Answer/Reply:

I am not sure if this will ease your mind or not but at 30 years old I started taking Zolft to help with Anxiety and depression after being diagnosed with UC. I stayed on it for 6 years and came off it on my own. I just recently decided to go back on it it again to help with anxiety. What I have felt and been told is that if you dont need it you wont see any difference. If you do need it sit back and feel better. If you son feels normal and you feel his actions are normal for a person of his age and his peers than he should be okay. If he is acting abnormal to anything then I would be concerned. JUst keep in close contact with your doctors and dont be afraid to get second opinions. 44 year old male

44 year old Male

Posted: 2009-09-10 13:55:50

Answer/Reply:

I was put on Zoloft at 15 years old and then was sent to a rehabilitation center for 2 months at 16 years old. I have been on Zoloft for over 4 years, and I have to tell you, it's my savior. I am taking the max dose of 200mg a day because that dosage works for me. I also suffer from O.C.D., anixiety, bipolar aka manic depression), and depression. I couldn't imagine being off of Zoloft. I might have to be on it for the rest of my life. I have seen nothing wrong with it except happiness! You're child is very young, but so long as you continue to regularly see your doctor/psychiatrist about it and it is working, stay on it! My psychiatrist says that you don't want to fix something if it is not broken. If Zoloft is working, you don't want to go messing around with it. I hope this eases your mind!

19 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-14 09:01:20

Answer/Reply:

I was wondering if the use of Zoloft increased your symptoms of mania at anytime. Thanks for you input.

41 year old Male

Posted: 2009-11-15 23:01:56

Answer/Reply:

My doctor is experimenting with me taking my birth control pills constantly so I will not have a period with the anxiety and depression during that time. This month was the first month I skipped my period. I still had some issues but it wasn't as bad as last month. Maybe you could take to your doctor about that option. She said I could have a period a couple of times a year to break up the continuous hormones. I am trying it to see. Like she said it is just experimenting to see if it helps. I also quit all caffeine and msg also. Now, I do sneak chocolate every now and then, but the caffeine isn't as bad as a drink. Hope this helps some.

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-26 09:56:51

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and affects up to 10 percent of menstruating women. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is distinguished from PMS by the severity of its symptoms and its impact on relationships and daily activities. Symptoms of PMDD generally occur in the last week of the menstrual cycle and typically improve within a few days after menstruation begins.

Treatment of PMDD is aimed at preventing or minimizing symptoms. Treatments include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) - NSAIDs taken before or at the onset of your period can ease cramping and breast discomfort.

Antidepressants - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce symptoms such as fatigue, food cravings and sleep problems.

Oral contraceptives - Oral contraceptives stop ovulation and stabilize hormone fluctuations, which can help to reduce mood swings.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes - Regular exercise often helps to reduce premenstrual symptoms. Decreasing caffeine intake can alleviate anxiety and irritability. Also, your doctor or nutritionist can make additional recommendations on the types of foods and vitamins that may be helpful for you.

Please follow up with your doctor to see what the best course of action is for you and your condition.

Posted: 2009-09-02 11:07:08

Answer/Reply:

Please, find someone to speak to! You are not alone. There is a world full of people who care. I know this was posted a while ago so I hope you got in touch with your doctor. I do not know you but I do care. I've been in that dark place and you will get out of it. But it takes time. If you are given meds like Zoloft, be sure and take them. They have saved my life. There is no shame in taking antidepressants. And when you start feeling better DO NOT STOP THEM!! Best of luck, take care.

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-09-15 08:06:24

Answer/Reply:

nd I get so depresed when I try to quit taking it..

female Age 78

78 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-18 19:19:17

Answer/Reply:

I take the generic Zoloft (100 mg.) daily and have found it to be extremely helpful in controlling my anxiety and I do not need to take anything else with it. However, if you are having nightmares it may be that Zoloft is not right for you. You might want to see if the doctor thinks Lexapro or Paxil would work better for you. I have a couple of friends that are not able to take Zoloft because of the side effects.

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-17 11:02:57

Answer/Reply:

I am also very drug sensitive and must always start with sub-theraputic doses of all medications. After trying many different antidepressants, I finally found relief with Zoloft. I believe I started out using 25 mg. per day, then gradually increased the dosage. I now take 200 mg per day. You might want to try taking it at bedtime so that the side effects aren't as bothersome.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 17:38:29

Answer/Reply:

Wow! You sound like me. I have been taking zoloft since 1998. More than anything I was cyclical panic attacks, although the psychiatrist explained that that is still considered a form of depression. I had 2 teenage boys and a wonderful husband, great marriage, working part-time in public education. And I still couldn't seem to get a grip. I started out w/50 mg and am now taking 100 mg. It does get better. About a year after I started taking it the psychiatrist started weaning me off of it gradually. That was a mistake! Immediately my thoughts became splintered, I couldn't remember what I was talking about mid-sentence and I was easily confused. I got right back on the wagon and have stayed there since. Initial side effects for me were drowsiness and gas. I was finally getting the sleep I needed. I also have a prescription for xanax and only take that when I absolutely positively cannot sleep or have experienced an especially traumatizing situation. It calms me and clears my head. It does get better. Stay positive. I'm 49 and doing great!

