Heightened Anxiety

Hi everyone. I’ve been taking 50mg of Sertraline since Monday morning. These past few days I feel like my anxiety is super high. Currently it’s 245am and I woke up to check on my daughter but now can’t fall back asleep because I’m worried about meningitis. I got a little bit of dust up my nose and googled it, no judging, it’s crazy, I know. I’m so sick of worrying and being afraid. But right now I feel on edge about everything!!! The littlest thing sets me off. I’m not sure if this is normal or if I should call my doc and let her know what’s up? 

I am on sertraline I'm on day 18, the first 5 days I was on 50mg then 100mg. It's pretty normal to feel worse before feeling better. You have to be patient for the tablets to work, I am still be patient for mine to work. It could take up to 6 weeks, I know it sounds like a long time, but you won't last forever feeling like this it will get better, take care x

Try to calm yourself down and stop the negative thoughts running through your mind. Deep breathing and meditation can help. Make sure you are not eating sugar or caffeine late in the day. Get out and exercise. I am a world class worrier and if I can change so can you. You can do this!

Heightened anxiety is very scary, but is perfectly normal and more common than you would think. Had quite a few panic attacks while starting these tabs. Good luck, it should be over before you know it!

Unfortunately heightened anxiety is one of the symptoms when you first start taking them. It will settle down after a week or two, but if it's hard to cope with your doctor should be able to give you something to help. Don't think anyone will judge you on here, we're all in the same boat: anxiety and depression make your mind too crazy things and we're all going through the same thing on this forum. Hope your daughter is OK x

Good morning Dev-

Yes the heightened anxiety is one of the side effects unfortunately BUT the good news is that it does get better. I would worry and panic about everything. Every ache and pain that I got i would think I was dying and Google it....worst thing to do. I am 5 weeks in. Started on 25 for 6 days then 50 for 2 weeks and now at 75.

Hang in there. There is light at the end if the tunnel. I am able to go into stores again now and just outside in general and drive. I couldn't do any of that for 3 weeks I let the panic control me but this medicine is helping. Not totally there yet but getting there.

You have got this and don't give up. It gets better just takes time! 😊

Hi Dev,

I know it's hard. I went through that when I went on Sert a month ago. For whatever reason, in some people, the introduction of the medication increases things like worry and agitation. It's hell. I know. Unless someone has gone through what you are going through, people have no idea how hard it is.

Hang in there, take it day by day. Don't overload your schedules. Give yourself some time to adjust and within a week or two (maybe more) you will get better. 

You can do it!

Hugo

Thank you Pamela! 

Thank you Sandy! 

Thank you Seth! I had a panic attack last night but it didn’t last as long as they usually do. So maybe that’s a good sign?

Thank you Sarah! 

Thanks Nicole! I’m very hopeful for this medicine. Today was a calmer day though.

Thanks Hugo! 

That is great to hear Dev!