Sertraline / Zoloft making me feel exhausted and a lead weight in the morning

[BreezyHaze]

I have been taking Zoloft/Sertraline for about 4 months, 25mg to 100, 50mg and now back down to 25mg.

This is for severe PMDD which is more physical than mental but I do have emotionally very bad days 1-10 days before period like wanting to suddenly up and leave my partner, anxiety through the roof etc.

Doctor put me on sertraline and although has helped me emotionally 80%, and much less anxious, I am so tired its awful.

I work from home and always used to walk daily etc, now I cam hardly get out of bed. And when I need to sleep I have to sleep right then! As soon as I finished work today I got straight into bed as so tired like I had not slept for days, thought Id have a nap and woke up 2 hours later.

The mornings are as hard, I used to do well on 8 hours a night, now I can barely get out of bed after 10 hours and feel like a lead weight.

I feel I have been on sertraline for long enough for the sleepiness to go away, but its getting worse and not better!

I have tried taking it at different times (morning on waking, mid arvo and around 6pm now) splitting my doses into 2 a day, but I still cannot open my eyes in the morning let alone get out of bed.

Has anyone else experienced this and what did you do?

I will be making an appointment to speak to my doctor but waiting times are weeks so thought Id ask on here first!

Thanks everyone

[Lillop]

Hi I'm exactly the same for tiredness My Dr upped my dose from 100 to 150 last wk & assured me it wouldn't make me more tired.......I'm waiting to see Will let u know how I get on If u've bn on it for only 4mths & dosage changes Maybe u need 2 give urself more time on each dose they say about 6wks 2 c full effect? I don't know....I just hope I'll not b a total zombie.....Take care xxx

[TwirlingAngel in reply to Lillop]

Hi llilpop thanks for your reply.

Yes that could be it as was 25mg for 2 weeks then upto 50mg (as planned by doctor) then 100mg but didnt feel after 4-6 made much difference. All of this has been by doctors guidance, and have given it another 6 weeks to give time for dosage adjustements.

As mentioned in other reply, having also been 300 miles away caring for parents so sometimes ones issues are ignored temporarily and put aside! Fingers crossed for you coming out of zombie state, and give it time as youve advised me.... as guess it takes time foe body to adjust! Take care X

[Hidden]

Just wondering if you've considered switching to a different anti-depressant? Sounds like this one isn't your cup of tea. Just sayin'..... I mean, four months .......? sheesh.....

[TwirlingAngel in reply to Hidden]

Hi kaye77 thanks for your reply. Yes 4 months but I have not felt this bad for the whole 4 months. Side effects are tiredness but the past 3-5 weeks I suddenly become so tired I have to sleep immediately.... pretty hard when I work all day! WFH helps... lunchtime nap sometimes 😄The getting up is harder and harder and again a recent thing feeling like lead weight! I have been away looking after my Dad whos in a care home and helping Mum at her home so unfortunately our health and needs are pushed back. But will be speaking to my doctor about changing anti Ds. Thing is works well for my anxiety and all the initial bad side effects (severe headaches, insomnia and other things) went away in 2-3 week.

Will update when I have spoken to my doc! Thank you!

[Hidden in reply to TwirlingAngel]

Have you had Covid yet?

[LiveandLetLive42]

I've been on 100mg of Zoloft for years now and it definitely helps. I have terrible anxiety though so the doctor added Abilify which literally changed my life!! And I was in the same boat as you, working from home and sleeping a lot. I was a total different person when I was at home. Now that I'm back at the office, I notice I am dressing up more, not as tired, being more social and having more energy.

I noticed the weight gain with Zoloft, but it helps too much. Plus working from home, I wasn't active so that could be why. It sounds like you need something added for anxiety and to push yourself a little to go for walks and get out of the house. All the best XX

[Hidden]

Hi, I have never struggled with being really tired since being on Sertraline and I am now on 150mg a day which I take in the morning. Hope this helps

[b1b1b1]

It might be worth having a medical check up with your doctor. There are a lot of medical issues that can cause tiredness, such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues, etc. etc.