Joe, Sertraline is prescribed for many things, including anxiety, stress and OCD but predominantly depression. General rule of thumb with any psychotropic medication, give them time to work - usually 4-6 weeks - and don't come off them without seeing a mental health professional first. I say to ALL the people I work with don't take any medication you feel isn't working, but like I say, see a professional first. There are plenty of other alternatives to try which your GP may offer you. Stick to max doses - 200mg for Sertraline. Your GP may titrate you down, gradually decrease the dose. There are loads of side effects but everyone is different, and people often experience different ones. Not sleeping, too much sleeping, nausia and sweats to name a few. Oddly for being a anti depressant, having more suicidal thoughts is a common one. Where once you didn't have the motivation to kill yourself, the meds increase your moods just enough to follow your plans through. Please, if you have more suicidal thoughts seek help straight away. There are lots of people who really do care. One more piece of advice and it's important. Never take anyone's meds. They may have different tolerance levels to you and your case / circumstances are totally different to theirs. See your GP m8 tell them your struggling and they WILL try to help. Good luck Joe.