Hi, I'm new to the forum, here because I was prescribed Sertraline two weeks ago, 50mg a day.
The side effects, at first were awful: light headed, spacey, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite and I wasn't well enough to see anyone - which made the depression and anxiety worse. By day twelve the side effects were reducing and I'd had one day of feeling relatively good and one day feeling much better. Still not sleeping well, waking at 4am, taking the meds at 8pm.
Day thirteen and I went down again. Today is day fifteen and I feel terrible. The anxiety and depressive ruminations are worse and the diarrhea too, although none of the other side effects have recurred.
I know there are ups and downs on Sertraline but desperately want this to work. I've been depressed, on and off, in varying degrees, most of my life since a major trauma when I was five. Other SSRIs have not worked. Therapy has helped me understand why I suffer depression but hasn't allieviated it in the long term.
I so want to feel normal, be energised, to be happy and positive again. Any comments and thoughts would be welcome. The initial physical side effects were hellish but I've got through most of them - but the increased level of depression and anxiety is terrible.
What's it like in comparison to before to before you took your medication. It take a good 6-8 weeks before you notice a big difference. I guess your increased anxiety/depression could be as a result of such severe side effects. Have you been able to get outside for walks or anything? Like you I had the worst side effects for the first 2 or 3 weeks, but I still felt pretty rough for the next 3 or 4 weeks. I’m a good 2 months in now and I am strarting to notice improvements.
Thanks for your reply Sarah.
It's slightly worse today than it was before I started meds. This may be due to isolation, apart from a couple of good days, due to the physical side effects. Also external circs over which I have no control and the festive season.
I want to stick with it for the benefits but am finding it hard at the moment as feel so down.
I was just like you! Yes, staying in isolation makes it alot worse and I thought that, that would make it better. It doesn't at all. I would have my oldest get stuff from the store for me. I thought I was gonna die if I went out.
It gets so much better, please stick it out. I am like 90% better and I am 8 weeks in. The side effects were horrible at first but it all takes time. You got this!
Thanks Nicole, that cheers me up!
HI I suffer from anxiety and depression as well. I know it sucks to go through all theses tough times but just know. This too shall pass. Start exercising believe me it helps SO much. Eat right that makes a huge difference too. I used to get so upset when I would go to the Dr because of my bad anxiety and depression and she would tell me to exercise and eat better so one day I figured why not and try it. I must say it's the best desicion I ever made. Yes I still have some days where I feel a little sad but I have more good days then bad and I'll take that any day. Keep you're head up you'll get through this.
Hi im new to this forum too . I started sertraline on 12 october on 25 mg for a week then 50mg for 3 weeks then up to 75mg just over 2 weeks now . So far no improvements . I went on this because iv been suffering bad anxiety and depression for 5 years i was always feeling spaced out and depressed . But so far sertraline has just made my symptoms worse i dont no if i should carry on or wean off but i really want these to work .