I’ve been on only 25mg of Sertraline for 7 days and I feel dreadful. My main fear of taking this medication was the side effects and I feel I’ve experienced them all. I didn’t expect to have such side effects on such a small dose however because I never take tablets (hardly even paracetamol) does this make me more sensitive?
I’m planning on not taking my medication after today as I feel it’s making me much worse than I’ve ever been anxiety wise. It’s only 25mg for 7 days so withdrawal shouldn’t be too bad???
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tnulbc115
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Hi didn't your doctor advise you that you can feel worse until they are fully into your system? If you bear the side effects I would advise you to carry on with them and give them a chance to work. If not why not go back to the doctor and ask for a change.
We are all different and what suits some of us doesn't suit others. x
She told me I would feel worse but started me on a lower dose because I have bad health anxiety. I feel taking these tablets have just made my anxiety worse, constantly feeling sick and tired and dizzy. I know it’s early days but I’ve always hated the thought of medication and I think I’ve chosen the wrong thing.
I think what Hypercat stated makes sense. With a lot of antidepressants when we first started talking them is when we feel the side fx. But once we take them for a month or two our body adapts and side fx dissipate and by that time the medication will have begun to alleviate some of the anxiety and depression symptoms. I've made the mistake of giving up on a med to quickly, and have learned that sometimes we need to ride it out for a bit and give the med time to start working.
At such a minimal dose for such a short time I would not expect you will go through any withdrawal. At worst, sleep could possibly be a little more challenging for a couple days, but I think even that is unlikely.
Thank you for your reply. I didn’t expect such side effects on such a low dose, but as everyone says all people are different.
I’ve had anxiety since I was 14 (now 22) and I’ve had a great couple of years where it hasn’t stopped my life. I feel I should have stuck to my own herbal ways and positive thinking rather than medication. Thank you.
I also have been on ,25mg sertraline for seven days coincidently. Am also having bad side effects and wondering whether to carry on hoping things will improve but worry about whether it will get worse. I have tried so many antidepressants and was hoping this would work for me! I have heard that it can take a few weeks for it to work, but I don't think I can wait that long feeling so bad. It hard to know what to do!
I’m exactly the same, although this is the first time I’ve taken any medication over the 11 years. I’m going to ring my doctor in the morning and tell her how I feel, want to stop feeling sick and house bound! Worse than I did in the beginning.
It would be interesting to hear what your doctors says. I am seriously thinking of contacting mine tomorrow as I can hardly leave the couch and cannot eat anything. It's awful. Good luck!
Doctor said that as I’m at such a lose dose I can stop the 25mg and will have no side effects, if I wish to start these again after a week or so I can but only because it is such a lose dose. I’ve had terrible nausea and my biggest fear is being sick so I’m going to go this week without taking it. Hope you’re feeling well.
Only you can make that decision to stop but don’t worry you will feel better when you do quite quickly I did after taking it for 3 weeks. Good luck with what ever you decide
Thank you for your reply. How did you feel once you stopped taking it? Did you advise your doctor? I’m considering stopping tomorrow and trying some herbal and cbt again.
Thank you for your reply. How did you feel once you stopped taking it? Did you advise your doctor? I’m considering stopping tomorrow and trying some herbal and cbt again.
I started to feel better in a couple of days after stopping them, less anxious. I felt so ill that anything was better than the way I felt so stopping was a relief. I tried Fluoxetine after that it was even worse so I stopped that after a week. I saw another GP about another issue maybe related to depression about a month later and she gave me Escitroipram. I haven’t taken them as I had the usual warning you’ll feel worse before you feel better. I’m trying to plan the best time to start taking them. Thought of using CBT oil but not sure about it.
I started taking them after I had a bad IBS in March, constantly feeing sick and toilet issues. However I’ve started taking these and it’s made my symptoms so much worse, constant nausea!! I’ve always hated the thought of medication and always resorted to relaxation and herbal. I hope you get a better experience with your new prescription. Do you think I should ease off the 25mg of as it’s such a low dose I’ll be okay? I’ll ring my doctor in the morning anyways. CBT oil sounds like a good idea, I’ve heard good things
I have IBS amongst other things. Have severe back pain for many years which has resulted in feeling low. I never feel that anxious unless I’m in a bad situation just fed up. My GP suggested it so I said okay thinking if it cheered me up I’d be more motivated. I’ve tried several in the past but never felt that they did me any good as I don’t persevere because I feel sick tired a total mess. With sertraline I took it for three weeks as I said but instead of getting better I felt worse. I made the decision to stop as it was only 25mg I felt fine never felt worse only better as the days went on. Good luck whatever you do
It’s surprising how many people suffer with IBS. My GP suggested it to me too, which I wish I never agreed. I’ve always managed my anxiety by myself but I feel worse for taking these. I’ve only taken it for a week but definitely going to stop tomorrow as I going away with the family so I’m hoping I have no worse effects for stopping. Thank you for your support. Hope you find something that works for you too
Hi I tried citalopram felt terrible side effects stayed on them for 10 days then changed to sertraline on them 8 days side effects constant anxiety/ panic nausea IBS felt nausea headache dizzy etc etc doctor told me to stop them.as both medications didn't agree with me.started to feel better within few days of stopping them.now having hypnotherapy for anxiety paying for it myself as not available on NHS .would try anything but will never try antidepresents again.Even doctor told me they don't always suit everyone there's not a one pill suits all .if you can afford it try hypnotherapy.ive had 1 session five more to go.
