Zoloft Side-Effects Index
Friday September 3, 2004
Read about what side-effects other members have experienced with Zoloft or share your own experiences on our forum.
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Comments
I have gained 30 lbs in 6 months and have problems ejaculating.
I tried Zoloft when I reported panic attacks to my doctor… I suspect that this new “wonder drug” is intensifying them. I am plagued with nausea, palpitations, restlessness, trouble breathing and chest discomfort. One of the websites states, “if you experience any side effects, do not stop taking Zoloft”! You are supposed to “wait it out” and feel sick and anxious every day until it kicks in?
Is it me, or is there something the pharamaceutical reps aren’t telling us…?
Hi Natalie,
Kind of ironic, right before I read your post, I was just looking up side effects so I’m copying and psting this for you. May be too late, not sure, you may have already changed medications. Anyway, this is what I found:
What are the possible side effects of sertraline?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking sertraline and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
· low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
· high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
· chills or fever.
• If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking sertraline and talk to your doctor:
· headache;
· tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
· nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
· sleepiness or insomnia; or
· decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
I got it from this site:
http://www.drugs.com/Zoloft/index.html
Good luck!
Zoloft made my sister more suicidal until the psychiatrist got her dosage up to 200 mg, then she was a zombie, then it gave my sister hypomania when she decreased her dosage…she went scary-crazy for weeks with the hypomania and now she’s in a drug treatment center…you couldn’t pay me a million bucks to take this drug. It has a dark side I’ve seen first-hand in my sister…it was not her…this drug took over her brain like a driver controls a car.
I’ve also gained about 30 lbs in the 14 months that I’ve been taking zoloft. At first it helped my anxiety attacks, but now I’m getting them again and my Doctor suggested increasing my dosage. I would just as soon just get off of the stuff and learn to live with the anxiety. No good being a fat & anxious, I might as well be fit and anxious.
My son on the other hand is doing great with it. Go figure!
I am taking zoloft for depression and so far ive experienced; weight gain, anxiety, acne, nervousness. The good side of it is that I feel a bit less depressed! Im not as negative, but the side effects stink!
I’ve been taking a small dose (50mg) of Zoloft since September of 2006, and although it got me through a rather trying time in my life, it also seemed to present some rather unpleasant side-effects:
a)I had a twitching in my facial muscles that became increasingly-intolerable as the months progressed.
b)I seemed to have a mild burning feeling in my lower abdomen that I first thought was a side-effect that would lessen . . only it didn’t.
c)I seemed to become a little manic, and although I initially enjoyed the experience and felt that it gave me a creative and “cutting edge” to get things done, after awhile it became rather unpleasant; seems that I was always “on edge”.
d)What Zoloft “gave” me during the day in terms of reducing my depression, it seemed to take back at night: my dreams were almost without exception fraught with anger and sadness.
I finally touched base with my doctor, am tapering off the medication, and come New Years Day 2007 I’ll be off it.
More will be revealed, and if I start to run into any emotional trouble my doctor will be the first to know. Until then, I’m going to try the “no med” plan.
Boy am I glad I found others having the same problems I am having. I have gained 30 lbs. since June. I quit smoking which made my anxiety worse so the Dr. put me on 50 mgs. I know part of my problem is the quitting smoking, but nothing seems to help lose the weight. Not even one pound!!! I think the added weight is worse than the anxiety.
recently learned my wife has been taking Zoloft with a noticeable change in personality; arguementative, agressiveness, lack of consideration, and withdrawal. Anyone have similiar observation(s) ?
i actually feel that im more aggressive and arguementitive as well. I have also been completely uninterested in sex with my husband. im not sure if this is due to the zoloft or something else.
My ten year old son is on 100mg of zoloft. He weighs 81lbs. He is very argumentitive and aggressive and when I punish him he refuses to accept the punishment. I have to physically grab him to stop his behavior. When he misses a dose the symptoms are worse. He looks a little bloated to me in the last six months(very lean kid)this coincides with an increase in dosage. I am losing faith in doctors and have none in drug companies. His mother diagnosed him with anxiety(and the doctors went along)as she suffers from depression and is on prozac. They seemed to rush him into drugs without getting to know him. Any comments?
I have been taking Zoloft for almost two months and am already DONE and ready to stop. I have gained 12 lbs. just so far and am easily angered and much more aggressive than I’ve ever been. I’ve been lucky enough to have someone close to me be willing to tell me that lately I’m just mean. I’ve been incredibly short w/ my 5 year-old an have actually SCREAMED at him and spanked him at times when I wouldn’t have before. I’ve never been this way before.
I’ve also had pretty severe “burning” in my lower abdomen and it started as soon as I started taking the Zoloft.
I took Depacote prior to Zoloft for mild bipolar disorder and wanted to try something else because I was feeling so lathargic on that.
I’m now realizing that it was MUCH better than this.
I’m now going to gradually taper off of the Zoloft and going to TRY to stop all drugs and see if I can do it with just therapy from now on..
Anyone experiences feelings of over sensitivity? My husband is taking it and is overly sensitive. Maybe a little paranoid.
Wow. This explains alot. I’ve been taking 50 mg for postpartum depression, and was looking forward to getting off of it soon. I’d been doing great for about 5 months, then suddenly, the aggression, sensitivity, and anger thing kicked in. Also, a pretty constant headache over my right eye, sensitivity to light, and a weird, disoriented feeling, like my brain is slow in catching up with my actions. I don’t quite know how to describe it, except that it’s kinda like I have a slight dizzy feling most of the time.
I have been taking Zoloft for almost a month now. One of the side effects I have had was VERY vivid dreams. Does anyone know if that is one of the side effects? I checked on another website and it didn’t say anything about it. Has anyone experienced this? Thanx
I have been taking Zoloft for about oneweek and already hate the side effects. I feel like i’m full in my chest,no appetite and out of breath sometimes.Should I stop taking this product?
After losing another job due to people saying I was short with people I thought I better check out the side effects of zoloft. You guys are great. I had no idea that the argumentativeness was a side effect. I have all of the side effects you guys have shared and Thank God I am weaning off of this drug. I am a nurse and I thought I was losing my mind. I would forget things and other people were really mad at me. I wondered what was wrong with them. After being off for another job loss, I thought I have been on this med for over 4 years and the effects were getting so bad. I am having headaches though as I wean off and more anxiety. Do you guys have any words of wisdom to assist with this. I have to get off of Zoloft asap. thanks for listening. Sue
I have been on Zoloft for about 3 yrs for depression and OCD. It really helped. Just recently I had been experiencing agitation and numerous outbursts of anger and rage at my husband. The doctor increased my dosage to 150 mil. and I am feeling calmer but I feel that I could sleep all day and have experienced a slight tremor in my hands at times. I too am having a hard time controlling my weight and have thought of going off of the meds…but everyone close to me seems to think I am a much nicer and more relaxed person on Zoloft. I must say that I do feel better but I am leary of being on this medication for the rest of my life. Any comments.
