I started 25 mg 9 days ago and noticed that most days my anxiety was decreased. Some days are better than others anxiety wise on day 10 my anxiety seems to have gotten worse. Is this yo-yo effect normal? Could this mean I need a different dose? How long does this usually last?
Thank you
Does sertraline cause ups and downs in the beginning?
Question posted by Mkc777 on 27 March 2022
Last updated on 27 March 2022
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Answers
WildcatVet
27 March 2022
Hi, Mkc!
Yes, it's very normal... we call it the roller coaster effect. A few good days and then some bad ones. It's simply your metabolism adjusting to the medication as the drug begins to work. It will resolve and you should be stabilizing very soon now.
As jak said, give it a couple of weeks and see how you're doing. 25mg is a low dose but it may work for you. If not, you have plenty of wiggle room to increase your dosage.
Best regards,
Wildcat
PS, I like your term "yo yo" !
Mkc777
27 March 2022
Thank you,
I was on Sertraline several years ago and 12.5 mg, worked well for me. So , I am hoping 25 mg will help this time, as I had more severe anxiety/panic. I will give it a few more weeks.
It definitely has helped though, I would say there’s at least a 65% improvement from just 1.5 weeks ago. I appreciate all of the help from this group!
jakyoga65
27 March 2022
Hi. 25 mg is a low starting dose so you might not feel a great change yet. I'd still give it the whole time recommended by your doctor before increasing. That being said, 50 mg is the lowest rated therapeutic dose. Give it time and you will know when it's really working. Best of luck.
Related topics
anxiety, panic disorder, sertraline, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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