short term, and I have to keep telling myself that.

OP posts:
Tcateh · 14/08/2025 18:23

Don't think about it like the long road ahead so much.
Try and accept it day by day. Those weeks will come along whatever.
You may never need 200mg. If you do you do but try and stick to 25mg for a few weeks.
Then reassess.

Original poster
LibbyL92 · 20/08/2025 10:57

Just thought I’d update as I’m almost a week in. Instantly feel better. Side effects have been struggling to fall asleep, dry mouth lasted one day, and yesterday started to experience stomach cramps with an upset stomach.

I will probably up the dose to 50 once my course has finished. So far, a pleasant experience.

OP posts:
greengreyblue · 20/08/2025 12:11

Oh that’s great op. Well done . What a massive relief for you. Good luck!

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