I started setraline today….

[Myusernameisunique]

… and I’m terrified. So scared of the side effects. It’s taken me 3 weeks to build up to taking them. The noise in my head and the absolute despair I feel constantly is just too much now. I’ve started on half a tablet so 25mg rather than 50mg to hopefully ease myself in. I feel like an utter failure because this has all came off the back of a breakup. I can’t believe I’ve got into this state because of it. I don’t know why I’m posting here but I had to get it out somewhere that isn’t someone IRL because I already know my friends and family are beside themselves with worry about me and I feel so guilty about that too.

When are you taking it? I found taking it first thing in the morning helped with that.

Can you stay on Sertraline for life? My friend's been on it for about five years and just keeps getting repeat prescriptions, never had GP review.

I’ve been taking it in the morning. I have an almost constant headache as well which seems to really ramp up in the early hours when I’m awake. Still riding it out. I don’t know if I feel any better or less anxious although I wouldn’t expect to yet. It all comes in waves for me. I can be pretty ok for a week and then one day it flips and I’m in bed crying for days and days. I feel not too bad the moment but it could just be a good few days.

Keep going OP. I started so many times then gave up after a few days due to side effects. Eventually things got so bad I had no choice but to push through. It is hard yes, I didn’t sleep either and had awful digestive symptoms as well. But after a few weeks that all stops and you’ll feel so much better. I’m on 150mg now and it’s been life changing. You might find going up to 50 gives you some more side effects (not as bad), but for me after that I had none at all when I gradually went up to 150. You’ve got this. Take it easy on yourself and keep the end goal in sight.