I am 27, male. How long should I use Sertraline for anxiety?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 27 years old. I have been suffering from social anxiety disorder since childhood. I have previously used Paroxetine 20 milligrams along with Propranolol, and then Sertraline for eight months before stopping it. Now, my anxiety has increased again, and the doctor has prescribed Sertraline 50 milligrams for anxiety.

My social anxiety is very severe. I am going to another country for my Ph.D. studies. It is my 15th day using Sertraline 50 mg. I want to know if I should increase it to 100 or 200 mg, as the anxiety is very severe. How long can I use it, and how should I increase the dosage? Also, are there any side effects of using these tablets?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Since you have been dealing with social anxiety disorder from childhood and are currently on day 15 of Sertraline 50 milligrams, it is important to understand that SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Sertraline typically take four to six weeks to show their full effect, especially for anxiety. Although your anxiety feels severe, it is generally not advisable to increase the dose so soon.

If symptoms persist for more than six weeks, the dose may be gradually increased to 100 milligrams and, if necessary, up to 200 milligrams, which is the maximum recommended daily dose. However, you should never increase the dose on your own without consulting your doctor. Regarding how long you can use Sertraline, many people with chronic anxiety remain on SSRIs for one to two years or even longer, especially if the medication is effective and well-tolerated.

As for side effects, common ones include nausea, headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, or temporary worsening of anxiety in the first few weeks. Some people also experience decreased libido or delayed ejaculation. Rare but serious side effects like serotonin syndrome or mood changes can occur, especially with high doses, so it is important to monitor your symptoms and inform your doctor if anything unusual happens.

Given your upcoming move for Ph.D. studies, it is wise to stay consistent with your treatment plan and consider adding cognitive behavioral therapy if accessible. For now, give the medication a few more weeks and track your symptoms. You are on the right path. Managing severe social anxiety takes time, but with the right treatment and support, it can improve significantly.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.