Hi,I have been unwell for just over a year lots of medication and a hospital stay,2 weeks ago I was put on 50mg sertralin and was surprised how quick I saw an improvement then my doctor said increase to 100mg now I feel awful can't believe it,went back today told to go back down to 50mg has anyone found that 50mg worked well for them and did not require an increase?
Sertraline 50mg great 100mg awful?
Question posted by Katyf on 16 Sep 2016
Last updated on 11 February 2017
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3 Answers
chuck1957
20 Sep 2016
Katyf; Yes what it sounds like is similar to when you first go on the Zoloft or when the doctor increase the dose, the first couple of weeks it is very common to feel worse prior to getting better during those first 2 weeks as your body adjust to the new dose many of the reasons you are taking it for the symptoms can increase then after the full 2 weeks they start to get better until you have reached the full blood level of the medication. Which is 6 to 8 weeks and it is very important that you take it every day and about the same time each day. Best of luck to you.
Katyf
20 Sep 2016
Thank you chuck,I do feel improvement not so depressed and anxiety nearly gone but I can't get rid of these intrusive thoughts I'm on day 12 now of 100mg
wannabbetter
20 Sep 2016
With intrusive thoughts you have to train your mind to think of positive things. Meds are only part of the answer. I have a prob with intrusive/negative thoughts also & know how hard it is to have your mind go somewhere else. It's easier said than done w/some ppl.
chuck1957
20 Sep 2016
Katyf; I can't agree more with what wannabe; Just said. medication is a good part of our problem but we have to retrain our thoughts negative equals negativity and it's not easy but when you get this type of thinking you have to reinforce them with Positivity. I have a saying with this junk as I call it is you must trust, Faith, Positive thinking,and don't loose your sense of humor!!! all comes down to feeling better. Just like I have pushed people away from me because no matter what they are so negative about everything. And when we have enough problems we don't need to feel worse by someone else's personality. WE ARE LIKE A SPONGE AND SOAK UP THERE NEGATIVITY. BEST WISHES CHUCK1957
Katyf
20 Sep 2016
Thank you chuck it's really nice of you to reply and give your advice I should be happy that I feel a bit better but for me the thoughts are the thing I have found the worst,hopefully the tablets will work
chuck1957
23 Sep 2016
That is right you should even notice feeling better yet soon. But remember what I said about forcing the thoughts out of your head also. as soon as they start getting to you change your train of thought to help by thinking of funny things you have heard,Or things you enjoy.
Laniecm
11 Feb 2017
My doctor started my first dosing of Zoloft at 50 milligrams. It took a few weeks for it began working. I felt much better but continued with anxiety symptoms: palpitations, negative - intrusive thoughts, and nervousness. She changed my dose to 100mg and I went off the deep end after one dose. Experienced severe panic etc. went back to the 50 but I'm still struggling. Some days are good but then I seem to slip backwards. Any suggestions?
wannabbetter
17 Sep 2016
Before it pooped out 50 mgs used to work well for me. If you do well on 50 mgs Sertraline then stick with it. Also, you could make the next increase to 75 mgs rather than 100 mgs.
Katyf
17 Sep 2016
Thanks for the reply I am going to stick with the 100mg for now see how I get on,hope your well
wannabbetter
17 Sep 2016
If you can tolerate the SEs then stick w/it. I used to take it in the a.m. because it was energizing.
LaurieShay
17 Sep 2016
We are all different. I have known some who only needed 25mgs, but it usually is higher. You may need to stay at 50mgs or wait longer time inbetween increases. See how you do staying at 50mgs and if you feel yourself slipping contact the doctor.
Katyf
17 Sep 2016
Hi hope you are well,I decided to stick with the 100mg and give it more time hopefully I will see an improvement Thankyou for replying x
chuck1957
20 Sep 2016
Good Morning, Laurie have not bumped into you in a while and just wanted to say hello and hope all is going well for you!! As always good answers and glad you are here to back us all up.
Related topics
obsessive compulsive disorder, sertraline, major depressive disorder, anxiety and stress, doctor, medication, hospital
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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