sertraline and bad side effects

[Sesmorris97]

started 50mg of sertraline on Monday 17th October. Yesterday was the worst day for symptoms.. I was home alone and had what I believe was the worst panic attack. Nausea, dizziness, everything. It lasted 6 hours on and off and nearly felt like calling for an ambulance. It’s the weekend and my GP is closed but I’m scared to take the next pill tonight? I had mild nausea since starting but no where near as bad as that and it was actually frightening. I know it can get worse before better but that was a lot worse. Should I carry on? This happened about an hour after I took the pill yesterday.

[On_The_Mend]

Hi OP. If you’re in the UK Please call 111 and describe the symptoms - they can help a surprising amount and you’ll be able to speak to a nurse. I myself am on Sertraline since 2021 and my experiences of starting were quite mild - disturbed sleep, a touch of “trippiness” every now and then, but nothing distressing. 111 can, and will, be able to help you. All the best on your journey.

[Gettingeducated]

Hi, I started Sertraline and had exactly the same experiences as you are having. It was very tough going and incredibly distressing those first 6 weeks. I could hardly sleep or sit down for 2 weeks of it and again like you I thought about ambulances etc. I’ll never forget it as long as I live. That said eventually I did start to get better. And then more and more better. Sleep was a problem with limited amounts of around 2 - 4 hours broken sleep for a couple of months. I ended up doing breathing exercises etc to try and reduce the symptoms during those first few weeks. Plenty of fresh air and walks. Please try and rest up though. Maybe some TV you enjoy to refocus your mind. It will be challenging but keep at it!! Get help where you can. Speak with a Dr where you can and if it persists try asking the Dr for a low dose of Mirtazipine which will help if they prescribe it. Keep fighting and all the very best 👍👍

[timbits123]

Agree with On_The_Mend, call your local helpline if the symptoms become unmanageable. If you can, ask a trusted family member or close friend who knows your situation to come over for company, if only to watch TV with. Beyond the above; know that it will get better, but sometimes, you may need to try different meds until you find the one right for you. I was on only 20mg Sertaline, transferring from Citalopram, and my rough patch was coming off when I decided to stop - brain zaps, anxiety, etc. I’m on my third type which is now working for me, early days. Stay in a controlled environment if you can, avoid intense programmes, pray if you are so inclined, or meditate, and get lots of sleep. Finally: I know it’s hard, but try to rise above the confusion and anxiety with an eye on the end goal. Stay connected, amigo.

[MantisMan]

As others have stated, please contact a medical professional and explain your symptoms.

For the first month or 2 I was having extreme highs and lows. Most days I felt worse than before I started taking them. But perseverance is key. Just keep reminding yourself that it WILL get better. If you have a support network, reach out to them, let them know exactly what you’re feeling on your bad days. I’m now on 100mg and although I do have days where I don’t feel great, 99% of the time things are good.

You’re more than welcome to reach out to me if you need someone to talk to.

Hope things improve for you

[Hidden]

You need to allow about five weeks to get used to the side effects, be patient and give them time the side effects hopefully will get less as you get used to the drugs

Be patient