Would anyone please tell me their experiences with Zoloft?

[lunamagica]

I feel I really need it, but it scares me...

[nolabear]

1. Find a professional you trust. It varies.

[lunamagica]

5. That's what I'm doing...but I'm scared

[MFM008]

59. The truth for me...

everyone's system is different.

I started out in 1992 taking disipramine. after weeks it worked well.
It worked for 6 years,then it sort of crashed i got depressed again.
They looked for something else.
My son had been on Zoloft for 10 years and after trying 3 or 4 other drugs the told me if a first
degree relative had success with it , I had a good chance as well.
In 1998 they put me on it.
It made me tired even though they start you out on beginning doses, it passed, a little sweaty
especially if your overweight, if not, less problem.
I did gain some weight on it, some people lose weight.
You can do both having depression or anxiety.
It worked for me. Almost like magic. But that's for me.
Almost 20 years later, it still works and im still on it.
I would gently encourage you to try it.
Give it 6 weeks at least, you may be tired,you may get dry mouth.
but depression makes you feel the same way.
Follow doctors orders. It wont make you strip and run naked onto a football field.
There wont be major personality changes.
( If your not depressed it doesn't work to correct the chemical imbalances).
It changed my life and made it possible to be relatively normal.
It wont solve your problems, you will still get depressed sometimes and you will still have some anxiety.
Who doesn't?
Good luck.

[cilla4progress]

2. I know...

I've taken paxil and I even have some stronger stuff I've taken (xanax). Makes me feel like I'm moving through water. Might want to take 1/2 dose.

[lunamagica]

7. I took Paxil for a little while a long time ago. Kept me in a perpetual stuppor

I had to stop

[tavernier]

3. Suicide

Two of my friends.

Sorry, downer fact, but you asked.

[lunamagica]

10. My goodness! I'm so sorry for your loss. Yes, I asked, thanks for the warning

[tavernier]

14. Thanks.

I hope you find good health and happiness.

[TexasBushwhacker]

65. The SSRIs, including Zoloft, have a black box warning

The FDA expanded its public health advisory to include anyone 24 or younger. In 2007, the FDA took a stronger stance, requiring manufacturers of SSRI antidepressants to update the black-box warnings about the higher risks of suicidal thoughts and behavior during the first one to two months of treatment.

I've been taking antidepressants on and off (mostly on) for 40 years. I would probably be dead without them. I have taken just about every SSRI out there, as well as others in combination. Most work for a while, sometimes years, then start to lose their efficacy. But that's just me.

It takes a while for the meds to start making a difference in how you feel, 4 to 6 weeks. If you are actively suicidal or hurting yourself in any way, you should go to the hospital. I've been 5 times. It's not bad at all. Most of the other patients will have depression or bipolar disorder.

You can probably get started on medication by your primary care physician, but it's best to see a psychiatrist. They are generally more knowledgeable about the benefits of the different drugs.

Check and see if you have any DBSA support groups in your area. It stands for Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. It can be comforting to be around people who are going through the same feelings you have. You can ask questions about medication, doctors etc.

I must emphasize, if you feel like hurting yourself, go to the hospital. It's a safe place. If you don't have insurance, your county hospital probably has a mental health ward. 4 of my hospital stays have been in county facilities.

Feel free to PM me.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

4. Side effects can be bad... nausea is the least of those.

[lunamagica]

38. Yeah, that's what scares me

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

68. I'm sure with the right doctor, you'll find the relief you're lookin for... all the best.

[Blaukraut]

6. Depends on what ails you

Zoloft is the go-to for depression and/or anxiety, and is supposed to have the fewest side effects. When I took it for anxiety I gained a lot of weight, but felt better. Now I'm on celexa which works better with fewer side effects. For depression only, look into wellbutrin. Hubby has been on that for years now. No side effects at all.

[redwitch]

16. I had side effects with Welbutrin.

Great that it works for your hubby though!

[Blaukraut]

17. The only thing it does is make him less hungry and more active

Which was not a bad thing for him. What were your side effects?

[redwitch]

18. Swelling of the face.

It was freaky.

[Mellomugwump]

21. How long ago was that?

In the last the ten years or so, they've made it cleaner. I'm not sure how, but when I first started taking it about 15 years ago, it killed my appetite (not nessarily a bad thing), but it also made me very angry.

It was prescribed to me to help me quit smoking. I quit taking it and when I mentioned the previous side effects to my doctor, she mentioned that it was now "cleaner".

I have had no side effects on the newer version.

