I am so nervous about upping my dose can any one share their exact experience when upping their dose? (What side effects did one experience, and for how long did you experience them?) I plan to do it slowly by taking 37.5 daily to work up to 50mg I have been on 25mg for 8 weeks and I know I am ready to be at a higher dose I am just scared of the side effects. I am seeking others experience to gain confidence in myself. I feel like i am going insane expecting a different result by asking the same question. I apologize for that. I just feel like if I knew exactly what to expect I'd be more comfortable with upping my dose. If anyone can take the time to help me with this decision I would greatly appreciate it.
Sertraline - I need help/advice with upping my dosage?
Question posted by Pam88 on 22 July 2021
Last updated on 15 February 2025 (3 months ago) by Februarybaby
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
3 Answers
Februarybaby
15 Feb 2025
I upped from 25 mg. to 50 one week after beginning... I had a horrible experience with about 9 hours of diarrhea ! I went down to 25 next day for another 2 weeks and just today split a pill (tough dividing up the powder) and took 37.5 roughly! So far, an hour and a half later and pretty good. Did go to the toilet once or twice but that's it and feel good... I will stay on this for about 10 days - 2 weeks and when I know I have a free inbound weekend will up to 50 and see what happens. I did feel effects of 25 a bit for my anxiety and think I'll be able to stop at 50 mg. Don't ever feel bad for asking these questions. I often have a million of them. Did anyone else experience something like this. I have not checked to see if it's available in pill hard form so I can split it!
JM2
23 July 2021
I'm in the exact same place as you. Feeling very nervous on going up to 50mg but I do know it's time! I'm new to this site as well. Please let us know how it goes! God bless!
Pam88
23 July 2021
Welcome JM2. And yes I will definitely keep posting on my progress. Still haven't upped my dose but I will be soon. This site has been so helpful and very supportive for me during my treatment. Glad to have you here and I hope all is well.
WildcatVet
23 July 2021
Welcome, JM2! This is a great site for information, advice. and personal experiences. Let us know if you have any trouble navigating.
Hang in there kids... you'll be alright.
JM2
24 July 2021
Thank you for the welcoming! This site has been wonderful for this journey I'm on! I like many reader's, have read and re-read many of the stories. They are so helpful! I started taking 50mg at night. So far this morning doing well. Fingers crossed!
Pam88
24 July 2021
That is great to know JM2! I hope things continue to be well for you. May I ask how long were you on 25mg before today?
JM2
24 July 2021
I had been on 25mg for 4 weeks. Then I went to 37.5mg. After 10 day's I started taking the full 50mg. This is the first day 7/24. My initial side effects were headaches, anxiety, and feeling tired at the same time. I was taking them in the AM and switched to PM. That helped with the sleepiness. I'm also on a beta blocker for SVT (supraventicular tachycardia) and that makes me tired as well. Today has been great so far! Lot's of energy and no palpitations. I am a 62 year old female with general anxiety. It got worse for me after contracting Covid in April. I had been staying in and finally thought it was ok to start being out. Numbers were low. Ugh. Everything gives anxiety now! Hoping 50mg will be my sweet spot as it were. I hope this helps you to some degree.
Pam88
24 July 2021
Thank you for sharing that. It does help me a great deal. I am 33 year old female, I have always had anxiety but since I had my first child 11 months ago it intensified into anxiety and panic attacks. As l began to learn more about my condition I realized I was greatly depressed and have OCD also. Since starting 25mg Sertraline 8 weeks ago I have noticed great improvement but I know it is time for an increase. The first 2-3 weeks were ugly for me headache, insomnia, intrusive thoughts and suicidal ideation were the worst symptoms I experienced they subsided after the 4th week and I have been feeling good since. This past week though I have been very up and down obsessive thoughts, anxiety and depression are poking at me and I noticed those feelings only come around that "certain time of the month" then it passes and I am good again functioning well with my daily lifestyle. I would love to continue to know how you are doing.
