Sertraline 50mg - Week 5 - Is this normal?

[MyLoftyDenimLeader]

Currently on week 5 of Sertraline 50mg daily for anxiety disorder along with working with a therapist. Have had some good and bad days since starting it but have noticed this week that my anxiety is through the roof. Probably doesn't help that I am spotting (very light period on coil) and perimenopausal symptoms.
I am really bad at building up scenarios in my head and worse case scenarios. Tonight I was just down in absolute tears and in distress. Scheduled an urgent appointment with my therapist tonight as it was so bad. Sick of feeling like this and not feeling at peace.
Please say it gets better!!! So frustrated!!

If your not feeling any benefit yet then you need to go back as there's a range of tablets to try. It's very rare we would prescribe anti depressants just for anxiety unless you also have depression. Not all anti depressants work the same and can cause the opposite effect for different people even make them feel suicidal so after a few weeks a return to your GP is very much advised. For just anxiety we would usually prescribe things like propranolol along those lines

If you're feeling extremely anxious related to the time of the month, with other perimenopause symptoms, maybe hrt would help.

I react really badly to any change in anti depressants and my anxiety can become really acute. And much worse since I gave got older. I would say 6-8 weeks to settle. Sorry you are going through this but potentially is a side effect which will improve.

Hi
I swapped from
Citalopram to Setraline 100mg and 40mg Propranalol
I have low dose diazepam for when I am very overwhelmed
i too have therapy and now am seeing a mental health practioner at the health centre
I am on week 13 now & have had some better days but still up and down

It's definitely normal to be prescribed antidepressants for anxiety disorders in the absence of depression. In fact evidence suggests antidepressants are more reliably effective for generalised anxiety disorder than they are for mild to moderate depression. And for other anxiety disorders like OCD they would definitely be a preferred option as well. Propranolol would normally be prescribed for the event-based anxiety like a fear of flying or something. Currently the evidence to support routine use is lacking.

50mg is a low dose. For me it was prescribed as a starting dose, with a view to building up to a more therapeutic dose. I'm currently on 200mg.

Perhaps worth discussing an increase with your doc.

My doctor is contacting me in a couple of weeks to discuss an increase, I spoke with him a few days ago. I am also prescribed propranolol too. Maybe the hormones aren't helping either. Going to be honest here and admit that I was googling my problems yesterday and one minute Google AI was supportive then the next pretty much felt it was turning on me.

I work in pharmacy so am aware that anti depressants such as Sertraline are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders and it can be successful. I am on Propranolol too and seeing a therapist