Sertraline

[Shandon1]

5 days on Sertraline 50mg and feeling dreadful, depressed and little energy. Should I continue on this anti depressant?

[BIGREDSOFA]

That's just side effects... They can but not always take up to 2 weeks to go. Sertraline is the best of the SSRI drugs with the fewest bad side effects but has the habit of numbing the brain. I quit after a few years as I wanted my whole mind back. It's good for giving you that space you need in your head to rest and repair but it is NOT a long term solution and you NEED to take an active role in changing your life/ outlook or it will not feel likes he meds are helping. 

Remember these drugs are a short term crutch not a way of life.  

Give the meds a good two to three months then start feeding yourself with positive affirmations, people and new experiences.

Hang in there, you can do this.

[endogenous in reply to BIGREDSOFA]

I disagree with you saying it is the best of the SSRIs. It is subjective. Some might not respond to it and might respond to the other SSRIs. Secondly all the SSRIs may cause numbness which some people don't mind not just Zoloft.

Thirdly, I don't think all anti -depressants are a short term solution. Maybe for certain types of depression which might involve self esteem, social issues etc. but for many who have clinical depression (which is genetic) they might have to be on it for life. It has nothing to do with will power.

Fourthly there are many other groups of anti D's besides SSRIs like Imipramine which don't cause numbness (in fact quite the opposite) I have been on it since 1988.

[Hidden]

You need to continue on for upwards four weeks before the medication will work well

You may feel a not so hot with the medications at this time.

BOB

[Pault2024]

Hi, I have been on sertraline for a couple of years now. Once they "get in your system" you will adapt to the side effects. I am currently on 200mg/day which is the maximum dose, stay with them, they are the best that I have been prescribed. Good luck

[Misszippy_76]

Deffo stick with it for now I take mine same time every day 150mg that helps too. For me medication is my only option. I try and come off them but it's like telling a diabetic to come off insulin. Depression is an illness and I'm not ashamed to admit being a sufferer. Time to change good luck and keep on trucking xxx

[Hidden]

Keep at it, it will get better. I was on these for 10 years and they were the best I was ever given but I tried at least 5 others first that just made me Ill physically. I came off them last year going cold turkey which isn't advisable but I am fine now as I take 5-htp which is a herbal supplement along with other supplements and thyroid meds. Still get the odd low day but nothing compared to the past. Hopefully the side effects will wear off and you will feel better soon although 50mg is quite a low dose and may need increasing.

[endogenous]

Your Dr should have started you on the smallest dosage  because even if this is the right drug for you the side effects can make you feel worse and obscure the therapeutic benefits. Phone him and ask if you can reduce.