[lunamagica]

39. I have both, though the anxiety is worse, and lately it has hit the roof

worried about the weight gain too

[GliderGuider]

8. Impotence

That side effect didn't exactly help my depression...

You may need to try several ADs before you find one that works for you - responses vary all over the map to different meds. I ended up doing OK on Wellbutrin.

[lunamagica]

40. Well, that is not a side effect that worries me I'm a woman.

I hope I hit the spot with this one...If I take it

[marylandblue]

9. Sorry you are in a difficult spot

Things may seem bleak right now, but there is hope. Fear is normal, but it doesn't have to stay that way. Just keep working your way through this and things will get better.

Zoloft works for many people so it's a good place to start, but might not work as well for you. But if you need the help, don't give up. There are many safe and effective antidepressants. It may take some time to find the right one, or combination.

Hang in there. Hugs.

[lunamagica]

42. Thank you. I was dealing wit this for a long time, but always made the effort to look for the good,

the positive, even when things looked bad.

But since November I feel totally hopeless. I feel disappointed and disgusted with the human race. I was sure that love would trumo hate, and seeing the opposite happen was a kick to the face. I still believed people were basically good. now I don't

My family doesn't want me to talk about the election, they just tell me to not think about it anymore. But all I see are dark clouds ahead.

I'm tired of feeling this way

[tammywammy]

11. Saved my life.

Only side effect I had was dry mouth.

[lunamagica]

43. I'm glad it helped you. I already suffer from dry mouth from other meds

[ghostsinthemachine]

12. Ruined my life

Hated every minute. No interest in anything.

[lunamagica]

44. But that's how I feel now. No interest in anything

[Laffy Kat]

13. Not with Zoloft but with other anti-depressants.

I didn't do well on Prozac. Been on Celexa (citalopram) for years now and swear by it. Admittedly, I take a smaller dose than what's prescribed and only go up to a full dose when I feel like I'm breaking through. I used to take it for the anti-anxiety effects, although lately I can tell I'd be depressed without it. Good luck. I predict there's going to be a huge increase in all anti-depressants starting this month!

[roamer65]

24. I second Celexa (citalopram).

[shenmue]

26. I take vortioxetine

[Laffy Kat]

34. Had to look that one up. It must be relatively new. nt

[shenmue]

35. It is

Helps me a fair amount.

[lunamagica]

45. My mom is on Citalopram and is doing well.. I agree with you on the increase of anti-depressants

[radical noodle]

56. I take that too

No side effects that I've noticed.

[Docreed2003]

15. My advice would be to work closely with your medical professional

People react differently to antidepressants, even ones within the same class. I took Zoloft for a while and it wasn't for me. I didn't feel depressed anymore but I didn't feel anything of emotion at all...it was just this weird emotional dullness. My wife and I went to the movies to see a comedy and I remember sitting there barely cracking a smile, and it was a really funny movie. After I was changed over to a different drug regimens, things smooth out significantly.

Work with your provider and pay close attention to your emotions and side effects as you're on the medication and provide that feedback to your doctor so they can tailor your particular treatment.

Good luck!

[otohara]

19. I Had Creepy Dreams But...

... it will help get you through a rough time

There's a yawning thing that comes with SSRI's that drove me crazy - about an hour after taking I kept yawning - it wasn't a natural yawn either. I took 1/2

Thought about maybe taking it again cuz of Hillary loss to this monster - but opted not to because of other meds I take.

[Laffy Kat]

29. Take it at bedtime. That's what I did. Worked great. nt

[2naSalit]

20. Someone prescribed that for me once...

they wanted to see if it would hel with my frequent migraines. I had to pay a $10 fee to have the instruction told to me, then I was to start with a potion of a tablet and work my way up to a whole dose, then after 21 days I was to call an 800 phone number to get instructions on what to do then. I went home and tried the portion of a dose for a day and a half during which time I found I had been reduced to someone with the imagination and attention span of a fruit fly. I couldn't get it together enough to make anything more complex than microwave popcorn or a piece of toast. I discontinued use immediately... seemed to me that it was a big pharma attempt to get me hooked on an expensive drug that was for bipolar disorder, I found out from someone who used it for that. She said that it was way wrong for me to be taking that for hormone induced migraines.

I would be very careful, it's one of those drugs that you can get hooked on... perhaps an opiate?

[Crunchy Frog]

73. It's not an opiate, or anything remotely resembling one.

You can't get "hooked" on it either, though you will develop a physical dependency. Those are not the same thing. You won't find yourself craving it, or needing to take more, and nobody uses it recreationally.

