Hi
I have been on sertraline for 10 days now and i am having good and bad days , yesterday i felt more anxious than ever and ended up with a splitting headache and today i still have a headache and dont want to leave house , doctor warned me i may get worse before better , but any idea how long this will last ? I am due to be a godmother on sunday and im ao nervous about standing up in church , any help and advice welcome
Hello Lauren,
what's your dosage of sertraline ?
different side effect come and go, while your body adjusts to the new chemical. take each day as it comes, but generally it takes 6-10 weeks before it settles in your system.
Hi richard
50mg , i was on only half up until friday ( i am only petite)
Just feel awful , is this normal ? The fact im feeling so much worse than when i started is really putting me of continuing to take it
Hello Lauren,
sorry to say that its quite common to feel worse initially when you start out on this medication, but it will get better for you. I'm on 50mg too, have been for a year and half now, anxiety disorder. But, if this gets too bad for you, contact your GP. Although if they suggest upping the dosage further, i would stick to 50mg for about 4-5 weeks 1st before upping the dosage again.
I am on them for anxiety too .. Have felt so alone as no- one really gets it who i know ! I keep having to leave social situations as i come over all dizzy and panic , just want to get better , i know it will take time , its just really getting me down
Do you feel your old self again now ? Having been on them a year ?
totally understand where you are coming from Lauren, having people around you who understand would be a massive help. talking helps too, as silly as it sounds, getting things off your chest about how you feel. I wouldn't say I'm back to my old self, but I've learned better ways at coping through high anxiety times, and the medication does help out too. you can always message me , or people on this site, we are all in the fight together and ups and downs are a common part of this roller coaster we ride.
Hi have been on them a while now I take 200mg each morning and I also take topiramate 100mg on a night and like you I still have good days and bad days so you are not on your own if at any time you just want to chat iam here for you anytime
Thankyou richard
Any tips on how to cope when it sets in ?
I find i suddenly go all hot then dizzy and just need to head home where ever i am i cant seem to control it
Hi
Thankyou for replying , having some really tough days at the moment , im determind to get better before my wedding next year .. The idea of walking down the ailse at the mo really frightens me
Hi Lauren I was on sertraline for basically 3yrs. It really depends but with me the effects were really quick. Of course in the beginning u will feel worse but I promess you You will get better. I started at 25mg for 3 days went up to 50mg for 4wks then went up again to 75 and then 100 just when I started at 125mg I really started feeling myself again. But as I said it really depends. I went up till 200mg and I couldn't be any happier . Some people take low dosage and they feel good some people need bigger dosages like me side effects are normal with me after 2wks and keep going up on my daily dosage I did not feel that many. Stupid me feeling much better I decided to stop them last yr. My friend takes them for over 10yrs and she feels good. Now Gp decided to put me back on them. Keep going you will see it's worth the pain in the beginning.
Best of luck to you xxx Ilda
Thankyou for replying to me , all this advice is great and making me feel better , i just feel so silly worrying about things that are happening next week etc my anxiety is awful at the moment, i just want to feel myself again it will be 2 weeks on weds that i have been on this for so hopefully i will feel better by end of week
Hello Lauren,
different selh help mehods work for different people.
for me though, i take a mental approach to calming the situation helps. eyes closed, and tell myslef these are only feelings , nothing can actually physically harm me ..... these moments pass, and good times will return. It's hard , i know , but all these feelings are infact just that, feelings and emotions. I've also found being open minded and looking into all aspects of potential self help. I find meditation helps bring the mind and body to a calmer all round state. And recently I have had reflexology. everything is worth a go .... you'll find a solution that suits you best.
Thanks richard , i may try closing my eyes and telling myself they are only feelings , hopefully this will help me at the weekend when i have to stand up in church to become a godmother , im so worried about it , fingers crossed it goes well
thats it lauren, all you can do is give it a go, and see if it helps you in any way. as we know Anxiety is a fear based feeling, and dread of future things.... odds on the anticipation will be worse than the event itself. fingers crossed you will enjoy the entire day.