How long for sertraline to take effect

[Fancypigeon]

Hi I have suffered from debilitating anxiety and depression for a few years now and have finally decided to try medication to get my life back. I started on sertraline 50mg 10 days ago with no obvious side effects so far however I do feel a slightly pleasant numb feeling in my head. Im wondering how long should I expect for it to fully take effect and how should it make me feel when it's working? It might help me determine if I'm on the correct dose once I knew what to expect. Thanks 😊

[SayNOtoPanic]

I’ve heard from several people I know 6-8 weeks for the full effect to kick in and side effects (if someone has any) to start fading. Good luck to you. Prayers up

[CarlottaD27]

hi! Sharing my experience of sertraline. I was on a similar dose and felt immediate impact, it also made me really drowsy and want to sleep in the day. I didn’t realise at first it was the drug doing this so wanted to let you know! I stopped taking after a week or so as it made me too tired, so I’m not sure if and when that side effect wears off x

[Fancypigeon in reply to CarlottaD27]

Hi and thank you for sharing this it seems to differ so much from person to person! I'm also wondering from others experience what to expect when it does actually kick in...Many thanks again 🙏

[BlueMarina]

It varies so much from person to person. In my case I stopped taking it after 7 years and when I got back on it it took me more than two months to feel any effect, while the first time it took effect after 4 weeks. You should feel normal when it kicks in, relaxed. Give it time. If anxiety is giving you problems you could ask your doctor for betablockers, if suitable. They take the feeling of anxiety away. After a month or so you will be able to stop them, when Sertraline is doing its work.

[Fancypigeon in reply to BlueMarina]

Many thanks for your reply. I think I'll just have to wait this out as betablockers aren't an option. Luckily I'm not experiencing nasty side effects. Interesting to hear that it helped you for such a long time I presumably without any issues.

[BlueMarina in reply to Fancypigeon]

The only issue was that I thought I could live without it, and I relapsed after two months and had to get back on it. Some of us need that extra help all the time. I can't say that it is causing any bothersome side effects. I'm quite happy. Oh, yes, I said it. Good luck on your journey.