bad side effects

Posted , 2 users are following.

I took sertraline for the first time yesterday and went through a whirlwind of side effects - racing heart, diahorrea (sp!), nausea, yawning, sleepiness, and then through the whole night had really aching, throbbing muscles in my legs and didn't sleep. So today I decided not to continue with them. SO... i wanted to ask if this many side effects was worrying? Has anybody else had as many?? I thought they were meant to be reasonably mild but they didn't seem mild to me! Does this mean its just not the ttab for me?

Any replies would be much appreciated, thanks.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi there,if you read the leaflet with your tabs it does tell you the sideeffects,i like you was unlucky and had loads ,sweating not sleeping or eating ,headache and wobbly aching legs.Ihave now been on them for about 9 weeks and for the first couple of weeks wanted to give up ,but i stuck with it ,with the help of this forum and now feeling soooo much better, side effects do subside after a couple of weeks.Before taking these ssri i couldnt even get out of bed was having panic attacks and aniexty and unable to go out .I never thought i would get better ,but i am getting better thanks to the tabs .Try and stick with it ,its a long road to recovery and it does take time.

    :zen: Patty

  • Posted

    Hi, I agree with Patty - the first 2 weeks can be dreadful, I had most of the side effects, I would wake up literally shaking & wobbly, and my doc gave me a few valium to help me sleep...they will only give you a few. I somehow got through and now 3 months later I am soooo much better, no depression, no crippling anxiety, and life is good again!

    Would suggest you eat some breakfast (I just used to mash a banana) & then take the Sertraline. Don't take them at night, my consultant explained to me it is better in the morning.

    Good luck, don't give up, it is not an overnight miracle but slowly you will regain 'normality'

    My best wishes

    Annie

  • Posted

    Hello I have just read your post and the two replys. The replys were spot on I have been on Sertraline for about 15 months. It is a slow working drug and can cause some not very nice side effects. I had awful side effects for a few weeks, feeling sick headache, tremor, jaw clenching and dizziness to mention a few. However I stuck with it and as time went on I started to feel a lot better. The side effects do wear off with in time. I can do all the things I use to enjoy before I became ill with servere anxiety, Im so pleased I stuck it out and so will you. Good luck and look forward to brighter times. LUCKY.
  • Posted

    Hey Lucky,

    Glad to hear you are still on course. It is 3 months for me, and I feel great most of the time.

    What I wanted to say was that during my first month your posts were like a shining light to me! It helped so much, you sound like a lovely person, and am glad you are on the mend.

    Bless you a million times! :D

    Annie

  • Posted

    I would just like to say how reassuring and helpful it is you all taking the time and trouble to post your experiences. I have been taking Sertraline 50mg for 2 and a half weeks now. I had some very bad side effects for the first week. I am now experiencing the odd better day but then a rubbish day where silly thoughts and anxieties come to the forefront big time! Is it worth sticking with it? All your comments seem to suggest so - many thanks again.
  • Posted

    Hi everyone, im on day 3 of this time around on sertraline, this is the 3rd time i've been put back on them after weening myself off them, so i would say im an expert at the side effects!

    Please everyone, i know the side effects can be horrific but trust me, its so worth it!, you just need to take each day, or even hour at a time and think that its one hour closer to you feeling normal.

    Like i said today is day 3 and i've finally managed to sleep for 4 hours, and eat a banana, still getting what i describe as electric shock wave through the body, still got the swelled belly, dry mouth and stomach ache and now have the shakes and muscle twitches BUT i know that its worth it...please dont give up!

  • Posted

    Hi

    I thought I was the only one that felt at times I was hanging in there sometimes hour by hour. Reading the posts is really helpful as you think you are the only this is happening to. Thank you again.....

  • Posted

    First day back on them......and I feel vile....... :x I believe sertraline is supposed to be one of the mildest of the SSRIs. It really works for my anxieties though.

    I find the jaw clenching the worst....it's almost impossible to stop it...like cramp.

    I have given up hope of ever having a normal life without meds......my bloody illness practically started overnight and I have never been the same since......I wish I could be the person I used to be....I am so glad I have such a wonderful husband!

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