Starting sertraline for anxiety and worried about side effects

[VictoriaSmith01]

So the title says it all really…

I’m about to start with my first tablet tonight but I’m so anxious about the side effects (lol at the irony of anti-anxiety drugs making me more anxious). I don’t have depression but I am incredibly anxious and on edge pretty much all the time, and lately it’s been manifesting as pretty dark health anxiety - hence a trip to the Drs. I’ve tried CBT and so many other things over the years, so medication is kind of a last resort for me.

Keen to hear from people who are just starting too - maybe we can be in this together?! Also keen to hear from people who are on it and didn’t have awful side effects 🙏🏻 I’m particularly worried about the teeth grinding so please let me know if you didn’t have this!

xx

Hi OP

I've been on it for years and not had any side effects - remember that it is not a given that you will have any!

If you do, they often settle down. If not, have a talk to your prescriber as its not the only one on the market.

Good luck!

My partner is on them and hasn’t had any side effects at all. Remember that people are less likely to post if they didn’t have any issues with them so that’s why more of the horror stories are online.

Ive been on Sertraline for years with no side effects. I hope it helps you

I was anxious about taking them for the first time, too, and I was advised by someone else on anti-anxiety medication to take it just before I went to bed.

The only side-effect that I had from Sertraline was the munchies. Seriously- I was permanently hungry! Other than that, it was fine.

Only thing I had was an upset tummy for a couple of days. Nothing too major

No side effects here from me or my daughter. We take in the morning

Thanks for taking the time to message guys! I’ve been on 25mg for three days and whilst the physical symptoms haven’t been bad at all (a bit sweatier than normal but that’s it) my anxiety is still awful and I do feel quite sad (which is a new feeling for me, normally it’s just anxiety). My Dr says I should be on at least 50mg as that is the lowest therapeutic amount, but I’m tempted to ride it out and see if 25mg makes a difference once these first few weeks have passed? What do people think? Xx

I started on 25mgs for a few days as I was scared of side effects. I increased to 50mgs 3 weeks ago. My symptoms were pronounced fatigue, however Ive changed to taking it in the evening time and this has improved.

In the 1st week, my anxiety spiked, over the last week my anxiety is still there in background but doesnt "latch" onto a thought so I dont start spiralling. Over the last 2-3 days I have been slightly calmer.

My jaw does feel a bit clenched sometimes but no teeth grinding.

I was a mess beforehand (although hiding it from everyone) so Im feeling positive. I took it at the beginning commmitted to going for 12 weeks and expecting a bumpy road - but actually its been ok!

I’ve been taking it for PND for several months, starting at 50 then moving to 100, 150 and now 200. I think I had a bit of a dodgy tummy and it’s reduced my sex drive to zero, but nothing else.

I’ve been on and off Sertraline for almost 20yrs, and I have never experienced any side effects, thankfully.

The full benefits of the meds likely won’t be noticeable for a short while, but your last post implies you already know this.

Re: the dosage, this will be your personal choice, as you know how you are feeling. I have always started on 50g, and only recently moved up to 100g. That extra 50g has made such a difference for me and my mental health.

My family member did experience quite bad side effects including an increase in anxiety (and at one awful stage, suicidal thoughts but that didn’t last long). The Gp prescribed Lorazepam alongside it for a week or so which helped. They started on 50mg but had to have the dose increased fairly quickly to 100mg and I think went up to the max dose for a while. They had brain zaps, clenched jaw and disturbed sleep initially so took it in the mornings. It started to work after 4-6 weeks and they were back to ‘normal’ in 4 months and returned to work on a lower dose after 6 months. The side effects wore off.

It really helped them and they tapered off slowly after 2 years. It was a horrible time but I’m glad they persevered with it. I hope it’s successful for you and you have support.

Thanks everyone. I’m on day 7 and whilst I have moments of feeling ok I also feel quite down and flat. I am using tools I learnt in CBT to tackle my intrusive thoughts and anxiety spirals, which is what I’ve always done before starting mediation.

I’m wondering if the Sertraline isn’t for me as I’ve never really felt down before, and I’m worried it’s close to feeling depressed. I’m getting way more agitated with my kids.

I told myself I’d give it two weeks but I really don’t want to continue feeling down or flat…

I’ve taken it a couple of times, the first time I did have a week or so of feeling nauseous and, oddly, very sweaty!
I’m back on it now and had no side effects this time round.

It takes a few weeks to kick in and to find the right dose for you. I’ve been on it since 2012. 100mg. It works for me. Part of your anxiety is worrying about the side effects you’d probably feel the same no matter what medication you were prescribed that’s the nature of anxiety in my experience. Try not to think too much about it and trust the process. We’ve all been there.

My partner is on it and it’s been very helpful. There are initial side effects but once you get past those it’s fine.