It's worth trying if you suffer from depression, though it may or may not be effective for a particular individual.

[NightWatcher]

22. See if cannabis works for you. Side effects may include

Feelin groovy, becoming well rested, increased appetite, increased enjoyment of music and television.

[lunamagica]

46. Oh, I wish. But I woudn't even know where to start

[TheBlackAdder]

80. Ask a high schooler. ;-)

[trixie2]

90. We really need a "like" or "heart" button

I love your post - natural ingredients.

[lisa58]

23. For depression or anxiety?

[lunamagica]

47. Both, but the anxiety is much, much worse

[ismnotwasm]

25. Please seek medical advice from a professional

I'm not trying to sound like an asshole, but depression is nothing to mess around with and be wary of on-line advice however well-intentioned.

[lunamagica]

49. The Zoloft was prescribed to me today by a Dr. But it still scares me

[Warpy]

27. Just realize you can't stop taking it (or any SSRI) suddenly

You'll have to taper it down.

Other than that, it's not the scariest drug in the world. It has fewer side effects than some of the older SSRIs and I know a lot of people who have had good success with it. It will take time to kick in, though, so don't expect a miracle as soon as you start it.

Good luck, anything is better than clinical depression.

[smirkymonkey]

36. I completely agree with that.

Never go off it cold turkey. I think that is when bad things happen. You always need to titrate off those meds under the care of a doctor. Wise advice.

[teenagebambam]

28. Diahrrhea, and turned my anxiety to agitation n/t

[lunamagica]

48. That's awful. I'm sorry it had this effect on you

[progree]

30. My sister likes it

She says

"This summer my doctor put me on Zoloft due to depression. I am better (my sleeping has improved immensely) "

[lunamagica]

50. I'm glad it helped your sister. The sleeping part sounds like heaven

[smirkymonkey]

31. I would try to work w/ a doctor. I think that most people have the reactions that they

expect to have. I am on Cymbalta now (an SSNRI) and I have been on other SSRI's and I have never had any really negative reactions other that a slightly dampened libido, but then again, depression did that to me as well. I believe they have saved my life. You may have to experiment a little bit, but I highly recommend Cymbalta. I used to be suicidally depressed and now I am pretty much fine.

Like I said, people will have the reactions they expect to have. Try to go into it with an open mind and trust your doctor. It really saved my life. Good luck to you and know there is a better life out there. I once thought life would never get better, but it has. Honestly, it has been a miracle for me. FYI, I have also gone on thyroid meds (I would recommend a full checkup because hypothyroidism can contribute to depression) and I went on a beta blocker for high blood pressure from stress (which blocks adrenalaine) and therefore cuts down on anxiety which I believe contributed to my depression. It may take some trial and error, but eventually if you are working with a good doctor you can get it right.

I wish you all the best and please know that there is hope in sight! Good luck!

[lunamagica]

51. I was prescribed the lowest dose, so I guess I could try. It really makes me feel goo how well

it has worked for you!

[Takket]

32. make sure you aren't bipolar

A loved one took this and it caused her to have manic episodes, which is what happens when you are bipolar and only treating the depression.

Also, no way to say this delicately, make it very difficult to to reach orgasm.

[lunamagica]

53. No, I'm not bipolar. How terrible for your love one. I hope she found another medication that helps

[hunter]

33. With me, it wasn't a good fit.

The danger of these drugs is not so much that they could make you more depressed, even suicidal, it's that very severe depression might be masking something worse. Honestly, it's possible to be so depressed that suicide seems too much trouble.

Antidepressants can also cause manic behavior in people who are actually bipolar, not depressed. That is, unfortunately, how many bipolar people are first diagnosed. They go to the doctor when the are depressed, not when they're feeling good, They are prescribed an anti-depressant and it kicks them into a manic phase, possibly a dangerous manic phase.

My own misadventures start with severe depression, but when I hit the bottom of that, worse things happen and I become a danger to myself. Last year was not good, I ended up in a locked psych ward, the first time I'd had that sort of trouble for more than thirty years. It reminds me of kids who had polio who then regained their ability to walk, but later in life have trouble walking again. Or the chicken pox virus revisiting people as shingles. I thought I was done with that shit...

...sigh.

Most of these drugs have side effects that are not pleasant. I've been prescribed many over the years, and sometimes it really is a question of what's worse, the illness or the side effects?

My own problem is that the first thing that flies out the window when I'm going downhill is my ability to judge my own mental state. I've got a lifetime's experience acting "normal" on the outside when the inside of my head is a train wreck. It's very important to establish a support system of people you can trust, people who will tell you how you are doing and be your advocate in a health care system that can be quite brutal.