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 17:54:59

Answer/Reply:

Thank you so much for your encouragement! I am on week two and ready to go up another dose. All my side effects have gone except loss of appetite and nausea. I am still shaky, but was before I started zoloft. I am less anxious and more restful. I still wake up a few times at night and have trouble going back to sleep, but of course, this was going on before I started the Zoloft. I do use my xanxax for that if I can't go back to sleep within 15 minutes or so. I am sleepy during the day, but that is due to not getting a full nights sleep at night. I am definitely trying to stick it out. I also wanted to add my blood pressure has decreased to a normal rate. I was told it was adernaline induced bp and not prehypertension.

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 18:46:40

Answer/Reply:

I was put on 100mg of Sertraline (Zoloft generic) 2 years ago after the doctor determined I was having anxiety attacks. My doctor felt it was genetically past down. My first episodes started around early teen years but were small & few. The episodes continued mildly off & on until 2 years ago. Our youngest (son), age 21-22 at that time, was having problems making good decisions and costing us lots of money. Unforunately, I didn't know any health history about my biological father and my mother was deceased. I was a only child. The doctor gave me several tests to make sure my heart, etc. were ok. The doctor started me on the generic form of Celexa first, but I had a reaction to it. I was then given 100mg Sertraline (generic Zoloft). I haven't had any attacks since. I was told I would probably take Sertraline the rest of my life. All I can say is I feel better and my family does too.

62 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-30 13:04:09

Answer/Reply:

After about 2 wks you should see the side effects ebbing. After a month, it should be much better. However, each person is different. I've been on several different SSRIs at different times. With Zoloft, it took longer to work for me - I'd say maybe about 2 months.

You're about the age where pre-menopause symptoms start coming into play but you mention being on your correct amt of hormones. I'm not a dr at all, so I can't really hazard a guess. Give the Zoloft some time to work. I hope things even out for you soon! :hugs:

37 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 22:35:17

Answer/Reply:

I upped the dose yesterday morning. I was told I wouldn't have any more side effects since the seretonin was already in my system. I was ok until the evening, when I got extremely nervous. I had night sweats again, with my mind running and weird dreams. I woke up exhausted. Does anyone have this effect when going up to another dose? I am only going up a few ml at a time? In a way I feel by the time the side effects go away I will have forgotten about the anxiety and depression, because just getting over these side effects completely changes takes your mind of the intital problem. Thanks again for the encouragement.

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 09:55:18

Answer/Reply:

Dear 35 Year Old Woman,

First off i would GET OFF the Xanax and go to Clonazepam(Generic for Klonopin)It is NOT as addictive and does'nt increase your anxieties etc..It may not make sense now but trust me i know.I was taking a low dose of Xanax years ago and before i knew it i was up to 5-6 mgs a day..It caused me to be addicted to it! The Klonopin(Clonazepam) is very suttle! Taking the Zoloft for many is not a good fit either.If you start out slow on a low dose of the Zoloft and within the first 3-4 weeks your still feeling uneasy on it then i say you try a different anti depressant! It's trial and error.I know that to cause i have been on countlesss anti-depressants myself and Zoloft at that time was not a good fit for me at all.Never ever stop any medications your on without your Doctor knowing about it and why you want to stop it! Good Luck..I will check back here in the near future to hear what has transpired with you.Keep your chin up.Your NOT alone!

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-22 20:49:37

Answer/Reply:

For one thing, you have to quit thinking you are superwoman and start to take life easy. Do you even have one hour to yourself every day? That hour is where you soak in a tub, read a book or do something just for you. You need to learn to relax...and the best way I found to do that is to sit with my eyes closed and start talking(in your head) to your toes, telling them to relax...once they relax, move to the feet and so on.

The shakiness will go away over time as your body adjusts to the Zoloft. The anxiety will lessen as you teach yourself to relax and quit thinking you are superwoman(unfortunately, most women are that way today..home, family, job, etc. and no time for themselves. I know, I have been there only I was a single parent.)

Good luck and I hope these suggestions help you.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-24 17:16:47

Answer/Reply:

It has now been over 3 weeks since I started taking the zoloft on 8.7.09. I was suppose to go up to my final dose last Friday, but as of last Thursday, the side effects were still going strong. I called the doctor and he told me to hang in there that I was ultra sensitive to the drug and it would pass. He said I would wake up one morning and feel alot better. I said ok and really wanted to quit. Friday morning I woke up and I was actually hungry. The nauesa and the lack of appetite disappeared finally! I have eaten everything in sight this weekend. I was so excited just to eat. I was 128 before I started this medication and in 3 weeks was down to 118. The shakiness has subsided a great deal, it comes and goes, but not as bad. The anxiety is a good bit better also. I am not having the around noon anxiousness the medicine was causing. I am going to stay on it another week or so before going up to the dose the doctor wants me on. I a greatful for a doctor that understands and tells me exactly what is going on when I call. I will only be up to .5ml, but my doctor told me that my dose of medicine was comparable to a normal dose of 50mg for a patient without medicine sensitivity. My depression has sudsided also. I don't have anymore days where I am so anxious I am on the verge of crying. I think zoloft is going to work for me. The only problem that is left is the insomnia. I am hoping it passes soon. Thanks for all the postings and encouragement. You are great! I will update with any issues that would help someone in my position.