When I was taking Zoloft (about 10 years ago?) I experienced really vivid and odd dreams as well. My doctor told me that was a normal side effect.
My husband feels sleepy after he takes Zoloft at night. This is the second time he has been prescribed Zoloft, but he does not remember experiencing this side effect. Any one else?
i have only been on the drug for a week but where i had been very motivated a week before i am now uninterested and havent done anything productive. i lost my wallet today and instead of being very concerned i am completly passive. i was off better before
I started on Zoloft Friday Feb 23. Took it all weekend and I already don’t like it. I had a racing heart what felt like a total body shot of Novacain, hottness, panic, extremely vivid dreams. I discontinued taking it immediately and called my doctor. I don’t want to take any thing that makes me feel like I’m having a heart attack or wakes me up in a panic in the middle of the night. Drug companies what a scam.
I have been on Zoloft for about 7 years and want to get off of zoloft because of the many side effects: Loss of memory recall, low libido, agitation, & weight gain(20 lbs.). Is it better to wean off or go cold-turkey? Won’t I still have withdrawal with weaning down?
I am experiencing some of the same side effects that others have posted here. I’ve been on it for over a year and am noticing aggitation, quick tempered, ejaculation (blush) problems, extreme highs and lows (like manic-depressive), and some short-term memory problems. Not exactly sure that it’s the Zoloft as I have MS also. I started on Zoloft after being on Prozac and then Paxil. They weren’t doing the trick. The MS was part of the problem for the beginning of depression to begin with and it doesn’t go away except for help from Zoloft. But not sure how much longer I can stay on the Zoloft. My aggression and short-tempered behavior is getting worse. Hope everyone else that has posted has found some new answers!
My dreams are crazy… I’ve been on-off zoloft for a month and a little more now. I have dreams that are so bad they make me wake up sobbing or shouting. My teeth hurt a little more, dunno if that’s from my teeth moving with the braces or teeth-grinding at night due to zoloft. Zoloft at first was a great thing for me and immediately calmed me down. I am taking it for General Anxiety Disorder and very mild situational depression. I like the euphoric feeling it gives me, but the dreams are killing me. I am overall a happier person, more motivated, and clearer thinker. I haven’t experienced the weight gain yet, and I just started with a physical trainer. I’m not sure how I feel with being diagonsed with depression. I don’t really agree with it. But I do agree that I do not have coping skills and my childhood was extremely depressing(which I feel like I’m over now). I don’t feel suicidal with zoloft, but I’m worried about how many people are having long term effects from it. The dreams are too much for me and I’m thinking about either getting off meds completely or changing to something not so strong. Anyone have the troublesome nightmares? I’d like to share experiences, because I don’t understand where they are coming from. Also I don’t have an addictive personality at all, but I do feel some sort of co-dependence on zoloft. I feel like whenever I have a problem it solves it, and I don’t like relying on a drug like this.
I WAS ON ZOLOFT FOR PANIC ATTACKS,THESE WERE MY SIDE EFFECTS, MEMORY LOSS I FELT LIKE I WAS IN SLOW MOTION, WEIGHT GAIN, TWITCHING OF THE EYE,AGITATION,.
MY PANIC ATTACKS WENT AWAY AND I WAS MORE FOCUSED . THE BAD OUTWEIGHED THE GOOD SO I ASKED MY DOC TO TAKE ME OFF AFTER A YEAR.iDO NOT GET PANIC ATTACKS ANYMORE I LEARNED IF YOU THINK OF GETTING THEM THEY WILL HAPPEN. YOU MUST KEEP YOUR MIND OCCUPIED.
MY SUGGESTION IS TO GO ON IT FOR A LITTLE WHILE TO HELP YOU COPE WITH THEM,THEN GO OFFF AFTER A YEAR.
OH DECREASED LIBIDO WICH SUCKED!
I have no sex drive and have gained 25 pounds. Is it normal to lose your sex drive from this med?
Wow..My doctor is wanting me to get on zoloft for anxiety. But after reading all of this F**k that. I’ll stick taking Buspirone and deal with the palpitations. Thanks for the info and good luck people..
I am supposed to start Zoloft tomorrow and after reading this I am really freaking out. I JUST lost 12 lbs and it was hard enough and to think weight gain is a side effect scares me …these kinds of drugs alone scare me so I just dont even know what to do I am suffering PTSD from an assault 4 years ago this summer…so wow i dont know think i would rather be paranoid then deal with all these nasty side effects.
I’ve been taking it since last summer and I experience dizziness, sweating (even in cold weather) and tremors – sometimes it’s impossible for me to hold a pen.
I’ve been taking Zoloft for 1 year now for panic attacts. I had been taking Paxil and before that tried Klonopin. Zoloft worked the best for my panic disorder, however I have also gained about 30 lbs and seem to procrastinate about everything. Side effects include dry mouth, vision loss,ED, teeth grinding, muscle twitching in face and hands, and lack of intrest. Other than that, I feel fine!
I thought i was going nuts or something
but then I found this site here and sure am glad I did I have been on a 150mg of zoloft for about a year and a half. and another user explained how i started feeling out of no where and here is what she wrote
suddenly, the aggression, sensitivity, and anger thing kicked in. Also, a pretty constant headache over my right eye, sensitivity to light, and a weird, disoriented feeling, like my brain is slow in catching up with my actions. I don’t quite know how to describe it, except that it’s kinda like I have a slight dizzy feling most of the time.
Comment by Tanya — January 29, 2007 @
I just started taking Zoloft and I feel nauseated and dizzy. I don’t know that I feel less anxious, but we’ll see. I’m going to talk to a doctor about the side effects and other things, will let you know.
I was taking effexor about a year ago and because of a severe allergic reaction i was put on zoloft. i am currently taking 150mg and my depression is good…my doctor will not take me off of this drug even though i have a lot of side effects; weight gain(20lbs), vivid dreams, panic attacks, no sex drive…i could keep going…so i have decided to stop the meds myself. i just hope my depression and sucidial thoughts don’t return but i can’t keep taking these drugs. they have made me not care about anything…so i am doing this for my children’s sake.
