[Closed] Sertraline experiences

Takes a little while to become effective. Made my head swim for a while 15 mins after taking it. That got easier as time progressed but never fully went away. Smooths out the rough edges. Helped. Only effective as part of a wider program of measures, IYSWIM

If you decide to stop, do it slowly and with discussion with the gp. Don't just stop.

Congrats on becoming grandad, btw.

Cheers for that mmh

I started it 3 months ago (had been on it 4 years ago). This time I had a few side-effects to begin with such as not being able to sleep and feeling spaced out. They have gone now but I've certainly lost my libido and can't er um ejaculate! I'm also a bit more lethargic, I struggle to get out on a ride unless the conditions are perfect.

No issues driving or with moderate alcohol intake.

For the first 2 weeks I had a couple of really bad days where I struggled to get out of bed, that appears to have gone now and I'm starting to feel more level headed and can make decisions.

Stick with it a bit longer, good luck

Different people respond differently to Anti depressants, esp with side effects, so what works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Hence GPs, will try a few if they don't seem to work, or you just don't get on with them. I wouldn't worry too much (easier said than done) and just see how it goes.

10+ years on Citalopram...

Been taking it for over a year for PTSD symptoms following a bad RTC 7 years ago. Took several different anti depressants prior, some with better results than others, and different side effects.

I was changed onto sertraline after going missing for 2 days over Christmas. I have no memory of what triggered my wanderings, but since starting on sertraline I've been fine. Moderate alcohol is OK for me, but obviously the advice is to not drink at all due to its depressive effects.

I can drive OK etc. Blue lights and sirens clear the way anyway. Haven't noticed any other side effects apart from excessive body temperature occasionally, but this could also be a stress effect.

Congratulations on becoming a Pops.

I was on sertaline a few years back - I started to feel a lot better, but I don't know how much of that was down the medication and how much was down to the stress control course I was sent on. I didn't really have any side effects, not even why I stopped taking it. I don't drink though, and I don't have a penis, so no experience in that department.

My mom was on antidepressants (not sure which one though) and did drink alcohol, and let's just say that the results were... fairly awful. Not recommended.

Cheers all. Have filled out the introductory form for First Step now have to wait 3 days to arrange an appointment. May hold off the drugs till I speak to them.

My mom was on antidepressants (not sure which one though) and did drink alcohol, and let’s just say that the results were… fairly awful. Not recommended.

My be drug dependant, I drink on Citalopram without any side affects. Pre-SSRI antidepressants were more troublesome...

and I don’t have a penis

I do and it's not fallen off yet.

remember its a treatment not a cure.  Use it to gain some breathing space and time to get your broken head mended.  Personally I am a big fan of person centred counselling

I’ve been on it a year 100mg a day.

Initial side effects for me seemed to be ridiculous tiredness after taking it (15mins ish) and also a feeling of having tensed jaw and facial muscles. One of the more unusual side effects aparently. Oh and as others have mentioned the erm failure to ‘finish’..

happily side effects went after a few weeks and my anxiety and irrational rages lessened! I’m happier on it mostly than off.

I initial took it as part of a medical trial through my GP on whether people who had been seen for depression but weren’t prescribed antidepressives would have actually benefited from them.

Good luck OP hope they help

<div class="bbp-reply-author">tjagain
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remember its a treatment not a cure.  Use it to gain some breathing space and time to get your broken head mended.  Personally I am a big fan of person centred counselling

I agree with tj that person-centred counselling is often very positive.  Certainly, I found it helpful.  However, where I must respectfully disagree somewhat with tj* is that anti-depressants are not a cure.  I think for some people, their brain chemistry is permanently altered so anti-depressents can be necessary in the long-term**, together with other treatment.

I don’t have specific experience of Sertraline, but my experience of Citalopram is that anti-depressants can give you the energy and respite, to help you find your feet again.

*Respectfully, because tj offered me some great advice regarding mental health on a thread many years ago.  A wise man indeed.

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**I do not mean you will need them long-term keith.  Many people do not need them for a long period of time and can use different approaches to address issues, so they are not required on an ongoing basis.

Been taking it for several years now. Previously on two or three different types for about 26 years or so.

I honestly don't know if I have side effects or if that's just how I am. I've gained weight, lost weight. Always had low libido anyway, I guess that's depression, but it's never got better. It's very difficult to maintain relationships in that sense because to be honest, I'd rather not bother....ever. Has been the downfall of a few relationships.

Started on 50mg, been on 150mg for ages then tried to self reduce that to 50mg, felt horrendous so currently back at 100mg.

I wish I knew what were side effects and what were me as I always feel exhausted, have trouble sleeping, lethargic, zero energy etc. If I forget to take it for a day or so I feel completely spaced. Not good.

I think it's better than not though.

no worries jamj

what I meant was its not like antibiotics where you take a course and you are cured.

Thanks for the replies all, really appreciated.

Have decided to hang fire with the pills for the moment. As my wife pointed out last night I have not been riding my bike anywhere near as much as usual and was drinking four nights in a row last weekend. Last May I had a full on bawling my eyes out breakdown at my nephews wedding and had to leave. For two days I couldn't do anything then put in an effort to cycle more and up until last weekend I have been fine.

I really do need the exercise endorphins I think, so with more riding, the talking and using the NHS Choices tips, hopefully I can avoid drugs.

I think for some people, their brain chemistry is permanently altered so anti-depressents can be necessary in the long-term**, together with other treatment.

Yep, looking back on my life I realised I was always quite anxious and used to regularly work myself up about things. I guess I'm just naturally +2 sigma on the angst scale. Taking Citalopram every day doesn't stop the angst, it just turns it down a few notches so it's at a level that I don't really notice. I see it as just correcting for a nature/nurture imbalance. Could I achieve the same through counselling? I honestly don't know, but the drugs work so well I don't really care.......