I’ve recently been struggling with bad anxiety to a point three weeks ago it was everyday constant ,I then knew I had to go and get professional help went to my doctor and he has put me on sertraline 50mg he explained it will make my anxiety worse before better and can take a few weeks to see the effects. Knowing this I had to try it as was going crazy with constant anxiety.
I’m now on day 10 and it’s been horrendous every side effect possible constant anxiety, heart palpitations,shaking, depressed, nausea,fatigue, insomnia and very heavy head like it going to fall off . I’ve lost 13lbs in two weeks as just no appetite I’ve started eating slightly more since yesterday. I feel I can’t cope anymore everyday is such a struggle and feel if this is my life now I don’t want it .
I use to be such a strong joyful person and this had crumbled me to a absolute mess it’s so much pressure on my husband me being like this .
Is their light at the end of the tunnel on this medication as it feels not at the moment .
Please help with any advice it would be very much appreciated
Day 10 on sertraline - will it get better?
Question posted by Andremckay on 27 Nov 2021
Last updated on 27 November 2021
Answers
Hi, Andremckay!
In one word... Yes. There is light at the end of the tunnel and life will get so much easier. I know how hard it can be in the beginning but you're well on your way already. You're so lucky to have a compassionate doctor who is monitoring your progress.
When it seems too hard to bear just remember that these few weeks will someday pale in comparison to what you were living with previously. Remember too that you aren't alone... all of us have been through this. It's a disease that none of us asked for and simply want gone.
Try to stay positive and not dwell too much on the negatives. They will resolve! Distract yourself with enjoyable things... can you take a long walk or read a good book or watch a favorite old movie? The more you try to get on with a normal and happy life the easier it becomes.
It took a while to get here but I assure you that I made it through and am happy and productive. You'll get there too.
Thank you for your response.
It’s so hard to have to deal with these side effects from a drug that I’m putting into my body myself every morning I don’t get a break from the side effects all day and night since I started taking it I’m holding on for dear life that as days go on the side effects ease off then I can concentrate on getting better as I’m normally such a active positive person this has questioned everything about myself , I can’t even leave the house to take the dogs out now as I panick or just don’t have the energy .
I believe 2/3 weeks is the turn around point for these feelings of the side effects to start to go I pray that’s right as I can’t cope with this everyday for much longer it’s not fair to my children and husband seeing me like this .
Your doctor is right about it taking time to work in your system. Those first several weeks can be very difficult. I am in the middle of a medication change and it is so hard. Please give it time. Perhaps your doctor can give you something additional for your symptoms like Xanax or buspar. This can help while the sertraline kicks in. Take it day by day. Try to eat as that will also help your body. Talk with your doctor to let them know what is happening. Also helps to work with a therapist during this time.. Take care.
Thank you for your reply .
I’ve been taking propranolol 40mg as when required but I feel just not helping and getting side effects from them also I’m not very good with tablets . Evenings are the worse and not sleeping during the night up lucky if I’m getting a hr sleep .
I have such a supportive family and giving it everything to hang on in there it’s so hard having constant anxiety just no break from it .
My doctor has been ringing me weekly and I am booked in next week for CBT just hope everything comes together shortly as this is just awful on a daily basis . This website is a great support also .
You take care
I wish there was a magic way for us to feel better. When doctors tell us it will take weeks for medications to fully work it feels like forever to us as we struggle. Just remember there are so many people out there dealing with this. Having a supportive family is comforting. I hope you feel better soon.
Related topics
anxiety, sertraline, anxiety and stress, doctor, professional
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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