I’ve been on Zoloft for panic attacks for about 7 yrs. Started with 25mg then had to increase to 50 in the last year due to break through PAs. Gradually having increased symptoms of lethargy, decreased concentration, brain fog, decreased motivation, & not caring about things. I used to have energy, want to do things, be able to concentrate and focus. This is gone and I’ve had enough. I’m going to wean off and look into other ways of dealing – if the panic attacks start up again.
Zoloft immediately gave me disturbing, vivid dreams, that left me feeling tired all day. In a month, I lost all motivation, and was practically just staring at the walls, not going to work, cleaning the house, or even showering. I am weaning myself off of this horrid drug!
I’ve been taking zoloft for about 3 weeks now and am starting to get weird side effects. My brain feels foggy and I can’t seem to concentrate. I’m always tired, even after sleeping 10 hours. I’m taking it due to post-partum depression but I hate the way it makes me feel. It almost makes me feel like I’m manic-depressive. Does anyone have similar experiences?
I have been zoloft for 6 months. I had been taking well butrin for years, but I just couldn’t shake a bad episode of depression. I am bi-polar. I am now requesting to go back to wellbutrin. I hate the weight gain, the night sweats,
the bad feeling when waking up from disturbing dreams and the anger inside.
I am new to Zoloft and am sleeping all the time and feel like a zombie. I had one panic attack and this feels like overkill to me. Also, my heart hurts. ?
Thank you all so very much! I have a stepson who was just put on Zoloft and I’m now thnking it wasn’t such a good idea. How can any doctor with half a brain prescribe a drug that make aggressive teens more aggressive. This is nuts! Again, thank you!
Ive been on it for two days. first night i didnt sleep and spent most of the night in the bathroom. This is the second time ive been on it. First time they took me up to 250 a few years ago. I took myself off it and am now back on it after been off it for 2 years. I’m hating it! I have this constant off my face feeling
I have been on zoloft for two months. Everyoe is different. It has helped me so much. I felt out of it at first, but now I’m just overall calm. No more screaming at my kids! I don’t think about suicide the way I used to. Everything is not for everybody. If it’s not for you try something else.
I have been on Zoloft since december and it has worked great for me I am calm but the last few weeks its like I cant get enough sleep I feel like my memory is going due to feeling tired. I wake up and I feel like I havent slept and my husband has been complaining about me snoring and I am not a snorer. I am only on 50mg I was wondering if I should try taking it every other day?
Has anyone experienced pain in the leg’s calf (not DVT) and/or involuntary leg twitching/spasims please?
Thanks Jan
Like Melanie I am always tired and lethargic and my husband is complaining of me snoring but I put the snoring down to the weight gain. When people say they have gained weight, I wonder is this an increase in appetite and overeating or simply weight gain. I’ve found I just can’t stop eating, I have short term memory loss, tiredness and lack of libedo. I’ve been on Zoloft 6 months, 50mg, and am ready to come off it. Despite all the side effects, it got me through a very rough time but now the side effects are outweighing the good.
I was Zolofot when I had a baby at 26 weeks for postpartum. It was great. O Now, I am on it after 7 years. My jaw hurts from the tightness in it and I have an upset stomach all day. I do not want to gain weight but I am hungry. Surely there has to be something that you can take to just help. Any suggestions?
I just saw the message about jaw tightness. I have always suffered from TMJ but since I have been taking zoloft (100mg) it is like I can’t relax my jaw and thus keeps me in a chronic tense state. I also feel no compulsion to do anything and have to make myself accomplish anything. I am currently detoxing from the zoloft and it is not going well but this to shall pass.
Wow I was just prescribed Zoloft for my PMS or whatever they are calling it now? From some of the side effects people have experienced with anger and aggressiveness etc… this is what this drug is being prescribed to help me with. After reading all these personal accounts with Zoloft think I will pass on it.
All these replies and not one good experience with it? Kinda tells you something. Gaining weight is something I refuse to do. I will just deal with my PMS and so will everyone else. LOL
Wow I was just prescribed Zoloft for my PMS or whatever they are calling it now? From some of the side effects people have experienced with anger and aggressiveness etc… this is what this drug is being prescribed to help me with. After reading all these personal accounts with Zoloft think I will pass on it.
All these replies and not one good experience with it? Kinda tells you something. Gaining weight is something I refuse to do. I will just deal with my PMS and so will everyone else. LOL
Wow I was just prescribed Zoloft for my PMS or whatever they are calling it now? From some of the side effects people have experienced with anger and aggressiveness etc… this is what this drug is being prescribed to help me with. After reading all these personal accounts with Zoloft think I will pass on it.
All these replies and not one good experience with it? Kinda tells you something. Gaining weight is something I refuse to do. I will just deal with my PMS and so will everyone else. LOL
Wow I was just prescribed Zoloft for my PMS or whatever they are calling it now? From some of the side effects people have experienced with anger and aggressiveness etc… this is what this drug is being prescribed to help me with. After reading all these personal accounts with Zoloft think I will pass on it.
All these replies and not one good experience with it? Kinda tells you something. Gaining weight is something I refuse to do. I will just deal with my PMS and so will everyone else. LOL
Wow I was just prescribed Zoloft for my PMS or whatever they are calling it now? From some of the side effects people have experienced with anger and aggressiveness etc… this is what this drug is being prescribed to help me with. After reading all these personal accounts with Zoloft think I will pass on it.
All these replies and not one good experience with it? Kinda tells you something. Gaining weight is something I refuse to do. I will just deal with my PMS and so will everyone else. LOL
Wow I was just prescribed Zoloft for my PMS or whatever they are calling it now? From some of the side effects people have experienced with anger and aggressiveness etc… this is what this drug is being prescribed to help me with. After reading all these personal accounts with Zoloft think I will pass on it.
