Sertraline - Anyone else experience these side effects?
Question posted by Vic2090 on 22 Jan 2022
Last updated on 30 January 2022
Hi all, a little background, I was on Zoloft 50mg for anxiety for about 10 years, but about four months ago I tapered off and have been officially off of it since November (2 months ago today). About two weeks ago I had a health scare (everything is fine now) and I started getting anxiety attacks up until the point to where I couldn’t relax at all. So my dr and I decided to get back on Zoloft. I just started, this is day 3 on 25mg and my anxiety is at an all time high. So high that I went to the emergency room because I thought something was not right. I’m not sure if the side effects of the Zoloft may be causing the heightened anxiety and would like to know if anyone has experienced an increase in anxiety when first starting Zoloft.
I also feel very spaced out and sort of like everything is a dream, anyone else experience this? I remember experiencing it when I first got on it ten years ago but don’t remember how long it lasted.
Any info and maybe tips to ease this would be helpful!
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.
5 Answers
JO
Jonut
30 Jan 2022
Vic how are you feeling? I did the same thing went off in Nov 21 and back on now. Having the same problems that you are having with increased anxiety
Votes: +0
VI
Vic2090
30 Jan 2022
It’s day 9 and the increased anxiety has pretty much went away. Only time I seem to really feel it is when I first wake up but it goes away a little after. I still feel a little untethered or like I’m dreaming but it’s starting to fade a little everyday. Definitely feel much better than I did when I first started. I know the increased anxiety sucks right now but keep going! You got this!
NA
Nac128
24 Jan 2022
We justbstarted my 14 year old on 25mg, day 3 and I had to pick him up from school. Said he felt nauseous, sweating and jittery. Probably because no kid wants to throw up in school but definitely sounds like it might be the anxiety you are all along about. Not sure how I can have a kid handle that for 2 weeks or more.
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
24 Jan 2022
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about an OTC remedy for the nausea. There are several medications that work very well. Hopefully his side effects won't last 2 weeks or longer. For most people they subside within days to a week.
NA
Nac128
24 Jan 2022
Thanks! He usually takes it at night because I was trying to see if he would be one of the few that it makes them feel tired. His nausea went away within a few hours but not sure how he or I are going to be able be to do this if it last long. Poor kiddo just wants to be "normal" like his friends
WI
WildcatVet
23 Jan 2022
Vic, These side effects are common in the initial period on an antidepressant/anxiolytic. They generally subside within just a few days to a week or so.
"Common (1% to 10% of users): Anxiety, depersonalization"
Take care and hang in there!
Votes: +0
VI
Vic2090
24 Jan 2022
Thank you. I am trying to hang in there. Sometimes it just feels so intense that I can’t see it getting any better. I know it’s just my anxiety making me think this way but I don’t know any way to help me cope with it.
CA
Catholicmom
24 Jan 2022
Have you watched any Dr Claire Weekes videos on YouTube? She is long passed now but her teaching is as relevant today as it was fifty years ago. Someone kindly uploaded her talks on YouTube and they are so comforting. I listen before I go to sleep at night.
CA
Catholicmom
23 Jan 2022
Increased anxiety is quite a common side effect during the early weeks of starting an SSRI. Nobody told me that 14 years ago when I first started medication and the feeling of increased anxiety made me feel awful. This time around ( I’m entering week 6) I was well read on the potential side effects so when the increased anxiety hit at the end of week two I was better prepared. It was still awful but at least I knew that it would pass. It kind of sucks that a medication designed to help anxiety can make it worse before it gets better! By week three the anxiety had lifted and I woke one morning with a feeling of absolute peace and calm. It has continued like that every day. I am so thankful. Good luck as you soldier on. We are all in this together.
Votes: +0
VI
Vic2090
23 Jan 2022
Is there anything that helped you during that time of high anxiety? Idk how I’m going to get through this for two weeks.
JA
jakyoga65
23 Jan 2022
Hi Vic. A few years ago I also went off completely then had some issues and had to go back on. I did experience worsening anxiety, which I think could have been just the out of control anxiety. It took awhile, about two weeks for it to start settling down. Recently I had to up my dose by 25mg. I also had that untethered feeling and my head hurt. Not pleasant. It is beginning to pass but it has been 11 days. Wishing you all the best. Even though we have taken this medication before, I guess it still has adjustment periods in everyone's body.
Votes: +0
VI
Vic2090
23 Jan 2022
Two weeks of this anxiety that sounds horrible. How did you get through it, I feel like there’s no light at the end of this dark tunnel.
JA
jakyoga65
23 Jan 2022
You are right, it was horrible. My mom was an alcoholic so I took their motto one day at a time to heart. It helped me understand how hard that must have been for my mom, and all of us out here going through something like this. I tried to walk outside everyday and went on utube and did a bunch of breathing exercises. Also tried to stay busy, cleaned closets, organized drawers, etc. Talking to people that understand also helps. Take care.
