Lower mood and anxiety on Sertraline?

[Agnes14]

Hi There,

I’ve recently been taking Sertraline (2 weeks, 3 days) as I’ve been suffering badly with anxiety which led to depression. All stemmed from almost a marriage breakdown and sudden shock around that, just haven’t been able to pick myself but up.

Was super scared to take them but know it’s good to try at least. I wanted to see if anyone else has experienced the side effects I have?

I wake up at 5am each morning in panic mode. I can drift off fine and stay asleep but 5am comes round and I wake up sweaty and in doom. I’ve lost my appetite and feel more anxious which has led to upset stomach for the whole time. I’ve had some days of feeling lighter but also had two really low days where I’ve felt lower than I did before.

I was on 25mg for a week and now up to 50mg. Is all this normal and how long does it take to balance out? Xx

[Burntpheonix]

Hi. I hope it balances out for you. I was struggling too and hesitant to take anything but it got to a point where I was desperate to feel better. I started on 50mg daily which worked after a few weeks. I was sleeping again. My depression got worse and anxiety I think because of lifes stress recently and I asked for an increase. Now 100mg daily. Im still not myself but I do feel better. You have to give meds time, unfortunately before we want to feel better ASAP. I haven't gotten any panic attacks from it, maybe something like lexapro would be better for you. Everyone is different and finding the right med requires patience. Good luck! Stay strong.

[Agnes14 in reply to Burntpheonix]

Thanks for replying 😊. How long did it take for you to see a positive difference? And what was it that you noticed felt different?

I’ve started therapy too, but only had the one session so it’s all new and at the beginning of my journey but I am feeling impatient.

I’ve upped exercise and trying to eat whenever I’m hungry but due to the increased anxiety I often don’t fancy eating. Which is also annoying, it’s hard to find a comfort.

I’ve never experienced any mental illness so finding it hard to come to terms with.

[Burntpheonix in reply to Agnes14]

Well I noticed that I could fall asleep easier and sleep through the night a couple weeks after beginning. overall my mood just lifted gradually over time. Everyone responds differently to meds. Stay open minded and hopeful and Im sure relief will follow.

[Hidden]

Agnes

Allow a further three weeks for your medications.

Good Luck

BOB

[Hidden]

I had that on that drug often. I tried to up it and they made me go back down. Maybe they could give you Ativan just even half a tablet for when you wake like that. It’s sedating. I had a hard time on that drug I do with most meds but I had a very hard time on that one & getting off but I needed surgery. You first get worse on these meds usually more fatigue nausea as they upset your stomach always take it with food. Maybe that is what’s waking you it might be giving your tummy issues. Don’t give up yet keep at it you’ve come this far lots of people do very well on it.

[Agnes14 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I’m trying to be patient as it’s only been just over 2 weeks and I know things can take a while to settle.

But I’m very keen to hear others experiences so I can decipher what is the meds and what is me.

I think I’m going to give it another 2 weeks before I make an appointment to see how I settle after that.

It’s hard to know what’s normal and what isn’t xxx

[Hidden in reply to Agnes14]

Ok. Yes usually need 4 to 6 weeks on antidepressants. If they go very wrong you know. I lost weight on that one. I think if you eat very tummy friendly it will help. That drugs an oldie but does a lot of good for some people my brother loved it. It also gave me cotton mouth. I ate oatmeal every morning to help with the med. good luck. If you’re not experienced with these type meds it can be uncomfortable as you haven’t experienced a mind drug before pros cons. But maybe if after while you can taper off after 6 months to a year once you deal with your stress. Thanks for coming here