Sertraline first antidepressant

[Shakenbake]

I have been battling depression and suicidal thoughts for the better part of 20yrs. It has finally became way to overwhelming for me so I decided to see my doctor. I was prescribed 50mg sertraline, it has been a month now. The first couple weeks were rough, extremely depressed and suicidal thoughts. I have some side effects, eye pressure and blurry close vision, gas/bloating, slight nausea, no motivation, no libido, no sexual climax, fidgety can’t sit still. Mentally my mind is mostly empty and numb,  I do seem to get agitated easily, and I occasionally have depressed or anxious thoughts momentarily. I go back to my doctor in a couple weeks and am thinking about asking for a different medication.

[MaddieLouise]

Hi Shakenbake,

You have been battling depression for a long time, so it's great that you have sought help. I know it can be discouraging to finally make the choice to get help and then find that a medication doesn't seem to work. It can be challenging to find just the right medication. It's possible that you need more time on Sertraline, since it can take 6-8 weeks to be effective. I do think it's great that you are seeing your Dr. soon. I personally have taken Sertraline for many years and it's worked well for treating my anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, there can be start-up side effects like you describe. I do hope you find the right medication.

Sincerely.

MaddieLouise

[X000402]

I’ve been on Sertraline for awhile now, for anxiety and depression and it works well. 50mg was my first dosage, with anxiety being my major side affect. My psychiatrist slowly raised my dosage to 150mg over 7 weeks before I felt better, it usually takes that long. I think it’s great to discuss your side affect, and dosage level with your doctor, and discuss another medication, as frustrating as it can be.