All these replies and not one good experience with it? Kinda tells you something. Gaining weight is something I refuse to do. I will just deal with my PMS and so will everyone else. LOL
I have been taking 50mg of Zoloft for over 10 years. It has been the only med. to stop my panic attacks. I have gained about 90 lbs, live in a constant brain fog, don’t feel like me, don’t have the motivation to care about much of anything, never care about sex, and have tried many times to get off this drug. I would always have the brain zaps so bad that they would nearly drive me crazy. Then the panic attacks would come back with a vengence. I could not get back on the med. fast enough to ease the pain and misery of withdrawal. This time I have been decreasing very very slowly, down from 50mg. to 25mg in about three months. I am taking Clonazepam 1mg. at bedtime and it is helping with the panic attacks,and I have had no brain zaps yet. I plan to keep decreasing this drug over the next few months and get completely off of it. I will celebrate that day. I am already feeling better and the brain fog is lifting. I just hope I can get the weight off! I hope my information helps someone out there!
My 6 year old son has been taking Zoloft for a few weeks now. His doctor just increased his dose two weeks ago to 1ml. He has always been a quiet passive child but in the past two weeks has been in trouble at school almost every day for bullying. Pushing, pinching, and just being aggressive with the other kids. I was curious if anyone had any of the same experiences with their children.
Iam taking zoloft for 6months ,it help me alot,I tried to get of it butmy problems seemss to come back,my mind going blank and canot concentrate onany thing.because of depression I lost 18 lb
.side effect i have some rash on hands and pain in my leg calves at night shortly after going to bed.I plant to get ofit gradually i am on 150 mg
in my case so for i have positive than negitive effects.
Mohammed
I have been on Zoloft – 50 mg – for 7 months. I originally went on it when my father died. My husband thinks I am much easier to get along with, calmer and slower to anger. However, I have gained weight even though I am not eating more. My clothes are no longer fitting and this sucks! I’m stopping!
I have been on Zoloft for only three days. I am already feeling much more agitated, have trouble ejaculating, have a dry mouth, diariah, loss of energy and focus. I am thinking of stopping. I take a mood stabilizer for bipolar, as well as Wellbutrin as an anti depressent. I was feeling pretty good with those two, with virtually no side effects. I was still dealing with social anxiety so my Dr. suggested zoloft. The plan was to stay on Wellbutrin while the Zoloft kicked in. Once before I had tried another SSRI–lexapro, with the same side effects. Especially the ejac problem. No problem getting **sorry for the graphic talk** hard, but couldn’t bring the show to a close. NO Thanks!! All of this just after three days. No four weeks for me. Don’t know what I am going to do, I suspect maybe the side effects might taper off, but after hearing the other comments it doesn’t seem so. Good Luck everyone.
I have been on Zoloft for about 2 1/2 years for panic disorder and my dosage has ranged from 50 mg to 100 mg. I have really not had any negative side effects except for some intermittent insomnia which I take Ambien for. I was on Zoloft once before and weaned myself off of it because I thought I could just deal with the panic attacks myself. That was a very bad idea because the panic attacks came back, I could not deal with them myself, and I was 3 months pregnant! Under my psychiatrist’s guidance, I went back on Zoloft anad have been on ever since. I suppose if I had the side effects that some of the other posters have had, I would have different feelings toward the drug, but to me it is something I will probably continue to take for a very long time.
I have been on zoloft for approximately 2 months for PPD. Initially I was on 50 mg but it was making me WAY too groggy during the day and insomniac at night. I went down to 25 mg and the sleep issue was resolved. I have had dry mouth so severe that my lips feel chapped and swollen as well as my tongue. This did not occur until after I dropped the mgs. Other than that (which is pretty unbearable)I have noticed a MARKED difference in my attitude and moods. I lost 15 pounds but that may be due to no booze!
I was just prescribed Zoloft for post partum depression, but after reading your comments I think I will pass. I will just have to cry it out on my own.
I just wanted to offer some encouragement, since there are a lot more bad experiences posted here than good ones… My oldest son took zoloft for about 9 months at age 14-15 and while he had some side effects (weight gain, felt a bit foggy) it helped a lot for his anxiety and emotional extremes. If someone is taking zoloft and hasn’t had side effects, they might not find this site. Take care, everybody!
I actually took Zoloft for a few years to battle my OCD and had very good results. Unfortunately, I had to switch to Prozac a year ago, as Zoloft was not covered when I changed insurance carriers. Before taking Zoloft, I took Paxil and gained about 25 pounds. This in itself can make any person depressed; so I told my doctor to switch me to another prescription that wouldn’t cause weight gain, thus introducing me to Zoloft. In 1 month I dropped all of the weight I had gained with the Paxil. My insurance now covers the generic brand of Zoloft and I have just started it 3 days ago. I am feeling very tired, but am hoping that this shall pass once my body becomes acclimated. I really hope I don’t gain weight this time around.
Is it normal to get rashes all over you body while taking this crap
I was recently perscirbed zoloft for postpardom depression after having my baby girl. After taking this medicine for 3 days I couldn’t stop moving, had dilated pupils, swelling around my eyes, insomnia, and crying outburst. On the other hand I have lost weight on the zoloft. And I am wondering if I should keep taking it for the weight lost. But I HATE the side effects!!!!
This is my 2nd time on Zoloft and I have only been on it for about 3 weeks but this is miserable! I can’t stop moving my arms, legs, hands and feet (especially when I am laying in bed trying to fall asleep), my mouth is dry, my nose is stuffy, I have chest pains, my hands and body sweat a lot, I twitch, I have weird pains in my tummy and legs, I am sooo tired, lethargic, and unmotivated, I lost my desire to have sex, and I forget a lot. The first week was bad with headaches, insomnia, dilated pupils, and upset tummy. I need this for my anxiety but if these side effects dont go away after another month I QUIT!!!!
hi everyone! i just started taking zoloft 3 days ago because i have been suffering with panic attacks and social phobia for about 6 mos. now. i am reading all the posts, and am having a hard time being positive about the outcome of the meds. people keep telling me to hang in there and wait till my body adjusts. i have been VERY sleepy all the time, and feel like im zoned out constantly. will this stop soon? i have been much calmer though, and i feel more in control of myself. i did have a panic attack at work this morning though, and it was a pretty rugged one. is that normal?
Hi nice to find company on a horrible journey. Been on zoloft 2 motnhs and increased slowly to 100mg…every time I increase dose, I get a bottomed out leaking soul feeling……I was depressed..now I am sooooooooooo depressed and anxious. Weight loss not gain…I think I will lower dose..these feelings shouldn’t get worse while on medication.
