Sertraline starting week 4

Treatment and medication
1

Starting week 4 of 50mg Sertraline. I felt great the last 4 days, finally getting some sleep. Then last night I woke up at 2:00 couldn't go back to sleep. Now today I feel all the symptoms I had when I first started the medication. I'm taking it for depression and insomnia. I've been taking 10 mg of doxepin for sleep but was still wide awake at 2:00.hoping this is just a temporary setback 

2

i think its normal to get ups and downs at this point in treatment this is my second time on sertraline. First time was 5years ago. Was on prozac in between and it was awful!! I'm now week 3 on sertraline and feeling very lightheaded/dizzy, did u get this ? Not sure if its me or the meds in started at nearly week 2

3

Hi there

I was on 50mg for 4 weeks and felt terrible still, so anxious and weepy so doc increased dose to 100mg and again I felt awful, I think you need to give them about 2 months and they settle you down.

Take care x

4

Hi Ernie day 2 of 100mg didn't sleep well last night and have had a thumping headache today dnt know if it's side effects or not! Other than that I've had quite a good day no feeling anxious hopefully the 100 mg will do the trick.

5

Rachel, no lightheaded or dizzy for me. Right now just feel anxious firing the day and hard to sleep at night. 

6

Thank you Liz 

7

Thanks Davie, If there is no change I'll see my Dr. Next week 

8

Hi Ernie,

This drug definitely seems to affect many people's sleep pattern. I'm 13 weeks in and lack of sleep and headaches are my main side effects still. My depression has levelled out a lot but I have been having therapy to help with that too. I remember being prescribed Mirtazapine previously for severe depression and it knocked me out. Depends whether you need to carry out a normal daily routine. Are there worries and stresses that are keeping you awake at night? I find that however tired my body is, sleep will not come until my brain is relaxed and tired. Do you have anyone to talk these issues through with? You will always find support here so you are never alone. One day at a time :-)

All the best, Digsby

9

Yo Ernie, I too take it for depression and it does take a bit of time, 3 to 6 weeks with most people to wake up to that eureka moment. You will still have moments of doubt, just keep going, it levels out. 50 mg for depression seems a low dose, if it does not improve see your doc and increase the dose by 25mg at a time, until you reach that right level, you will know. All the best ☺

10

Thank You

11

digsby, Thanks for the reply. I'm retired and don't really have any worries that I'm aware of. That's the frustrating part. I have an amazing wife for support and have an appt. in a week with a counselor that specializes in depression. 

12

Hi,

I hope the therapy will help (it has helped me in combination with the medication). Sleep is so important as it allows the body to rest and heal itself. Lack of sleep can add to the torment of depression and anxiety. If the Sertraline is making your insomnia worse, it's worth discussing with your doctor to see if there is an alternative to try. Let us know how you get on. Keep believing in yourself and giving thanks for the good things in life :-)

Digsby

13

Thank You Digsby, I did have a much better night last night and feel much better today. Every day I consider a gift and realize there are many people that are much less fortunate than I am.