Started Sertraline and side effects kicking in!

[Rosco49]

Well started my Sertraline at 25mg, had my first at dinner time and i am feeling pretty anxious and lousy, really dry mouth, slightlly sore/fuzzy head, I know it is my brain readjusting to it, but forgot just how unpleasant it can be going on SSRIs. I really want to stick with it and am determined that I will not mix with alcohol or any illicit drug to give it best chance, but feel I need some support and encouragement.

[SushiMonster]

Hi there. I am in the same boat, more or less. Started Zoloft 25mg, then after 3 days went up to 50mg. Now it has been 2 weeks. You can do it. The beginning is always difficult, no doubt. But take it one day at a time, even one hour at a time Baby steps - we're all here for you! It helps to know you're not alone. Right now, I am sitting here, also a bit anxious, because I've stopped being able to sleep, so just know that you have company in your journey, always.

[Rosco49 in reply to SushiMonster]

Thank you so much for your kind words my friend, it has come at a good time as having a most difficult day with side effects, like that overwhelming foggy sicky feeling and some heightened anxiety. I know it will get easier and I have to push through, but having doubts about going back on them, wish I could fast forward a week or so, best wishes to you also on your journey into feeling well, I too am here to listen.

[SushiMonster in reply to Rosco49]

Just wanted to check in and see how you are doing. Hopefully your weekend was OK & you had some time to rest & let your body adjust to everything. Heightened anxiety is real, but I am trying to treat it as just another emotion I feel as a human. Not bad, not good, just observing that it is there. Easier said than done, I know... What do you like to do when you get overwhelmed with anxiety? I'm always open to ideas, as meditation, coloring, taking walks, etc. doesn't always seem to help me. Sending good vibes your way, friend!

[Rosco49 in reply to SushiMonster]

Thank you for your reply, I tried just a wee tiny bit of sertraline about 12,5 mg and the next day, really severe anxiety kicked in, not helped as i have GAD and some health anxiety anyway, so viscious circle. I had to get my brother round and had to stop right away, it was too much. Consequently I have had some really horrible low and anxious days. I don't know what to do, when I take a reaction like that, I get freaked out, the tightness on back of neck and kinda stiffness all over, body goes cold, twitching and stuff, sick feeling, really dry mouuth and throat, then worrying about seretonin syndrome, even though I have hardly had any in my system in last few months and have stopped the recreational drug use also. So don't know how much of that is meds and how much is my anxiety around feeling a chemical change and going back on meds.

I have been on and off, mostly on, similar meds since I was about 25, now 47, withdrew from Citalopram couple months ago, which was horrible, kinda wish I hadn't now, then lockdown started, was not too bad at start, but last few weeks, pretty horrible feeling in my stomach, head etc, specially going into shops, can feel it rising. I get wee flashes of peace and balance and just want to feel that for the most part. I have spoken with Doctor and she is giving me Fluoxetine, which I can take as a liquid at small doses an a few diazepam for the initial period, this sound promising, but I seem to have real anxiety now about commencing and maybe having to stop, if I do, then I can't see a way forward. If I knew for sure it was right thing and that it would help, then I could push through. I took this medication in my thirties, but can't remember how I was going on it and why I came off it back then. Sorry about the big message, I just need someone to reassure me x

[Freedom57]

Hang in there! Hope your side affects are temporary...I'm into my second week taking generic Prozac, get headaches that come & go..same with stomach aches & sleeps issues

the good news, my major depression has lifted, I'm less anxious, & I'm smiling again

I have hope again for today & my future

I wish you the best!!!

[Rosco49 in reply to Freedom57]

Thank you for your kind words and I am glad you are on your way to peace and balance, which is all I want too. I can handle most side effects, but the tightness and twitching thing , i really struggle with as I feel no control and feel like a freak. I know we all don't get that and it could be my anxiety latching on, but it is horrible. Also when that happens, I panic and question continuing, viscious cycle.