Hey everyone. I have been dealing with depression for many years now, and have always been against the idea of taking a drug for it. Just recently, I had almost convinced myself that I NEED to take something. I used to have suicidal thoughts, but (miraculously)after becoming a father it no longer crosses my mind. My daughter is almost 2, and literally that idea has been wiped from my thoughts. However, I often have feelings as though I can’t deal with myself, Like I want to snap and go crazy……..Usually these issues come out of no where. I can be happy one minute, and then get the worst depression and worthless feeling the next. (which generally lasts at least a few days) My wife was on Zoloft for awhile and it really helped her, which is why I’ve kicked around the idea of taking it. If anyone has any suggestions for me, I could really use the help.
I have been on Zoloft for 12years. And i think its time to get off of it. However I am very scared because I dont ever want to go threw what I did in the past. What is the best way to wein off it? I have gained weight and I have had head tremours lately. I am starting to worry.
I have been on Zoloft for more than a year. All I have to show is 9kgs of weight and anxiousness. I enquired about the weightgain in the beginning and was told that Zoloft does not have that as a side effect. I could not sleep, therefor I was prescribed Molipaxan as well. I have uncontrollable trembling of the hands daily – where is this leading to
I’ve been taking 12-25mg of zoloft/sertraline for a few years now, and it has really helped me with my depression. I tend to be hyper-sensitive of meds which is why I cut my pills in half or quarter. I’ve complained about ejaculations problems to my doctor, who thought adding wellbutrin would help cancel out the side-effects. Instead, I ended up feeling totally juttery and like I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs all the time!!! I went off the zoloft for a while – not more ejaculation problems, but my depression symptomology returned. Back on at 25mg, and instant ejaculation problems again. Is there anything I can add to this to help mitigate this problem?
I’ve been on Zoloft for 12 years. It is a wonder drug. I don’t know what I’d do without it. Only side effect I’ve ever noticed is a decreased sex drive.
I have been depressed most of my life. Years ago I was on Serzone for a year. Since then I have been drug-free. But recently the stress at work has become unbearable so my doctor prescriped Zoloft, 50mg once a day. I just started today. I’m hoping I don’t have the side effects some people have mentioned here. I just didn’t think I could continue without some help.
Anyone prescribed Zoloft should just try it. Don’t let the negative feedback here stop you. Most people that have good results probably aren’t searching the net for answers. If you don’t like the sides, just quit taking it.
The first few days I was on it, my stomach was upset and I felt very drowsy. Those feelings were gone in less than a week. It’s now been five months since I started and the sides I’ve experienced throughout are: dry mouth, lower sex drive, and a bit of “brain fog.”
However, the good outweighed the bad because I was so depressed that I couldn’t function. Zoloft helped me get through a tough time in my life. I plan on quiting soon. Hopefully the depression won’t return.
Thanks everyone for sharing! I have been on Zoloft for about 1 year now, and I am going to gradually tamper off because of the side effects. At first, it was a wonder drug. I was having a lot of problems with depression and anxiety, and it evened out my behavior imeediately.
As time had gone on, the side effects have intensified. I have the WORSE leg cramps at night, insomonia, I sweat all the time – even in the cold (and I live in Minnesota!). I am tired all of the time and have gained 25lbs. I am totally undermotiviated and withdrawn.
It seems like this is a good short term drug for some people.
Thanks again for sharing!
Chris
Just an update. After 2 weeks on Zoloft I experienced the most intense and frustrating insomnia I have ever felt. Three nights with practically no sleep at all. By the third night I was sure it was the drug. That night I didn’t take it but instead took it first thing the next morning. I actually slept that night, and the next, and it’s been 3 days now and I haven’t taken anymore. I’m almost afraid of what the side-effects will be if I take it again. I’m hoping I can either get my prescription reduced from 50mg to 25 mg or get off it completely. I want my LIFE back!!
I just want everyone on this post to know that I am praying for you. I, too, have suffered long term depression and anxiety. I am now off all meds. I truly believe these medications are very good for some people who are at life’s extreme. However, I think there is more of our population on this than necessary. I encourage to get second opinions from doctors…to do research…to find out what it is that has brought you to this point whether it’s through talking to someone like a pyschiatrist, or confiding in your general practioner or a family member. Medicine is not always the answer. I just went through a series of very serious tests because the doctor’s were concernend I was developing a brain tumor or had first symptoms of MS. Needless to say, I got off of the 50 mg of Zoloft I have been taking for several years now. My poor husband has agreed to help me through the tough withdraw symptoms…but I WILL make it through. I want my own mind back, and do not want to have to depend on a drug to make me happy. I truly belive diet plays a tremendous role in the things that afflict us. Please know you are not alone!
BeBe– my thoughts are with you. I gave in this morning and took another Zoloft. But I also phoned and made an appointment with a counselor. AND I got off my but and got outside and went for a walk. I feel much better tonight and will try not to take Zoloft for another day or two. There are other health problems I am dealing with at the same time which may or may not be caused/linked with my depression. Thanks to this forum though I truly realize that I am not alone in this struggle. Thank-you!
i was on zoloft for 6 years..i gained 40 to 50 lbs..i just stopped taking it two weeks ago today..feel sooo much better..has way to many side affects.
ZOLOFT WAS LIKE A ROLLER COASTER RIDE. STARTED OUT KIND OF SLUGGISH THEN HAD MORE ENERGY THAN I KNEW WHAT TO DO WITH. IT GOT SO BAD THAT I WOULD SIT AND ROCK AND MOVE MY ARMS AND FEET UNCONTROLLABLY AND NOBODY COULD GET CLOSE TO ME WITHOUT ME LOSING IT. DOCTOR HAD ME SUDDENLY STOP TAKING IT AND START TAKING KLONOPIN AND THINGS GOT WORSE IMMEADIATELY. VERY SCARY
I was put on Zoloft a while ago for a problem unrelated to depression. I was having chronic headaches, and it had the potential to help. It didn’t, and the main side effect I got were the vivid dreams (which I really kind of enjoyed). But since it wasn’t having the desired effect I stopped taking it. I’m very annoyed that no-one bothered to tell me that you’re not supposed to stop cold turkey, that could have been dangerous, but perhaps I got lucky. I didn’t get any nasty withdrawal effects that I noticed.
For people coming here who have just been prescribed Zoloft, I think you need to take these posts with a grain of salt. This looks kind of like a self selecting collection of only negative stories. There’s no way to tell which reported symptoms are really caused by the Zoloft and which could be the result of some other problem, diagnosed or not.
