I am hoping someone can relate to what I am about to write after having our miscarriage I was diagnosed with anxiety which to begin with I was trying to control without medication but the anxiety attacks and daily struggle was becoming too much so after consulting with my doctor I went on to 50mg of sertraline. The first week was hell!!! It heightened my anxiety symptoms so badly trembling, heart racing, awful dizziness, pins and needles and mind racing. After calling the docs back they explained that this is quite common it will get worst before it gets better so I stuck it out. A few weeks in I was beginning to see a difference I felt more at peace alongside chatting with my therapist I felt I was getting somewhere. However this past week has not been good at all I’m back to really bad dizziness, trembling and that anxious fear I don’t understand as it’s now week 5 why am I feeling like this?. I take 50mg at the minute and will be calling the docs again to chat about why this is happening. I wondered if anyone has maybe had similar experiences and have they maybe went up in dosage or did this pass? Any help appreciated.
Sertraline - 5 weeks in anxiety creeping back in?
Question posted by Ash06 on 12 July 2021
Last updated on 13 July 2021
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Answers
Hi, Ash!
I'm sorry you had such a rough beginning but the doctors are right in saying that for some people the initial side effects can make it seem like it's worse than your original symptoms. The fact that you saw some improvement is an indication that the medication was beginning to work though.
My guess is since you're on a relatively low dose your metabolism is adjusting to the drug but you haven't reached a therapeutic level yet. Everyone responds differently... some will do well on a lower dose but most people will need an increase. The recommended standard daily dosage can range from 50-200mg/day so you have plenty of wiggle room to try a higher dose.
Let your prescribing doctor know that you're having these returning symptoms when you next speak with them and you'll get their professional advice.
Don't be discouraged... it's an ongoing process but you'll find the right dosage that works for you and I think you'll find that all this effort will be well worth it.
Sertraline (Zoloft) is one of just a few antidepressant/anxiolytics that's been approved to treat anxiety disorders and it's likely a good choice for you.
Hey Ash, I started with that one and my doctor took me off that one and gave me escitalopram. It took 3weeks for the pills to started helping me, and now I feel great. Talk to your doctor, they will better be able to advise you, Wildcat responses helped me get through as well as others, hang in there.
Related topics
anxiety, sertraline, miscarriage, medication, diagnosis
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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