I've always suffered anxiety but been able to control it, recently its got so bad it effects me going to work and everyday life. Doc started me on 50 mg sertaline as the 20mf citraloplam wasn't helping, I'm 3 weeks in and this is the worst I've ever been I bately can leave the house my anxiety has got so much worse and still feeling the full side effects anyone else experiencing this ? Do I peservere?
Hi Gem 101.
Sorry to hear you're having difficulty, bit I say it was worth sticking to.
Like you I was first prescribed citalopram. I didn't think in made any difference at all, same withe the next medication-venlofaxine. I would say it was 3rd time lucky for me when my cousin suggested sertraline.
The first few weeks were awful, I must admit. I was very restless-I would say more anxious. But apparently this is a normal side effect. I'm always told you feel worse for a short time before you see an improvement.
I aso suffered night sweats, vivid dreams and all manner of other things.
Also, it's important to get the correct amount, so adjusting your medication can be helpful.
My advice would be to try keep a 'mood diary', if you like. Might be worthwhile showing your doctor it. They can get valuable insight on what you're dealing with-sometimes it can be hard to describe. it could be a certain time or situation you feel worse. This may also get a chance to rectify these issues.
Also, aswell as the medication I spoke to someone which helped so much. Should always take that in to acount.
Wish you well and sending positive vibes.
.take car!
Thank you ! I'm hoping to get CBT therapy to help which my gp referred me to
Seems like a long process but anything that can help I'm willing to try ! The sertraline is making me feel awful and can't bare going to work or facing the world but im gonna stick with it a few more weeks and hope for improvement ! X
I had to take some time off from work. In this situation you need to think about yourself, your health is more important. All I wanted to do is sleep when I first started taking them.
Honestly for me it improved so much. I could get up and go to work, started seeing friends again-just generally more myself and again!
The way I'd describe it is that although you might have those anxious thoughts still every once in a while, it's keeps a lid on it and doesn't allow it to grow arms and legs and in to a big deal and you panic. It's just moves on like every other thought. It's like the rational part of your brain has kicked in again 
hi gem it is leveling itself out in your body a was on 50mg for 4 weeks and 100mg for 4 weeks just about finnished that am feeling a lot better stick with it tak care.
Glad to hear it's worked for you and feeling better I don't think ppl realise how much anxiety and depression can take over your life because you look ok on the outside!
Defiantly going to be patient and give them a bit more time ! ☺️
Hi john
Yeah I'm guessing they do just take time to get in your system and everytging ajust!
Thank you I will keep on with them and allow it some more time ☺️
How long did your side effects last for Megan and how long did u have off work? I've been on them 5 days and the side effects are awful, first two days were okay and I was able to go to work but day 3 I started feeling so horrible that I couldn't manage work because I couldn't concentrate, feel sick and have a headache that makes me feel spaced out, and like u want to sleep all the time. Did u have lots of time of work of literally just the time u had the side effects?