Started Zoloft (200 mg) in September 2007, with klonipin (up to 75 mg) per day. Everything was great, sharper thinking, energy productive then 5 months later i began to crash. Stopped klonipin -extremely addictive- withdrawal was the Worst, I thought. Until the doctor decided to wean me off zoloft to prozac. He prescribed 20 mg prozac and told me to decrease dose of zoloft by 50mg every day. I am sick to my stomach, more anxious and depressed than I ever was and extremely lethargic, can sleep an extra 5 hours per day. I don’t know what to do but I am angry and aggressive.
I’ve been on zoloft for at least 10 years. Recently I had a a mishap and was only taking 25 mgs a night, I usually take 50 mgs a night. And I noticed I had vivid dreams (well more nightmares) were I wake up with my heart racing and feeling sick. And I had more anxiety problems on the lower dose. Last night I took my normal dose 50 mgs again, in hopes of helping the anxiety. I am also on Trazodone 150mgs, and Geodon 40mgs.
I didn’t notice much weight gain but I am a heavier person since being on medication for 12 years, the only thing a noticed is it’s harder to lose weight. I also have jaw problems and have to wear a night appliance to keep me from clenching and grinding my teeth. And increased headaches but that can be from my jaw problems. I occasionally get muscle twitches though they aren’t usually that bad.
Overall zoloft has helped me alot with dealing with everyday stress. The side effects aren’t so bad, the withdrawl is the worst. All ways talk to your doctor before lower or stopping your medication. If they don’t want to suggest another medicine or adjust your dosage, GO TRY ANOTHER DOCTOR! It may help I had to a few years ago and it really helped!
I just want to reiterate what BeBe said. Medication will not fix your problems. You have to understand why you’re depressed in the first place and work from there. I always thought anti-depressants were for weak-minded people, until I suffered from it myself.
However, I believe meds can be a “crutch” to help you work through your depression. I would definitely recommend anyone who is depressed to see a counselor. I’m currently seeing a psychiatrist, and I believe it will help.
Also, if Zoloft doesn’t work for you, maybe something else will. Don’t just rely on your doctor. Do your own research and be aware of all of your options. Just remember these medications are not the cure! Good luck to everyone here.
My fiance takes Sertaline (Zoloft) and we haven’t spoken for 2 days now. His doctor decided to change his dose from 150 per day to 200 per day only…before he took 150 in the morning. Now he is supposed to take 100 in the morning and 100 in the evening. Well, he always forgets to take his evening dose and needless to say, he suffers terribly. He has been at the same company for 20 years and has never been in trouble-got into an argument with his supervisor and was sent home on Admin Leave. He stayed home for 3 weeks while they decided what to do-he is on probation for 6 months and has to participate in a “fitness for duty” program. They said he displayed “eberrant behavior” that is totally out of character for this gentle giant of a man. This has all been happening since January of 2008. We have struggled with a gun, I have found him in a drug induces almost coma state from taking klonipin on top of everything…He forgot to take his meds last week several days and sure enough, it has caught up with him. He told me yesterday, “Then why don’t you go home” when I suggested that he talk to his doctor about his roller coaster emotions. He has extreme difficulty with ejaculation, sleep, throws up if he starts coughing, sometimes his hands shake so badly (now I know why)and it just seems like such a terrible way to live life. I just know that this relationship is not working, the way he treats me – so very very cold – is not a healthy, happy relationship. It simply is not working. Now I am at a loss as to what I should do! Give him the silent treatment and not contact him or go to his rescue??? I am not so sure I want to take care of a man-child-although we are not formally engaged, we have the intention of marrying. If he proposed today, I would have to say, “no”. That is so sad…. I am tired…
I noticed that these posts have deterred numerous people from trying Zoloft. I might also mention that most of the people that are posting are the people that are having problems with the drug…because the people that aren’t having problems aren’t looking at side effects and writing about the benefits. So in part, it looks like everyone in the world is having a hard time with zoloft when that really is not the case.
I have been on zoloft for about a year and a half, and while there are definitely things about it I’m not happy about…those things are very much outweighed by the benefits. I suffer from a panic disorder and was living in perpetual fear before zoloft came around and alleviated my symptoms. My last full blown panic attack was over a year ago. I credit it to saving my life because I thought I was going crazy and leaning to the suicidal side prior to taking it.
The only reason I am on this site looking at side effects is that I’m interested in knowing what to look for while I attempt to taper off it. My anxiety is up because I’ve recently gone from 100mg to 50mg.
My side effects while on it have been low libido and a certain numbness to what is going on around me. I’m not a zombie by any means, but it takes quite a bit to upset me or make me laugh out loud. Mostly, I am worried about my low sex drive and that is why I want to get off it. But only if I can get off it without having panic attacks. I also have some weight issues and it’s been difficult to lose due to cravings.
But I can’t emphasize how important it is to understand that these drugs effect everyone differently. Just because one person has a bad experience doesn’t mean it’s not going to help you out. It’s all trial and error. These drugs really haven’t been around all that long.
Also, almost all the drugs I’ve tried have given me increased anxiety at the beginning of starting them. If you can wait a few days, it will subside. And Zoloft works faster than most of them. Cymbalta was my personal nightmare, Paxil didn’t do a thing for me other than take away my sex drive, Lexapro made me sleepy 24/7 so I wasn’t awake to feel anxious…Celexa wasn’t that different from Lexapro. Wellbutrin gave me my sex drive back, but didn’t work on my anxiety. Some of those drugs are other people’s miracle drug…or they cause problems or they are just “so-so”. But don’t take one persons experience and expect to get the same results. They are different for everyone.
I have been on zoloft 50mg for almost three years now. I started taking it for panic attack, anxiety, and a crappy time in my life. now alomst three years later im trying to come off of them slowly and am in my final stages. My side effects are headaches, dizziness,sometimes I feel like im going to faint,night sweats, very nauesous 20 mins after, when I do take the pill and my dreams are absolutly deathly scary. Ive notice my anxiety is somewhat starting to come back. I rather go through this though and push through until I get through. This drug makes a person feel like a zombie and numbs you at times. Hope thsi helps any… and if you have any comments feel free to post.
