Have you taken Sertraline? Did it help?

[DaraShiko]

So I was recently diagnosed as having depression and ptsd. I've been speaking to a therapist and although I've only had 3 sessions so far, I feel like it's helping - it feels good to talk about everything that I've been keeping bottled up for so long. I still, however, feel persistently feel low in mood, have little interest in things I used to enjoy and can't focus on my studies.

I recently went to see my doctor about a possible infection when he noticed that my low mood was worse than the last time I saw him so he asked me a few questions about my personal life, which made me very tearful, and after a short discussion about my therapy etc he decided to prescribe me sertraline. I'm not a medical professional so I'm not questioning the doc's decision but I've always been apprehensive of anti depressants.

I've been reading reviews of sertraline, particularly Zoloft, and a common theme of the reviews seems to be that people begin to feel 'emotionally numb' after staying on an ssri for a while. I'm worried that although it might make life more bearable and make it easier for me to get up and do stuff, it will eventually stop me from feeling strong emotions altogether. I want to get out of feeling constantly low and get back to living my life - I study maths and writing proofs or solving problems is extremely difficult when I'm constantly having depressive thoughts. I'm just worried that the meds will affect my capacity for happiness in the long term. Can anyone share anything about their experiences with SSRIs? Have they helped? How long did you take them for? Did they make you feel emotionless?

[chloe40 Administrator]

Hello there DaraShiko

Welcome to our Community.

I'm sorry to hear you have been feeling so low but it's good to know that the therapy seems to be helping. If your Doctor has prescribed medication, I feel it could have a negative effect to listen to others experiences, after all, we all react differently to medication differently and I do not want you to be put off, or your mind influenced before you have had a chance to get used to them. Of course, it's your choice, but I do hope you will consider the positives as well as any negatives.

Wishing you a good recovery.

Chloe

[sixpence0407]

I'm on my third month of sertraline and it's made an incredible difference! I'm only on a quite low dose of 50mg. First 2 weeks felt quite sick and drowsy, which is normal - since then no side effects and mood greatly improved, I'm now able to go to therapy and joined a wellbeing gardening club to. It doesn't 'cure' depression but it has taken the edge off so I'm more able to function. Speak to your GP about your concerns about long term and if you have any side effects that bother you - they should be able to adjust your medication if needed or reassure you about long term. Mine told me I'd be on them for just 6-9 months but it's different for everyone. Try not to be put off by negative reviews - you never know how your body will react so it's really worth a try! Good luck

[Hidden]

Hello DaraShiko and welcome to our Community.

I see our lovely Chloe40 and sixpence0407 have both given good advice which I wholly endorse.

The SSRI I take is Venlafaxine which I have been taking long term due to recurrent depression. This takes the edge off my depression and does not affect my ability to function or to feel highs and lows of emotion. Give your anti-depressant time to work and try not to be put off by others comments or 'scare stories.'

You have support from your GP and you are talking with a therapist which you find helpful. Give your anti-depressant time and see how you go.

I wish you well DaraShiko,

Lottie