Hi
Just after some people's experiences of Sertraline. I have been diagnosed with bad PMT which leads me feeling low-verylow for about 3 weeks a month with 1 very good week a month. The doctor has prescribed 50mg Sertraline daily.
I am a bit worried about the effect it will have as obviously my moods change naturally throughout the month so not sure how this will affect the medication, Will it flatten it out over the month or will I still suffer big changes. Having read the side effects I am worried that I might feel worse, especially when some of the side effects are exactly what I'm experiencing now but I suppose only time will tell.
Also, what time of day do people generally take them? The doctor said to take them in the morning, the pack says morning or evening and a friend of mine takes it and has it in the evening as it makes her sleepy so not sure when is best t take it. Any advice?
Thanks in advance
Hi there,
I have been on Sertraline for about 2 months now. I started at 50 mg and am now on 100mg per day. The reason that I was put on it was for low mood to extremely low mood the majority of the time every month. There were a couple of factors causing the low mood including 1) high levels of anxiety causing me to feel very stressed. However, there is a very obvious cycle where once a month I have just go into absolute melt down and nothing can make me feel good and anything could spark feelings of anger. So my gp and I were certain that factor number 2) was hormonal.
I have found that taking the Sertraline in the morning with breakfast is the best. This was on the advice of my gp who said that the medicie would increase the levels of seratonin in my brain and therefore serve to 'lift' my mood. I don't really want my mood to be lifted at night time so it seems to make sense to take it early in the day.
I have to say that the Sertraline seems to be working very well. I don't wake up in the morning feeling like there is a black cloud hanging over me and I haven't found myself just feeling bad for seemingly no reason. So I think the medicine is helping to regulate my moods and keep me at an even keel. Although there are times when I feel like I am dipping down, these are far less severe than previously. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, while I still go up and down a bit, the lows are not so low as before.
Something else that helps is to really believe in the medicine and take it consistently. Understand that it can take 4 weeks to start taking effect and the same goes for if/when your dosage is changed.
I am also benefiting from really understanding the moods a little better. I am learning to increase my mood vocabulary and to pin point exactly how I am feeling, rather than just a generic 'low' feeling. I am reading a book called Mind over Mood which rests on the theory that every mood is linked to a thought or a belief and if you can recognise those thoughts & beliefs, no matter how fleeting or how camoflaged they are, you have a good chance of really understanding why you feel a certain way.
What I mean is: the pills are good but they are even better when you believe in them; when you have something else to support you and help you understand what is happening in your brain (a book / counsellor / close friend) but most of all, the pills work when you have all those things going on at the same time.
Good luck.
Hi, I am sorry that you are feeling unwell.....I must AGREE with the last post..I have been on sertraline for many many years...I am on 200mgs...and I can truly say that it SAVED MY LIFE....
I have never had any side effects whatsoever...I take 100mg both morning and nightime..please try taking it, it really can help....I truly wish you well, take care of yourself. And keep your chin up....regards..DEIRDRE xx
Hello I was on Sertraline for a long time and took it with breakfast. You will find it should even out your moods once it has got into your system. I had no side effects at all whilst taking it.
I do hope it helps