Hi just after some advise, I started on 50mg of sertraline today took it around midday now I am feeling really strange in my head, not sure how to describe it maybe dizziness or lightheaded! Is it common to get side effects so soon? Thanks
Hi just after some advise, I started on 50mg of sertraline today took it around midday now I am feeling really strange in my head, not sure how to describe it maybe dizziness or lightheaded! Is it common to get side effects so soon? Thanks
As you have an anxiety disorder I suggest you talk to you GP about taking only 25mg/day for the first week as recommended by NICE.
Yes, the initial side-effects can begin within an hour of taking the first dose. They are caused by the immediate increase in serotonin activity. Despite what Dr Google, et al, often claim, serotonin is not a "feel good" neurotransmitter. Just the opposite in fact. However, bio-feedback mechanisms usually kick-in within a week or two to reduce serotonin synthesis and expression and these side-effects then begin to diminish.took it around midday now I am feeling really strange in my head, not sure how to describe it maybe dizziness or lightheaded! Is it common to get side effects so soon? Thanks
While they can sometimes be unpleasant side-effects are rarely indicators of harm. If they become too uncomfortable talk to your GP as there may be ways of reducing their impact. Ginger and/or vitamin B6 supplements may ease the dizziness.
The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.
Any time I temporarily raise my SSRI dosage, I always feel high for a day or two.
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Thanks both for the reply, head feels a little better. Im in such a state due to other issues that I have also made a post about and not sure if these tablets have also made that worse but Im so scared right now I have bowel cancer and cant see a way through all this
Be aware that the gut and the enteric nervous system (ENS), the mini brain that controls it are by far the most serotonergic organs of body making about 95% of the body's output compared to less than 2% for the brain. Serotonergic antidepressants may affect its functions for a while which can cause side-effects such as heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, lack of interest in food and subsequent weight loss, etc. In most cases this settles down after a few weeks. However, SSRIs may also stimulate the appetite causing weight gain too. It comes down to how your biology meshes with the med.
The ENS is directly linked to the brain via the vagus nerves and seems to be the dominant partner with most of the data flow originating from it. It is also connected to the heart and lungs which enables it to trigger anxiety side-effects such as rapid pulse and shortness of breath in addition to gut related anxiety symptoms. It is arguably the tail wagging the dog. Electronic vagus nerve stimulators which affect the ability of the gut to communicate with the brain have proven to be effective for treatment resistant depression, though not so for anxiety disorders.
Fun fact: The ENS likely evolved before the brain between our ears.
The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.
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