I'm not a medical professional, I'm just a voice on the internet, but I hope it's helpful to know you are not alone.

As for your question, my OWN experience with Zoloft, it may not be YOURS, was that it had mild side effects, but one: My libido vanished. It really was an astonishing thing, as I watched the phenomena from my habitual scientific perspective. It seemed effective so far as depression goes, but not other aspects of my illness.

The meds I'm taking now are not especially pleasant, but the alternative is worse. The psych ward wasn't a bad place, I met all sorts of interesting people, and the staff was very kind, but I don't want to go back. I also don't want to be the sort of guy who walks barefoot into the wilderness, voices in his head, never to be seen again.

[lunamagica]

57. You have gone through so much. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me

I hope we can find a future of great health, peace and happines

[compsports]

71. As an FYI

Many people have manic reactions to ADs who are not bipolar. Unfortunately, they are misdiagnosed and put on powerful BP drugs when that shouldn't have happened.

[hunter]

75. All sorts of wretched things happen in U.S. healthcare.

Doctors are increasingly forced to practice "assembly line" medicine.

The patients come through their offices and emergency rooms like chocolates on a conveyor belt.

It's a false kind of productivity.

My vacation to the psych ward was my second bounce. On my first trip to the E.R. they gave me some powerful meds and sent me on my way in less than 24 hours.

A week later I was in worse shape.

I don't really remember my first day in the psych ward because I was hallucinating so badly, and paranoid. I remember wandering the halls late at night when some cheerful nurse caught up with me and gave me some meds I just took without question. Then he led me back to my bed and I sat there for a time. There may or may not have been a blood draw too. I figured if they were going to kill me, with pills or needles, or anything else, that was okay. I was just done.

Since then I've been taking some pretty powerful meds, but they seem to be working, except for some of the OCD stuff I've always suffered, much of it useless. I've become very chatty here on DU, and I can chew on computer code for hours at a time, my current obsession being image processing and compression algorithms, especially those that require minimal cpu horsepower.

Once again I've learned how important it is to have a support network of family and friends because here in the U.S.A. the social "safety nets" are very unreliable or non-existent, especially for those of us who suffer more severe forms of mental illness.

[blue neen]

37. There is genetic testing available now to see what anti-depressants would be best for you.

It's not complicated, just a saliva sample. It mainly deals with the body's P450 liver enzymes. There are also a couple of other genetic factors that pre-determine whether you can metabolize SSRI's or not.

No one in my family can take SSRI's. It was a relief to have the testing done and have the actual name of the genetics involved. We got really sick of doctors telling us we were "making it up". Now there is proof.

Good luck.

[DawgHouse]

41. I had this testing done.

No lexapro, zoloft or celexa for me.

[blue neen]

77. It's so helpful to know that, isn't it?

Doctors push those medicines and some people have horrible reactions to them!

[DawgHouse]

79. Yes very helpful and I am glad my Dr recommended it.

I know it helps because I have actually taken Lexapro and Zoloft and it was not good. In both cases, I remarked that I would NEVER take those again because they made me so sleepy and I couldn't tolerate them. I was amazed when those were two of the ones that showed up on the "Do not take" column.

Haven't tried Celexa and I won't based on this test.

[lunamagica]

58. Wow, that's awesome. I'll see if I can take that test. Thank you

[blue neen]

78. I hope it's helpful for you.

It sure was for our family!

[trixie2]

52. I refused anything stronger than Xanax

My dosage is .25 and it is perfect. Do you like your doctor? You two should be in discussion about something as serious as Zoloft. I don't have to take my Xanax every day, just when I feel like I need it. When I don't, and have gone a week or two without, it doesn't faze me. I like it.

[lunamagica]

60. Well, he prescribed it. I never took anti-depressants, exept a few weeks of Paxil over 20 years ago

But now... I just hate to feel the way I'm feeling

[trixie2]

67. That's not good

I would contact him immediately.

I did not want to go on anything myself and my doctor asked if I would try Xanax at a very light dose and then he followed up about a week later to see if I liked them. I had absolutely no side effects and even on my first dose I noticed it took the edge off and I could think clearly and my mood was much better. I get 2 a day but need not take them if I don't want to. I notice when I am just hanging out at home doing laundry, reading etc I don't take any. I get a call from my insurance guy or the cable company and I am popping one in my mouth so I don't get crazy. I think my problem is anxiety that led to depression so take what I say with a grain of salt.