I have been on 50 to 100 mg of Zoloft daily for atleast 8 years now. If I STAY ON IT, and don’t MISS doses, I don’t have anxiety, depression, fatigue, fits of rage or hostility, dizziness or hot flashes. But I can honestly say, I have tried three others, and this one has been a GOD SEND- It really has improved my life. The only side effects are drop in libido, and some short term memory loss, but nothing major, I’m a nurse, so believe me, or I would have my doctor take me off of it (gradually, to avoid withdrawel side effects-which are NOT PLEASANT)and I just want to encourage everyone to weigh the benefits against bad side effects, and know that skipping doses can cause the side effects as well. It takes several weeks or months to get the Seratonin to the level that works best for you. Don’t expect to feel super duper overnight, that’s not realistic. It is NOT addictive-ask any reputeable Psychiatrist- and as far as weight gain, you really just need to stay active and keep your metabolism going-snacking frequently on fruits and vegetables for example. Especially if you’re over 30 as I am. Metabolism slows as you get older. It is so nice to be able to enjoy life.
ive been taking zoloft for about a month and a half now. i felt awful for the first month, like i was gong to die! i was put on it because of panic attacks and heart palpitations, also lack of sleep, for over 3 months i couldnt sleep, sleeping pills didnt even help! about two weeks ago ive noticed (all my friends and family and coworkers also) my change in personality. i am much more pleasant. i feel great all the time, i dont get frustrated or mad like i used to. unfortunately i still have some side effects. some twitching of the muscles, im dizzy all of the time, its tough to drive sometimes (i take it at night). the worst however, is the tightening in my jaw. i feel tight in there constantly. i clench all the time. this seems to be the only unbearable thing. im weighing the advantages, i love how it makes me feel but my jaw is very sore all the time. i have an appointment in a few days, i may try something different…
I’ve been taking Zoloft for a number of years, not to long after 911 did I begin to take the pill because i had trouble sleeping I did not rest for about 3 days in a row and it scared me to death, I went to a mental healthcenter and my doctor/psychiatrist gave me Zoloft to take for my and I quote his comment my ‘anxiety disorder’ and then they gave me Vistrl for my sleeping disorder, I used it for a while then i was able to stop using it but i took Zoloft for another several years because i was so scared of not beingh able to sleep, I rested fine but then all the side effects In gained about thirty pounds that i’m still trying to burn off and I have had extreme hair loss, waking up and finding tons of hair on my pillow and extreme heaviness in the eyes and fatigue, to where i could not even do my weightlifting which made me literally cry, I have been off it for about a month now, I was wondering because in august near the months end i had been taking 50 mg the whole tiome i’d been taking Zoloft then I halved it and everyday took about 25 mg and then the next month i started taking the 25 mg one day and no pill the next day, I started at the end of september stopping completly and have felt like hell almost everyday since, I;’ve had a ton of side effects i’ve had extreme drowsiness, I’ve had a swelling in my left leg just beside the kneecap that i got while using the pill and then it is stil there, I wondered if anyone can help me at all, and is there ever gonna come a time when i will fel better ever again, or do i need to see a doctor?
I was really hoping I could have found an experience similar to mine on here but I think it must have been fairly unique….as soon as I started taking Zoloft, I had more energy than I had ever had in my life, enough to work out at the gym for HOURS upon HOURS each day, which I can’t do normally….I wasn’t eating hardly anything yet felt I was getting fatter and fatter by the day, I felt soo fat, I went to the doctor and he said I had actually put on kilos…I only stayed on it a few days but I wondered what would have happened if I had stayed on it…I know as well as the extra energy I started to feel very irritable and extra assertive and outgoing, I did not feel myself at all…I started LExapro shortly after, and did not have any real troubling side effects at all, apparently most people find Lexapro easier to take. If anyone has had this same experience I would love to talk to them…good luck ya’ll
I was introduced to this drug through a doctor that my wife uses. I saw the therapist due to some social anxiety problems that I thougt I had but after going through the program and taking Zolaft I have come to the conclusion that the therapist take advantage of alot of people that don’t need medication at all. These guys would put you on medication and bring you back every month for an evaluation that consited of, “how are you feeling”- “ok” “we’ll great I’ll see you again in a month”. If you said that you did not feel ok they would raise your dosage 50mg. I went for years without missing a day of work to missing alot of work because I didn’t know what this stuff could do. My pschiatrist would not even look me in the eye when he talked, (talk about social anxiety). I have been very easy to get along with at work and at home…. to a point. Then I explode. No not violenty but this stuff lets you get walked on to a point that is just rediculous. After that you just let it out in some kind of stupid tantrim. I have been on 25 mg and have done nothing but sweat at night and snore since I have been on it. I think that getting off of it will be better for me and my family. Note to all readers, It’s ok to get mad every now and again, passion is what makes us human, getting offended by what people say when others are mad; its you’re right too, not a sickness. Its called being human. The people that perscribe medication for that are called “con artists” – with a degree. Well I have a degree too but it doesn’t qualify me to call you “crazy” either. If you go to your regular MD they will perscribe you the same medication without the same BS checkups. Try it. You’ll see.
For all of you that are concerned with your weight gain while taking Zoloft or any of these medications, there is hope. While taking these medications I gained 15 pounds in 5 months. I started my research about how to lose this weight gained due to Zoloft and I found the Serotonin Power Diet, which totally worked for me, plus it increased my energy level and my mood. I totally recommend it, plus you can live the rest of your life according to this diet, because it is non restrictive. You start losing weight since the very first week.
Hey, I started zoloft about 3 weeks ago and am currently on 3/4 of 25mgs for anxiety/minor OCD. My anxiety is almost completely gone
The first week, I had horrible side effects and really bad anxiety and even a panic attack, but those have now subsided besides the jaw clenching and yesterday’s random crying spell! All in all, in time I think zoloft will pull through and work for me. I am not anxious at all anymore, so I know it’s working.
I’ve been on Zoloft for about 2 years now. It helped tremendously with my depression and anxiety. My main complaint is that without taking Wellbutrin to counteract Zoloft’s sexual side effects, having an orgasm is close to impossible if not so. I feel I’m too young to deal with this for my whole life so I’m trying with fingers crossed that the switch over to Cymbalta will help me. I just read on that forum that some women find it impossible to have an orgasm with that too which is completely depressing to me. In the 2 years I’ve taken Zoloft I gained 35 pounds. I’ve tried to quit taking Zoloft cold turkey in the past but found the withdrawals excruciating. I have no way of explaining it other than an electric pop in my head that leaves me feeling like I’m on drugs. (Which I guess I am lol) Depression isn’t funny at all. It’s like a choice, do I want to be overweight and asexual and sad for those problems, or do I want to be depressed and filled with anxiety but skinny and sexual? And has anyone ever tried explaining this dilemma to a non depressed person? No one gets it!
