I have been taking 50mg sertraline for just over 5 weeks now for anxiety and harm OCD. Weeks 3-4 were my best weeks, I felt I could do anything I wanted, my intrusive thoughts went to the background and I felt I had a new found confidence and it was really great and made me excited about the future. This week I have just started a new job from home and I thought I was handling the change pretty well, however, yesterday I noticed that some of the intrusive thoughts that hadn't crossed my mind for a few weeks have reappeared and although they are not as intense or making me react in an irrational way, they are starting to stick again. Is this normal for week 5 of sertraline? I thought I was getting better but I kind of feel like I am going backwards and I really do not want that. I told myself I would continue taking 50mg for at least 8 weeks and then if things are still at this level, increasing my dose to 100mg.
Hey did things end up balancing out ? I’m experiencing the same thing right now I’m on week 5 and weeks 3-4 we’re great and now I feel myself getting the intrusive thoughts again.
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
18 March 2021
Hi, Jd! I think you hit the nail right on the head. What you're probably experiencing is what's called the "roller coaster" effect where you get to feeling better but then begin to have some minor symptoms again. Since you're on the initial dose you may need to increase your dosage at some point. Everybody differs in their response to the medication and maintenance dosages can range from 50-200mgs/day. Also, it can take about 6-8 weeks to feel the full effects of the drug. You might want to talk to your doctor about a possible increase but it may also just be a question of giving the medication a little more time to become completely effective. It does seem though that you've made good progress for the length of time you've been taking it. Give your doctor a call... Best regards and you should be feeling much better very quickly now.
Votes: +2
JD
Jdrozario22
19 March 2021
Hi Wildcat,
Thanks for replying! Ah yes this is what I thought. I did initially suspect that 50mg was too low for OCD intrusive thoughts as I read that typically people with OCD need a higher dose. But yes, as you say, I will stick it out until the 8 week mark and then if things are not feeling improved I will book in a GP appointment. Yes I completely agree with you, I definitely have had more good days than bad, it is just those pesky intrusive thoughts which are so annoying.
Thank you very much, your advise is very reassuring.
Joey
WI
WildcatVet
19 March 2021
You're welcome, Joey! Best of luck to you and take care.
