Yesterday I was prescribed Sertraline, although I'm no stranger to anti depressants I hadn't taken them for the last ten years, they weren't doing the job and decided to use cannabis instead as I had read a lot about it being used medicinally for anxiety and depression, it has worked great for the last ten years, I used it as and when I needed too and that was something the doctors couldn't give me, a 'as and when' pill instead of having to take a pill everyday. But lately things have got worse, I seem to focus on all the bad stuff going on around the world, I'm scared for the future of my grandchildren. I'm 55 and as a family we discussed me going back to the doctors (because I really am against taking anti depressants and I needed everybody in my family to understand why) the GP immediately put me on Sertraline 50 mg, so a small dose, and has organised 'therapy'. I took the first one last night and I felt the worst I've felt in a long time, I was sweating, nauseous, restless, I couldn't sleep and very depressed. I haven't even bothered to get out of bed this morning and thankfully my husband, at long last understands depression and what it can do to us, not only mentally but physically. I've read through the comments and to be honest I am worried to death to take the next one, the side effects are horrendous, they can last for weeks, I could STILL fall in to a depressive trough and the withdrawal symptoms are just has bad. Is there anything good about taking this drug? I'm also frightened of putting on the 4 stone I've lost by coming off those anti depressants 10 years ago.I feel I'm like in between a rock and a hard place.
Yes Kimmy..there many side effects to sertraline, everyone is different. It is a matter of weighing the pros and cons of taking an anti depressant..It does take time to find the right dosage and to work past the side effects. I started at 25mg about 12 wks ago..graduated up to current 75mg..I am feeling better, sleeping better, less anxious, happier..It was tough at times, but had decided I would give this a try..glad I did..From what I understand none of the anti depressants are easy to take..just have decide if it is what will help you get quality of life, and be willing to give it the time to work.
Hope this helps
best of luck in your decision
It's very much an individual experience for everyone - like, stating the obvious. I'm on week 8 now of 50mg. The tiredness, lassitude, heightened anxiety and depression, nausea and headaches, have all but evaporated. Looking back, the side effects were never really so severe as to incapacitate me. It made for a more difficult journey, one that I kept telling myself (and after reading stuff on this site) would eventually disappear. And now, after these 8 weeks have gone by, it seems (speaking for
myself) they do go away. The anxiety and depression have definately been muted by
the Sertraline. But, to be honest, I'd rather not take anything, and just be naturally, anxiety free. I was on Venlafaxine before Sertraline and the withdrawel form that medication has to be carfeully managed. But it was OK. Nothing like the scare stories you read about on the internet. There are fewer withdrawel symptons with Sertraline.
Bare with it. Drinks lots of water, take Omega 3 and B complex. Get as much exercise as you can. The anxiety and depression has to be dealt with on as many fronts as possible. One pill will certainly help in the long run but it's better to develop an alternative armoury to aid it's efficacy. Keep going and take each day at a time. So many of us have been through what you are going through. It's a funny old club, indeed. Best of luck and remember, there's always someone listening. x
Great advice Glenn!
Yours too! Have a smashing day.