I have decided to try sertraline for my anxiety and phobia of sick. I was prescribed 50mg but I’ve started taking half of that as I am very nervous about it. I’m on day 2 of it and I have the worst headache possible, feeling really sick (even with anti-sickness meds) and anxious, and just generally feel really bad.
The worst part about this is that my eating was already poor due to my phobia, the last thing I need is something like this making me feel a million times worse.
I know people say that it’s good to persevere as things can improve but I really don’t think I can if this is how I feel by day 2.
I am taking them at night and although I’m not having any different experiences with sleep, I’d dread to think how I’d feel if I took them in the morning.
Do you think I should tell my doctor and try to possibly change? Did anyone else have this same experience and stop? How long did it take (if you did stop) for the side effects to wear off?
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anxiousteacher18
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Honestly, after only 2 days and not taking the recommend dose I don't think you can attribute those feelings to the tablets. More likely is you are getting worked up over taking them and that is what is making you feel ill. I would discuss with your GP bit all medications take time to get into your system and start having an effect so constantly changing from one to another won't help.
Hi,I really feel for you as I have had similar experience !! Makes you nauseated and gives u headaches makes you agitated the first couple of weeks as adapting to your body . I persevered and now after 5 to 6 weeks can feel the benefits . Some deep breathing exercises and meditation will also help you relax too . A pill just won’t get rid you have to try and accept and repair the mindset . Hope this helps , you are not in your own out there !!
Just for an update, I’ve decided to stop taking them and today has been the worst day ever.
I have been feeling so so sick, I’ve heaved multiple times, I’ve not been able to eat or drink... Considering I’ve got a phobia of sick, this has actually made me worse not better. I wish I could go back in time and never take them because honestly, they’ve messed me up more than helping me and I am now terrified I’m going to end up in hospital from dehydration and malnutrition because of the tablets and with covid, that’s the last thing I need because nobody could stay with me and I’d be on my own... 😔💔
I am not having meds ever again, I’m not contacting my doctor either because he has lied to me and given me things which aren’t good for me. I don’t trust doctors now with a bargepole.
Personally I think you are over reacting and its your over reaction that is making you ill. You are winding yourself up which is triggering anxiety and the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. This in turn makes you more anxious because of your phobia and you feel worse. I don't feel your doctor has done anything wrong and you should go back and discuss with them. Like Cornelly said, anxiety can cause trust issues which is going to work against you.
You do need to go back to the docs. Some meds just don't suit. Sometimes we don't think straight when we are ill . I had major trust issues when my anxiety was at its worst. Could you see a different doctor ?
Anxiety causes perception issues as it puts physiological responses to us to not be able to consume food. I am onl learning this too well to as I lost so much weight and googled can I be anorexic and not want to be skinny. And I am in therapy currently and it is helping me to accept that my anxiety causes me to perceive people or things as threats and then to hyperventilate and feel worthless and shut down. All anxiety caused. The central nervous system works against us when this happens. Try releasing all the oxygen in your breathing when the anxious starts up. Another tool I was told in therapy is to put your back shoulder blades together as it opens up the chest where it gets so tight responding to the anxiety. And that naturally goes into fetal protection so shoulder blades together (Magic fairy wings 🧚🏼♀️) can help slow the thoughts and all that pursue. Meditation and learning to understand the vagal nerve and how it can disrupt our functions is helping me cope.
Hi, I took sertraline for a phobia and had similar symptoms. The first two weeks I could not eat, sweating, very bad anxiety and panic attacks. It did settle down after a couple of weeks. But was a horrible experience, even went to a and e as thought I was dying, wanted to be admitted. Crazy. It was an awful time but my phobia did go completely eventually. And came off. That was 6 years ago. I now have another phobia that is controlling my life and really don’t know what to do. I am so scared to take sertraline again.
If you persevere I am sure it will help you a lot, but be prepared for a couple of difficult weeks. You probably won’t be able to work during this time.
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