I had been on zoloft for two years and am now off for the past year.The unfortunate thing about zoloft and many of these pills is that the after effects are not dicused. There has not been enough tests done out there on these meds to know the long term effects of these while being off. No one wants to be on pills for the rest of their lives but once coming off I have noticed changes this being a year later. I hope it goes away eventually. I guess each person is different. Hopefully everyone can one day get off these and not have long term effects
IF you come off Zoloft. Do you lose the weight that you gain while being on zolft.
thanks
Preet
After years of trying various medications (2 pages worth & a few hospital stays later), I finally tried zoloft. it has been almost 10 years
that i’ve been on 100mg. I suffered from free-floating anxiety, extreme panic attacks, agoraphobia and ocd. my experience will differ from others because we are all unique- no two people have the same biological make-up, nor can we compare our brain chemistry with one another. What works for mr.jones will not work for mr.smith, so it is “trial & error” with medications. There will be “good & bad” with all medications, so zoloft is no different. Now, it will be 10 years for me & I no longer SUFFER from debilitating anxiety/panic attacks, nor agoraphobia (thank the lord!), nor dark depression & the ocd (being the most difficult disorder to treat) is 80% managed. I got my so-called “normal” life back & that is worth the odd side-effects I have to live with. Extra sweating occurs; extra weight gain because many anti-depressants/anti-psychotic drugs effect thyroid function & I have hypothyroidism to begin with; horrible vivid dreams; heat-intolerance; tingling sensations in hands, face, chest; electrical fireworks in my head while asleep & I’m aware of them; awake feeling worn; sudden flashes in my eyes; decreased libido; poor memory & I’m sure I’ve forgotten some others…….but, I feel like I’m alive now–before the zoloft, my life was like living a slow death, physically, mentally & emotionally…………….NOW, I have attempted to wean myself off but unfortunately, what I experienced before, returns within many days. It is known that the symptoms may return & can be magnified X 3 but I did not wait to find that out because I immediately went back to my daily dose. I had 2 relapses when I was on micro doses of zoloft, so I know that 100mg is ideal for me. Some need 50mg, some need 200mg & just like my thyroid medication, it needs to be adjusted to suit my needs, not what the general public might need….. There is so much about the human brain that has yet to be learned & it is pointless to “buy into” comments that are made by many, as being “scientific fact”, such as “medication just masks the symptoms”,or “you can stop anxiety or panic attacks by willing them away”, or “only weak-minded people give into these disorders”, or “anxiety/panic attacks won’t kill you”….well, one won’t but the ongoing chronic stress that these disorders place on the heart, the mind & the body as a whole system, does have long-term consequences. There are too many opinions, theories, views & not enough scientific fact to confirm whether anxiety, panic attacks, depression, OCD, etc, are pre-disposed genetically; or our biological make-up; learned behavior or if emotional or mental trauma effects the brain chemistry causing chaos…..until further progress is made & the conclusions are 100%, many of us will require anti-depressants & anti-psychotic drugs to function. I felt like I was abnormal using them at first but now, I like to think of my dose of zoloft being as necessary as my dose of thyroid meds, because without them, both my head & body suffer the consequences.
If your coming off Zoloft it should be for the right reasons, not for weight loss.
My weight appeared to be the same.
On 25 mg for 8 months in 2002. It relieved my anxiety but then I began to feel dulled and emotionally blunted so I weaned off (25 mg every othr day, then every 3rd day, then none). 2008–stressful events in my life, very very anxious, began 50 mg. Felt it working at day 6. Everything fine and dandy altho again the feeling of being emotionally blunted, unable to cry. Went down to 25 mg.
Started on thyroid medicine for hypothyroidism. The two together gave me a lot of side effects–diarrhea and constipation, headaches. Began taking the thyroid at 7 am and the zoloft at 7 pm. After about 2-3 weeks began sleeping 15-16-17 hours a day. No energy, always tired. I can drink an espresso and still want to sleep half an hour later. I am going to wean off zoloft again same as before, 25 mg every other day for a week, then every 3rd day and quit. Anybody else have similar side effects–the excessive daytime sleeping aka EDS?
I had been on Zoloft for about 9 months, and then I started getting very sick to my stomache when taking it, so I stopped for a month. But the drug really helps to calm me down, ease my depression, and make me less angry, so I decided to given it another shot. When I did I was vomitting all night, so I thought maybe I was just sick an waited a week to take another dose. When I took it again I became even more sick! Also when I first started taking it I had insomia for about 2 weeks! I am starting to wonder which I want to live with, my anxiety or the nausea! UGH!
I’ve been on Zoloft for almost 2 years – starting while I was pregnant at 50mg for depression. It’s one of the few you can take when pregnant, I’m told, though Celexa has worked well for me in the past. Slowly my dose was increased to 150mg. At first it seemed to be working and I felt less depressed. I experienced no weight gain, but have had TOTAL loss of sex drive – I don’t care at all about having it. Then I also had occasional dizziness. Last fall my dosage was increased to 200 mg and felt like a zombie. I decreased it t 150mg, but realized I wasn’t feeling normal. I’ve now decided to go off it completely, tapering off. Two days ago I had my last dose of 50mg, but am experiencing a lot of dizziness and a sort of out of boy experience, along with temperature spikes every 4-6 hours. I may take 50 mg every other day for the week to see if that helps, but then I want to be off it for good!
I was diagnosed with depression at the age of 12 and immediately put on Zoloft. I started out at 50mg a day. When that didn’t help, it was increased to 100mg/day. And then increased again to 150mg/day. I stayed on this drug until I was 19 when I took myself off cold-turkey. (Thank you, Jesus, I don’t have depression anymore!)
Now at the age of 24, I have very few memories from age 12 to 19. I’m now researching to see if Zoloft had any long-term memories effects.
I started Zoloft when I was around 15 and quit cold turkey at 18. I can barely remember anything from that time, which is really disturbing.
Also I was put on Zoloft and Trazadone(sp?) which I stopped at the same time and literally thought I was going to die while going through the withdrawal. I later read that combining those meds (along with Imitrex for migraines, which I also took) can apparently kill you or screw up your system in some Major way. Way to go, doc!
At 24 I find it extremely hard to control my emotions (worse than when I was younger and prior to the meds), I can rationalize how out of proportion they are to what’s going on but they are just overwhelming, it’s to the point of being dysfunctional and hard to live with. I’m worried that taking these medications hampered my ability to control my emotions or made them change in some way.