Sertraline Side-effects

Today marks my third day on 150 mg of Sertraline, and I've been noticing some symptoms or issues that could be related? I'm wondering if anyone else deals or has dealt with something similar? I've been having really vivid dreams and nightmares, and when I wake up from them, I'm DRENCHED in sweat. Like absolutely soaked. But besides that, I'm extremely anxious. Even the dreams I can't remember leave me feeling off, and then I spiral wondering what they were about. Then there's not being able to cry? I'm not incapable of feeling emotion, but the tears feel trapped, and I just get nauseous if anything. There's been a couple of times where I've been able to cry, but it's like on and off 😭 Oh, and the last thing is constantly feeling hot? Like my face will feel flushed, but the rest of my body is a normal temperature. It's weird🧍‍♀️

Anonymous

Date posted: 20d ago

I've had those but it was because I happen to reach a day and age where my hormones reacted. Hopefully experts both therapist and physician help narrow down the symptoms to see if it's related to medicine, hormones, or physical. Mine ended up being simple yet really annoying to keep up such as not eating two hours before bed and consistent light exercise to start off with. Helped with my hot flashes or dreams as well as pent up emotions by letting myself walk it out. Hopefully your doctors can help tailor something for you as well.

nae nae

Date posted: 20d ago

That's good to know! I think I'll try incorporating some of that into my routine, but I'll definitely let my psychiatrist know about it at my next appointment! Thank you so much! :)

issphra 🫶🏻

Date posted: 20d ago

I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. Maybe you just need to give it some more time. Dose adjustments can be just as hard as starting new meds. If it becomes unbearable please tell your doctor. I tried sertraline for a few days on the lowest dose. I couldn’t make it past 3-4 days due to the vivid dreams and nightmares plus the anxiety and the constant feeling of my brain not shutting off. I know it’s not the same thing, but I did experience similar symptoms while on it so you’re not crazy. About the dreams, I think your anxiety is just really high. When my anxiety is through the roof, my dreams also leave me feeling off and then I spiral trying to figure out what they were about and how I felt about them. It’s been happening a lot lately because my anxiety is in the heavens rn. OH and the flushing omg. Whenever I’ve been on antidepressants, not just this one if I get anxious or a spiral I feel like my head is on fire. The rest of me is perfectly fine, but my head feels like it’s on fire so you might just be having a really sensitive reaction to this increase. Anyway, I’m just sharing all of this so that you feel less alone and just to give you some support. I know it wasn’t the most supportive message ever but I’m here if you need anything 🤍

nae nae

Date posted: 20d ago

No, this was actually really helpful! 🩷 I'll definitely let my psychiatrist know if it gets worse. The first few weeks can be difficult. I'm relatively okay at the moment, but it changes by the day. I'm glad to know I'm not imagining it! I'm sorry you're also struggling with high anxiety right now. I've noticed this month has been rough for a lot of us :( I hope we're able to get to a more stable place soon because... 😭😭 I've been afraid of falling asleep because of the dreaming, but recognizing that it might be from the anxiety makes me feel a little better. I know it'll pass... Also, feeling like your head is on fire is SO accurate. Thank you for sharing all of this. I'll always appreciate your messages! I definitely feel less alone knowing there are others who've dealt with all of this! I'm here for you as well 🫶🏻🫶🏻

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 20d ago

SSRIs are tough cuz everyone reacts differently and it can take a while for it to even out. Did you talk to your doctor? That’s probs the best thing to do.

nae nae

Date posted: 20d ago

It's only been a couple of days on this new dose, so I haven't spoken with her yet, but I'll definitely bring it up in our next appointment! It's coming up in a couple of weeks. I think I can make it!

Honeyshark

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 20d ago

@nae nae Fair enough! You’ve got this! New meds are always tricky! Be kind to yourself. 😊

SF18

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 20d ago

Hey nae nae, Sorry to hear about your current sertraline struggles. I just came off sertraline after a few years. I was on 100 mg, then 150 mg and after my OCD diagnosis they increased me to 200 mg. The 200 is higher than the normal dose but just as an FYI, I’ve been informed that OCD generally requires a higher than normal dose compared to anxiety or depression. The 200 mg made me anxious with lots of brain activity, so I went back to 150 mg but I felt like I wasn’t getting as much help with my OCD as I wanted from the sertraline. I’m now taking lexapro. It’s been about 3 weeks so I’m still waiting to see my true reaction to the new med. Dose changes are hard so please give yourself some time to see the effect. There are plenty of recommended SSRIs for OCD so they’ll likely be one that you try that makes a difference ❤️

nae nae

Date posted: 20d ago

Thank you 🥹 That makes me feel a little better. I'm sticking with it for now! I hope Lexapro is a better fit for you! 🤍

H399Rocd

Date posted: 14w ago

Medication for OCD?

Medication for OCD? Hello all, 19 male here, this seems like a cool community that isn’t nearly as triggering as reddit. I have pretty severe bouts of existential thinking or fear of going crazy ( psychosis ) after some pretty heavy mushroom trips a few years ago, I know logically I should be fine but I do know what it’s like to lose it and it’s scary. Currently I deal with relationship focused OCD, it’s all day from before I even open my eyes. I want things to work out with my girlfriend badly. Also I can come close to a panic attack sometimes which perpetuates everything. Anyway, I mention the fear of going crazy because the way my anxiety/derealization makes me feel is that I’m not mentally stable cause I feel out of it or unreal. I saw that a lot of anxiety and depression medication can cause psychosis and I feel like I could use some help in getting ahead of my OCD because the compulsions are had not to give into when I’m in such distress/not knowing. Plus overall I just feel like I have no idea how I feel about close to anything. Anyone relate about that ?

malolin_21

Date posted: 13w ago

I feel anxious

I’m on my period and o think my ocd feels a little worse today… I feel anxious and like something bad is about to happen, like I can’t move or talk cause I’ll freak out or snap and do something. Also I had a gronial response about an SA topic and I feel horrible, I’ve noticed that I do have these gronials as if I’m actually into that but idk if it can happen that you have the gronial and think “oh I’m horny, not about this but I am” is that possible? Idk how to say it… also I think I just want reassurance but I’m also scared…

waybaby

Date posted: 13w ago

Weird

I’ve started ERP therapy with a really great therapist, and I haven’t gave into my compulsions but I still have anxiety and yesterday my brain was telling me that people were zombies😭 is this normal?

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond

Sertraline Side-effects

Related posts

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Be a part of the largest OCD Community