Can sertraline cause worse anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts before it gets better? I've been on it for 9 days (3 days 25mg and 6 days on 50mg) and I am getting worse or at the very least, feel no improvement. When i was on lexapro i felt better within the week. But eventually it stopped working. I hope someone can please provide some reassurance to push through.
Sertraline is horrible so far, does it get better?
Question posted by Teenyreeny on 13 Oct 2021
Last updated on 13 October 2021 by WildcatVet
Answers
WildcatVet
13 Oct 2021
Hi, Teeny!
Antidepressants can cause side effects like you describe in susceptible users:
"Common (1% to 10% of users): Abnormal thinking, anxiety, depression, nervousness"
It's ironic that they would cause what you're trying to treat but side effects generally only last a week or two. I wonder if you didn't increase your dosage too fast as increases usually are done after at least a week. Also, increases can cause new or recurrent side effects.
Most people will feel improvements once their dosage is stabilized... often within the few couple of weeks but it can take 4-8 weeks to feel the full effect of the medication.
I might suggest you report to your doctor and ask about possibly reducing your dosage temporarily to smooth out this initial period.
Best regards and you should be feeling better soon.
Related topics
depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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