has anyone taken Sertraline and not had side effects?

Treatment and medication
1

I've been prescribed Sertraline,but I haven't dared to start them yet.I tend to ignore the side effect advice,but in this case there are so many.I just want to feel like my old self again,my husband had a lot of health problems and is now in a care home.Life should be easier now,but perhaps I was trying to be strong for so long and it's all caught up with me now.I feel depressed and can't concentrate and miss our old life so much.

2

Some don't and some do. The most common is upset tummy and disturbed sleep. It depends what time of day u take it. I take mine just as I'm getting in bed and I have had no prob with sleep. My side effects were upset tummy, anxiety ( which I already had anyway) and loss of appetite. U can only but try and if the side effects get to much your doc can prescribe something to help until the sertraline works, x

3

Bless your heart! You both have been through a lot! I am taking Sertraline and have done so for several years now and on and off throughout my adult life. For me, and everyone is different of course, I have not suffered any side effects. It takes several weeks to feel better, so be patient with that.

I hope you find balance again.

Dawn

4

Dear June,

So sorry to hear all that you are going through. There's no shame at all in seeking medication to restore the balance and help you cope. Depression has been referred to as "the curse of the strong". Please don't be put off by all the potential side-effects. There may be some but we all experience things differently. Easier said than done, but try not to judge yourself harshly with what you're feeling at the moment - it is your body's survival instinct telling you to slow down before you burn out.

I have a life that I miss very much so I can relate to how you are feeling. Over time, I have tried to look forward and not back and to build new positive routines into my life. I hope that you have support from other family & friends.

Things will take time so don't try to rush them. I hope you find the right medication for your situation.

I've been on 50mg for 3 weeks (just about to increase to 100mg). I haven't noticed any lasting side-effects, except for some heart palpatations at night which don't usually last long.

Good luck & please let us know how you get on. You are not alone!

Digsby

x

5

dear Digsby

thanks for your reply,you seem very positive about things and are trying really hard.I'm going to start taking them at weekend,I got them at the wrong time as I went to my daughter's wedding abroad so I daren't take them in case I had side effects when travelling.I haven't much to do next week, so I 'll see how I go.I felt good at the wedding as it was a nice family time,I suppose having somewhere nice to go helps.I don't tell my family everything,people are busy and have enough to think about.

thanks for your advice,and good luck.

June

x

6

dear Dawn

thanks for what you said.I'll start them at weekend,I daren't start them when I had somewhere important to go.I've been worrying too much about side effects,I worry too much about everything at the moment.

Thanks for the advice,and good luck.

June

x

 

7

dear Vikki

thanks for the advice. I wasn't sure what time of day to take them,I think you have the right idea.You've had side effects and persevered,I'm going to try them at weekend.It's just that I had somewhere important to go,so I dare't risk them.

thanks

June

x

8

I take mine just as I'm getting into bed and I have had no problem with sleep on them but one of the side effects can be insomnia, but I started mine at bedtime so I would sleep through the harsh side effects. If u do get side effects they should only last 1-2 weeks x

9

Hi June, when I first took Sertraline one of the side effects was very bad anxiety attacks. The doctor prescribed propanalol and they really helped, others have been given diazepam and that's helped them through.

Hopefully you won't suffer before the meds kick in, which can take up to 8 weeks!

All the best.

10

Digsby,

I like what you said, "the curse of the strong". Never thought of it that way, but it sure rings true!

11

Hi Dawn,

There's a book by Dr Tim Cantopher entitled "Depression: the curse of the strong" - I am not the first person on these forums to recommend it. It's such a down-to-earth helpful book.

All the best to all

Digsby

x

12

Thanks!