How did you feel the 10 days you went up to 37.5? Like you, I am hoping 50mg will be enough for me. I pray things continue to be well for you. And Thank you for your input.
-Pam
JM2
24 July 2021
Pam I would love to continue our conversation too! I forgot that I had also had nausea and no appetite for 2 weeks after starting the 25mg. I too felt a bit like I was losing my mind. When I started the 37.5 I had a little anxiety for about 3 day's. But finding this site helped me to realize that this was all normal so I kept pushing forward. I will be praying for you as well. Raising children is an adventure in itself!
JM2
24 July 2021
Oh and I thought I was doing pretty well on the 37.5 until just the other day. I started to have a panic attack. But my plan had always been to go up to 50mg and stay there for a few months.
Pam88
24 July 2021
Thank you so much That helps.. That is one of my fears that I'll have a bad relapse before I up my dose. I am going to see if I can stay well for a bit longer maybe a week fingers crossed. I appreciate your time greatly. I will keep in touch. Have a great weekend.
JM2
28 July 2021
Pam88: It's been 4 day's since increasing my dosage to 50mg. Doing really well. The only side effect I'm noticing is shakiness. My hands are shaky and at times I feel jittery. Other than that each day has been better. If I have any anxiety it seems to pass quickly.
Pam88
28 July 2021
I'm glad to know your doing well. I went up to 37.5 yesterday so far feeling ok. How has your appetite been? I did experience mild shakiness during my initial dose. But I chalked that up to being hungry because I didn't have much of an appetite. But i did go away around week 2.
JM2
28 July 2021
I think for the most part my appetite has been back to normal.
JM2
31 July 2021
Hi Pam88, how are you doing? I've been on the 50mg for a week now. Most of the shaky hands has gone away. I think I'm doing pretty well. I've noticed that I don't wake up with anxiety. It used to wake me up and keep me awake. I also don't seem to obsess over certain things like before. Easier to put out of my head. I'm hoping as many have written, that it will only get better from here! Let me know how you're doing. ;)
Pam88
2 Aug 2021
Hi JM2! I'm glad to know you are doing well! I am sure its only going to get better for you. I'm doing ok. I went up to 37.5 this passed Monday. Side effects are minimal headache and a bit of heightened anxiety. My daughter got sick with a cold so I have been a bit stressed and having obsessive thoughts about covid and the delta. Diving myself nuts! Looking forward to increasing to 50mg in a week or so as well as getting vaccinated within the next few days.
Thank you for touching base with me, it is so comforting for me to know that someone else is out there on the same journey as I am and is persevering! God bless you and stay strong! Keep in touch.
JM2
2 Aug 2021
I completely understand about obsessing over Covid!! That's why my anxiety got out of control. The Zoloft has helped tame that down. Yay!! Glad you're getting vaccinated! Take care! Good to hear from you!
JM2
3 Oct 2021
Hi Pam88, how are you doing? I am currently on 75mg and finally feel more like myself. My doctor has advised me to stay on 75mg for now. I have low sodium and she's concerned if I increase to 100mg that I may have problems. So far so good!! It's nice to feel "normal" again! I hope that you are doing well.
Pam88
3 Oct 2021
Hi JM2! I am so glad to know you're doing well! I finally am on a steady dose of 50 mg and doing fantastic, I am working again and enjoying my family I'm getting my life back. I'm actually starting to wonder when I can come off the medication. :) Things are going well. Thank you for touching in an I hope you continue being well too! God Bless.
jakyoga65
22 July 2021
For all of us changing the dosage has different results. I was lucky when I upped it to 37.5 I had very few side effects. For instance I did have trouble sleeping and was a little shaky. The transition to 50mg had no extra side effects, I changed to that dose after ten days. Also talk with your therapist, very helpful during transition when our fears are exacerbated by the unknown. I also practiced yoga and meditation when I was feeling overwhelmed, that was helpful. Good luck with everything.
Pam88
23 July 2021
Thank you. I appreciate your prompt response and advice. Take care.
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sertraline, side effect, dosage, nervous
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- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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