Insomnia (50mg for 3 weeks then up to 100mg). Initially had terrible symptoms which eased over two weeks. Week by week I had good and bad days but overall improved mood and sleep was returning. Last week I had the best week so far, really positive with hardly any anxiety. This week started with increased anxiety and sleep has been bad again. I know there are ups and downs but just seems so cruel after experiencing a wonderful few days. I know that logically this will pass too but when you’re in your down days it can be hard to think positive. That’s where you guys come in! Has anyone experienced a blip this far down the line and was it short lived?
Sertraline Blip - need some reassurance!
Question posted by Gb100 on 6 April 2023
Last updated on 24 May 2023
Added 6 April 2023:
I started sertraline 9 weeks ago for anxiety which lead to insomnia
3 Answers
Ph_Tarek990
23 May 2023
You should stop “
masso
24 May 2023
You MUST inform the member asking the question that stopping the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, before stopping (not just stop) inform his/her DR. in order to discontinue this antidepressant gradually under medical supervision.
WildcatVet
6 April 2023
Hi, Gb!
Unfortunately, as these medications re-adjust abnormal brain and neurotransmitter functions they can also cause unwanted side effects. Insomnia and even increased anxiety commonly affect about 20% of users temporarily. They are very troublesome initially but they do, in fact, resolve.
You're experiencing what's called the "roller coaster" effect... and this too will resolve as the medication reaches therapeutic levels in your system.
Although most people begin feeling improvements earlier on it can sometimes take weeks before the medication becomes fully effective... and anxiety is a nasty bugger that resists treatment much longer than depression.
All I can say is that this sounds like a normal adjustment period that you will get through. On those bad days try just to think how happy your life will be in the near future!
Be patient and positive. Sertraline (Zoloft) is really an excellent medication with good reviews from users for treating many different anxiety disorders.
Best regards, Wildcat
jammark
6 April 2023
I have not taken sertraline, but I have taken all forms of antidepressants from SSRIs like sertraline to tricyclics like amitriptyline, and unfortunately, I have not been able to tolerate the sleep side effects of any type of antidepressant. I don't know what you're insomnia looks like but mine was incredibly vivid and extremely disturbing night terrors that would end in suicidal thoughts when I woke up. I had to quit antidepressants altogether. For me, that terrible side effect simply was not worth any benefit. I'm happy that I did, and I've never looked back at least not yet. And for your information, this was just recently, only two weeks ago, that I titrated off my final antidepressant. Right now, for my anxiety (currently taking nothing for my MDD) I take buspirone and diazepam as needed for my social anxiety. I wish you luck, and I do hope that this is temporary and you will be able to utilize the medication successfully without the side effects.
jammark
7 April 2023
9 weeks should be more than sufficient time for any side effect like that to have resolved itself and also time for the drug to prove whether it is beneficial for your condition or not. Sleep is one of the most important pillars of our good health. Please do not sacrifice that for a drug that seems to have more cons than pros for you.
Related topics
depression, post traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline, sleep, anxiety and stress, symptom
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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