You will be fine believe me you were not on them long enough. Sometimes medication is too bad to take and not everyone can get used to them. You enjoy your family time. Thank you I may or may not take the plunge again but at the moment like you I’m thinking of herbal or alternative things. Good luck too
It takes two weeks to work and for side effects to go away and then you’ll be great! Give it more time. I take 200 mg a day and it helps so much with anxiety and depression!
I did read this but I don’t know if I can handle the sickness for another week - my biggest fear is being sick. How long have you been on Sertraline and how did you manage side effects?
I’ve been on sertraline for 8 weeks 4 weeks at 50mg and 4 weeks at 100mg. The side affects are definitely worse the first few weeks nausea, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhoea etc but after about two weeks that settles. I’ve seen an improvement with my anxiety I’m not where I want to be but I’m definitely better then I was 8 weeks ago. I was so anxious it was causing depression I was miserable and relying on benzodiazepines just to get thru the day and get some sleep at night. I’ve been on citalopram prior to this for 6 years and it was the same with that. I would persevere personally and try to tell yourself it’s just your body getting used to the medication. Antidepressants aren’t a quick fix they take time to get in and settle into your system and like me you may have good days and bad days but hopefully the good will start to our way the bad x
Have you ever asked your doctor for anti sickness pills (cyclizine ) I have them they really work for me with some other medication I’m on. Worth a try if this is the only side effect.
I was in citalopram 10 days terrible side effects changed to sertraline 8 days side effects so in total 18 days on medication worse 18 days of my life anxiety was through the roof ! Nausea dizzy headaches no appetite bubbly belly.heart racing etc etc even doctor told me to stop it as not agreeing with me.felt better few days after stopping.im now having hynotheraphy paying private.
The decision is s really tough one. I really hope you will feel better soon.
I was told by my doctor that you will not get withdrawal effects if you stop within a month. I have not had this experience myself as I did stick with them even though at the stage you are at I thought they were the worse drugs that had ever been invented they made me feel so bad. After 4 months I had got myself back and after 18 months I felt better and more fulfilled than I ever had in my life. I had not been an anxious or depressed person before I became ill in fact.
It is however so difficult and I really wish you luck with whatever decision you make.
I found making certain changes in my lifestyle was as important as taking antidepressants however and I am happy to tell you about them if you are interested.
I too take Sertraline and have for over six years now. The lowest dose they give is 25mg. They give it to 6- year- old children in this dose. It takes 6 weeks to feel that it is helping. I too like most had side effects. The worst was drowsy. I could barely stay awake. I am not a med taker either. The bare minimum. I am now on 75mg and doing well. The most I believe is 200mg of Sertraline. I will never go that far. I am a firm believer that talking is the best medication ever. Telling others who are supportive is a great medication and it is free. I know for me. The Sertraline is great for PTSD and obsessing over food. That is why my doctor prescribed it. I was a severe Anorexic for forty years. I reached out for the first time at 50 years of age. I love my mental doctors. They have given me life. It is a great medication for my PTSD as well. I know each one is different. Like others have responded. What works for one does not fit the other sometimes. Take care and you will find something that works I am sure. All these side effects are common.
Thank you for your reply. My doctor advised that only I know best and as it’s such a small dose if I want to stop it for a week to see how I feel then if I want to trail the25mh again I can. He said if side effects return we can look at something else. I have never wanted to resort to medication so maybe I will see how I feel stopping these and think of what steps are best for me next. Thank you. Hope you find something that works for you too.
I was the exact same as you. I lasted 2 weeks and couldn’t take any more of the symptoms. However it does take about 4 weeks for the tablets to fully take effect.
Where I receive medical care in the states offers “Pharmacogenomic Testing.” The results of this gene testing told me whether my current medications were impacted by the test results. They say whether one may have an increased or decreased activity compared to a ‘normal’ metabolizer of large classes of drugs.
I asked a brother who works at a local hospital about this testing & he said they do offer it but only if you ask for it. Testing entails a mouth swab. My insurance covered it, but I see online it will set you back a couple hundred dollars to purchase on your own.
My primary doctor does not feel it has been validated enough, different companies produce differing results, etc. I have found pharmacists use the information as another tool to recommend lower starting doses, monitor for side effects etc.
I personally think the bugs will get figured/worked out & this is the wave of the future. Some docs may feel threatened by it’s potential reach into their lucrative (in states) trial & error practices.
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sertraline - extreme anxiety 
not doing so well on Sertraline
7 weeks into Sertraline :) 
Citalopram
