Starting sertraline tomorrow, when did you notice any improvement?

[Sleepy21]

Due to start sertraline tomorrow - when can I expect to see an improvement? Even if only mild? Keen to hear your experiences - thanks v much!

A good week maybe more.
Everyone is different.
Let it flow over you,don’t count the days just go with the flow, be kind to yourself.
Don't look for it, suddenly you will realise things seem better.
Best of luck x

Thanks so much for your lovely comment - you’ve made me feel so much better x

I actually felt quite a bit better after 3 days but I don't know how much of that was pure relief at having started something to help me.
In terms of feeling "good", I would say 3 weeks and then I never looked back.
There can be some rough side effects when you first start. Try to ride those out as just a hump in the road not a sign that it's not right for you.
What dose are you starting on?

You'll know when it works for you.
It could be a minor thing that would normally set off overthinking etc.
And it barely registers.
For me it doesn't numb you it helps keep things in perspective.
Good luck hope it works for you.
As pp we all react different to it.

They have started me on 50mcg - will review with GP in 2 weeks and will increase if necessary. I know it’s not an overnight things but I hope within the next week or two it does something - feeling so terrible ☹️

I’m on 50. But I started on 25 for the first week and then upped it. that did help

Thanks so much everyone for your responses - they have really made me feel more positive! Can I ask during the transition time when you’re feeling crap and anxious, for those of you that have young kids how do you manage? I’m struggling but and feel awful for it as just want to feel myself again!

It can make symptoms worse to start off with but it really does help if you can get through the first few weeks.

A good week for me - made me slightly worse to start but def worth pushing through. I’m on 150 now but it’s honestly changed my life so much. You’ll be fine I’m sure I know so many people who it has helped xx

Personally, I maybe felt better in the first couple of weeks and then went through a period of about 6 weeks when I felt worse. At that point I went up to 100mg and haven’t looked back. I CAN take time but it’s well worth powering on with it in my experience (been on and off antidepressants for years).

Stick on here.
Tell us how you are feeling over the coming weeks and posters can guide you through xx

I'm in the 150 mg club..it definitely stops the 100 mph thought patterns and the chatter of the what it's?.

Feeling a little ‘flat’ after a few tablets- the intense anxiety feeling has reduced but I just feel a bit ‘off’ mood wise - but I’m just telling myself it’s temporary on the way to feeling better! My mind is still whirring though - I hope that calms down soon 🤞

Started working within 4/5 days. It saved my life.

the side effects were awful initially and very hard to manage. The side effects lessened over time but stayed and I decided to come off them after 4 months but they had done their job by then.

good luck op and dont give up if side effects are bad to begin with.

Thank you - appreciate the comment! Keeps me positive. I have been taking it in the morning as have been having trouble sleeping but also hear it can help at night? Wondered what others have found works for them?

@Sleepy21
How ya doing.
Quite expecting you to say “not so good” but don’t worry just keep going with the flow.
I know some say they actually feel worse than they did before being on the tablets at first till they fully kick in.
Keep going.

Thanks so much for your message - you are right - not so good! I have to say I am feeling the side effects, and my anxiety keeps coming and going in waves. But when I feel bad, I go back and re-read these messages and it makes me feel more positive and reassures me that I have to keep going! Xx

Experiencing pretty bad side effects again today and last night ☹️ I know nobody can say for sure but looking for some reassurance it might get better! Feeling very low this morning xx

I am now on day 6 x

I work in mental health and starting any SSRI can make you feel worse before you feel better….i really wish doctors would stress that a bit more. Initially can make anxiety feel worse and cause nausea and headaches etc…but then for most people within a couple of weeks the side effects lessen and positive effects kick in and anxiety improves and mood lifts. You are doing great so hang on in there. Try to take one day at a time and get some fresh air and gentle exercise if you can. If you are not feeling any improvement after a couple weeks do go back to your doctor though. There are alternatives to Sertraline and sometimes it is trial and error to find the right medication which is hard when you are feeling rubbish but things will get better x

You’re ok - you’ll get there - you’ll suddenly realise you feel better honestly. As Jojo said above if you still feel like this in a couple of weeks it may be that you need a different drug but it’s very usual to feel like this at the start of taking them - and she’s right they don’t stress this enough. Is there anything you enjoy doing that will keep you busy like sewing or puzzles etc? Might help a bit. Are you at home on your own. There are people here with you.

This thread has been really helpful. I have taken a while to start taking them after being prescribed. A close friend died and I'd heard the first couple of weeks were horrific so was scared to start. I'm on day three, but taking mine at night.

Thank you so much for all your kind replies - I truly appreciate it, they really keep me going and make me feel like I am not alone! Middle of the night and morning seems to be the worst time for me. I am at home with 2 DC which makes it so challenging as I don’t feel I am being the mum I want to be 😥but it’s a good point about keeping busy as to be honest in the evenings all I am doing is thinking and waiting to feel better

Sorry to hear that. How are you finding sertraline so far? I know it’s early days still

I came off it a few weeks ago after being on and off it for about 14 years. I was doing well then all of a sudden something set me off and my anxiety was out of control. I went back on it yesterday. I feel like I’ll never be free ☹️