Good news story- Sertraline really works for ment

Treatment and medication
1

Hello. I'm new here but just wanted to come on and say how Sertraline has completely changed my life for the better- just thought it might help if you've jus started and you're struggling.

Probably the most important point I want to make is that I have spent most of my adult life being very sceptical about prescription meds. I try to use as many natural remedies as possible and have avoided anti depressants for about ten years. During this time I've become increasingly miserable, gone up about 4 dress sizes and suffered from terrible mood swings. It finally became too much a couple of months ago, so I decided to bite the bullet and give them a try. Doc put me on 50mg straight off. I felt sick at first and had an upset stomach. Didn't fancy food at all and struggled to force down plain bread or small pieces of fruit. BUT- it passes. I still feel a little nauseous if I eat anything spicey or too much, but other than that I'm fine. I have lost about a stone and am continuing to lose- I will keep an eye on it but I'm convinced it's because I'm happier, getting more sleep and less stressed.

My mood is 100% better. I find myself signing to the radio, smiling for no reason and belly laughing at funny stuff. Haven't done any of those things for a very long time. I am so much nicer to be around and a far better parent and partner.

So- the point of this message is, if you're struggling, hang in there. After about a month you will notice a huge difference in mood and the negative side effects go. Maybe I'm lucky but the only weird side effects I have now are stiffness in my jaw for a couple of hours after taking one (like you get from class A drugs) and greasier hair. I can live with the jaw thing and changing my shampoo is no big deal.

Anyway, that's my experience. It gets better and the positives (for me anyway) far outweigh the other stuff. I feel like I'm me again after a very long time in the wilderness.

2

Obviously, this was meant to say "works for me", not "ment"!!! Can't seem to edit this post, but you get the picture

3

How long are you taking the med?

4

It's been 7 weeks now. Started to notice a difference after about a month.

5

Tomorrow will be the start if week 4 for me and I am feeling hopeless

6

Stick with it. I promise it gets better. If you're feeling REALLY bad, like having suicidal thoughts, speak to your doctor/counsellor but honestly if you can get through the first month you should start to see a differrence. Are you taking any other meds?

7

Yes

Mirap 45 mg

Olanzapine 10mg

Pregablin 200mg (tapering off)

So you reckon I should see a good difference after a month?

8

That's wonderful to read,I was on 50mg for a week then increased to 100mg I did feel the benefits of the 50mg but not quite sure how I'm doing on 100mg I suffer from intrusive thoughts which I'm still struggling with,but I have only been taking 100mg for 12 days well done for getting better x

9

I would say so yes. It might be worth talking to doctor just to double check that those other meds don't restrict how they work, but I would say give it a good 4-6 weeks. 

10

I was the queen of intrusive thoughts, I was bordering on obsessive. Now when the occasional thought pops up I'm able to brush it away rather than getting bogged down in it. The only down side is that I don't cry as easily, but as someone who often used to end up bawling at the news and even X Factor I'm ok with that! 

Thanks. Give it time x

11

Thank you Sadie,if your the queen I must be the princess 👸 of intrusive thoughts,I'm going to stick with the 100mg and really hope I get good results like you have,thanks for replying it really does make a difference so nice to hear someone is getting better x