I've been on sertraline for 7 weeks after GP switched me straight from citalopram without tapering. The anxiety is unbearable. I wake up with it and every day is hell. I've read here and was told by a friend that it can take 8 weeks to work. Others say you need to find the right dose. I'm on 100mgs and am thinking of asking GP to put me up to 125. But people say the anxiety is bad when you up the dose. I don't know whether to wait the 8 weeks or ask to go up. I'm scared to change meds again so am praying that sertraline will work for me. Any advice would be great. Thanks. X
Hi Tracy
i like you was on Citalopram and went straight onto 100gm sertraline with no break
stick with it , I had bad side effects from weeping at the slightish thing, unable to sleep, and when I did get to sleep I had the strangest of dreams/nightmares, the anxiety was bad plus I had a lot going on at work.
it does get better just try and stop thinking it's not working and relax
All the best
In my experience it should be showing good signs that it's the right drug for you by 4 weeks. BUT everybody is different, I would ask to see a psychiatrist if possible, or ask your GP for some sedative drugs for short term use? I wouldn't rush to go up on the dose if you have had no indication it's working for you, is your anxiety better or worse than before you started taking SSRI's ? Take care
Thanks Lynn. Are u still on sertraline. This bout if anxiety was caused by the drug change. I had been slowly coming off citalopram after 8 years on it as I felt good but I asked GP if I could go back up slightly as I'd hit a rough patch. He suggested switching to sertraline. I have a very stressful family situation going on involving the court of protection for my grandad and I need to be strong to deal with it. I just need this drug to kick in. I'm scared to change back as it takes so long to work. I've read that some people do well at 150mgs. I just need some hope and certainty to stay positive. X
Hi Tracy
I'm on week 10 (75mg) ...it undoubtedly made my anxiety worse to start with so I went back to my gp who gave me propranolol. She said to take it as well as sert to see me thru the heightened anxiety of initial stages of sert. It definitely works...it stops all the physical reactions to anxiety which obv helps a great deal. In my experience any changes in dosage can rock the boat a bit, I'm wanting to increase to 100mg but I'm waiting til after xmas for that reason.
Wishing you peace x
Tracy, yes I'm still on it, won't lie it took a while longer than most people on here but it works
Hi Tracy
I took 50ml Sertraline for 4 weeks but my anxiety was no better so my doctor increased it to 100ml. I have been taking these for 5 days. My anxiety is still there and i am still very weepy. My makn problem is my loss of appetite. I'm only skinny anyway so can't afford to lose any weight. I am waiting to see a dietician to help with that. My doctor has told me that the Sertraline will work but unfortunately they do take 6-8weeks to kick in. I can take 5ml diazapam to help with the side effects if i need them but i try not to. I know 8 weeks seems a long time but i'm going to stick it out and try to be patient. I have 2 small children so i have to for them. I am waiting to see a cognitive behaveral therapist aswell which are supposed to be excellent. I'm also reading self help books which do help. My advice is stick it out-it will improve. I do feel a little better today so hopefully thats a good sign. Hope you feel better soon xx
Thanks to everyone for replying. I'm new to forums so not sure if this will go to everyone. My doctor has given me 125mgs to start tonight. I hope they work and don't make anxiety worse. Propandapol made me depressed and diazapam did nothing so I'm going it alone. I've been taking ssris for 18 years for anxiety and depression but I have never had anxiety as bad as this. I don't know if it's because I came off citalopram so suddenly, the side effects of sertraline or the stress of dealing with the court of protection issue with my grandad. I'm sure it's the drugs because my behaviour is so extreme. I can't cope with anything. Good luck to you all on your recovery. Xx