[Crunchy Frog]

74. It's in a completely different class of medications.

Zoloft is an SSRI antidepressant, while Xanax is a benzodiazopine anti-anxiety. You can't compare the "strength" because they work in completely different ways.

Xanax is a controlled substance and can be addictive. Zoloft is not, though it will produce a physical dependency.

Xanax does not work as an antidepressant.

[trixie2]

81. My doctor was talking Zoloft at first

I vehemently said no. My uncle was on it and let's just say it did not go well at all. I would only agree to Xanax and was surprised how well it worked for me and so is my doctor.

Xanax does not work as an antidepressant.

It worked for me. I know depression is different in everyone but I do think Zoloft is given too quickly at times.

[Crunchy Frog]

82. Not saying that it doesn't help you with your depression.

Just that it's not an antidepressant. There are lots of things that can improve depression in some people, including alcohol, cannabis, and opioids.

I take a benzo too, and it helps some with my anxiety, which is a significant part of my depression. It's just not all that effective, and I still have high anxiety levels even with it.

I'm not sure why you're singling out Zoloft in particular as being given out too quickly. It's one of probably dozens of SSRIs that are out there, that all pretty much work in the same way. Zoloft isn't functionally different, or stronger, or more side effects than any other one that I'm aware of. I guess if you know someone who had a bad response, then it might stand out for you, but that can happen with any medication.

I'm pretty sure that most doctors will be a lot more comfortable prescribing SSRIs than benzos (including Xanax) just because benzos are a controlled substance, and can be abused, or be addictive to some people.

I'm not trying to diminish your experience, and I'm glad that you've found something that works for you. Just trying to clear up misinformation.

Doctors will give out SSRIs and SNRIs very readily, probably too quickly, as you say. They tend to be more cautious with the benzos, probably with good reason.

[smirkymonkey]

89. +1000

Very good advice. One thing I think that is overlooked in treating anxiety is beta-blockers. They are usually prescribed for high blood pressure, but they block adrenaline and one thing I noticed right away is that they immediately reduced my anxiety. However they are not addicting nor are they a benzodiazapine so relatively safe as long as you are healthy and don't have low bp.

I'm not sure why they aren't used more for anxiety.

[WillowTree]

54. Didn't do much for me but it changed my father's life (for the better).

No two people's experiences are going to be relevant to each other.

[lunamagica]

61. Yeah, I can see that from all the responses

[WillowTree]

64. Much good luck to you in finding what's right for you. It can be done.

I said a prayer.

[lunamagica]

83. True. I'm glad it's helping your father

[Are_grits_groceries]

55. I use it and it helps. HOWEVER,

work with a doctor who knows these drugs and what they do. Unfortunately, it is still hard to pin down the right drugs and the right amount. That is frustrating.

Find a doctor you like and feel you can trust. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions. If they brush you off, find somebody else.

Drugs can really help but I would suggest you also find someone to talk to. That can help as much or more.

[lunamagica]

62. Yeah, I'm working with a doctor. Finding someone I can talk to? not that eady

[True Dough]

63. I am startled

at the number of forum members who take anti-depressants. I have seen headlines and articles indicating that they are becoming more common but I wouldn't have expected this much feedback from people who have experimented with them or are on them regularly.

I do expect more people will seek prescriptions with Drumpf in the White House though. Sad.

[lunamagica]

84. Yes, this is a crazy world, and more people need help just to cope

[emulatorloo]

66. Try Celexa or Wellbutrin instead. Fewer side effects

If you are a man, get your hormone levels checked, as the symptoms of Low Testosterone are extremely similar to the symptoms of depression in men.

[lunamagica]

85. Thanks. Im not a man, but will consider Celexa or Wellbutrin

[easttexaslefty]

69. Helped my depression but

Did nothing for my anxiety. Switched to lexapro and it was a better fit for me. My son had the exact experience.

[lunamagica]

86. Hmmm. My biggest problem is the anxiety. I'm glad you found a medication that helped

[Crunchy Frog]

70. It didn't have much of an effect on me, but I don't seem to respond to SSRIs.

Withdrawl was still a b**** though.

[lunamagica]

87. Yeah, that's what scared me the most...withdrawal

what did you experience, and for how long?

[compsports]

72. Forgive me if

Forgive me if you have mentioned this already but have you had a physical to make sure there aren't any underlying issues causing depression? What about your vitamin D level as a low one can definitely cause the condition?

[lunamagica]

88. I do have a low level, but take massive doses of vitamin D