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-31 21:03:11

Answer/Reply:

I was on prozac once, I had mood swings and Idid what I had to maintain logical thinking. I was working at the university then. I had a desk sitting in front just before you get you get to the boss. When the boss wasn't in I would point my finger at ( anyone that had made me mad) like I was shooting them. But I was switched to another drug, which I had to start al over again. LUV barb

66 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-28 17:33:33

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Making the decision to reduce or discontinue your Zoloft should be done with the direct guidance of your physician. Zoloft must be tapered slowly reducing the dose over a period of days to weeks and while in close communication with your doctor. You should never abruptly discontinue your Zoloft. In general, the side effects can be minimized with a solid taper plan. You should also have an open discussion with your doctor about the condition you were treating with the Zoloft so you do not have a recurrence of that condition.

Posted: 2009-07-28 22:15:23

Answer/Reply:

Depression causes a break in the neurotransmitters in our brain. Much like cutting a phone cord in two. When the phone cord is cut, the connection to speak to the other person cannot be possible. Zoloft, as well as other antidpressants, rebuild these broken neurotransmitters in our brain, allowing us to be less depressed, think more clearly, etc. If you are on Zoloft and doing well, that doesn't mean you are "healed". Zoloft is a maintenance medication. Once you quit taking it, more than likely you will be right back where you started before you began taking it. What the Zoloft has rebuilt in the neurotransmitters in your brain, will begin to once again create breaks. Really discuss this with your physician before stopping this medication, and under no circumstances, quit taking it all at once. You must be weaned off of it, slowly or you can become very very ill.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-31 14:07:38

Answer/Reply:

you definately want to wean yourself off and not just stop taking it I did that once and my bp would jump occasionally my lips would get tingly and numb and i just felt like crap

26 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-19 19:48:33

Answer/Reply:

I am a 40 year female who was recently diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, in addtional to GAD, and PTSD. I have had PTSD for years (11 to be exact) and have been on Zoloft the entire time. I kept having to have my dosage amount increased over the years due to lack of effectiveness over time. To make a long story short, I finally found the right doctor that realized that I had bi-polar disorder ( due to a misdiagnosed traumatic brain injury, that caused the PTSD in the first place.) For someone like me, that is bi polar, taking Zoloft alone, without a mood stabilzer, such as Abilify or one of the other stabilizers, contributed to my angry outbursts, RAPID mood swings, restlessness and control issues. Please discuss the signs and symptoms of bi polar disorder with your doctor. It is treatable and once you find the right medicine combination, it can give you a new outlook on life. I am living proof of that. Good Luck and God Bless! :)

40 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-18 00:32:03

Answer/Reply:

In 1992 I was admitted to the psychiatric hospital with severe suicidal depression. I was given 50 mg. Zoloft at that time. The next day I felt fine. When I asked a nurse about it, I was told that he had observed that the patients for whom Zoloft is will help, results are apparently fairly quickly. It has since been my experience that when I try to go off of it, the suicidal ideation returns returns in about 3 days; when I go back on, improvement is noted within 24 hours. For me, Zoloft is a life-sustaining medication.

In general, antidepressants take at least a month to fully get into the body's system enough to be effective. I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about your experiences and concerns. (I write them down beforehand so I don't forget anything & then let the doctor/nurse/secretary make a copy for your file. That way the doctor won't overlook something) It's possible that another medication might be a better fit for you.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-10 16:37:53

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Zoloft can take up to 6 weeks to improve your symptoms. People around you will be able to notice a difference in your mood before you do. If you don't respond to Zoloft, you may also wish to try a different antidepressant. Some people have different responses in improvements in mood and in side effects to the available antidepressants. Talk to your counselor and prescribing physician about your dose and your concerns.

Posted: 2009-07-13 11:33:15

Answer/Reply:

I'BEEN ON ZOLOFT NOW FOR 17 YEARS & I 'VE BEEN RAISED UP TO 100MG's PER DAY & I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ,YOU MAY HAVE TO HAVE YOURs Upped LIKE I DID . I KNOW its WORKED FOR ME & I'm 62 YEARS OLD & HAVE HAD 7 BYPASS HEART SURGERY ALMOST 3 YEARS AGO. I HOPE THi ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION . & MAY GOD BLESS & WATCH OVER YOU.

63 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-17 15:56:31

Answer/Reply:

My experiences may help many of you looking for more answers. I, too, have battled depression and anxiety for the last 37 years of my life. I am now 50. I have tried many different meds only to still have continuing problems. I have tried to commit (very serious attempts) suicide more times than I can count. Currently, I am taking 50 mgs of Zoloft and 300 mgs of Effexor daily. After doing further research, I discovered what I hope is the correct diagnosis. It's called Borderline Personality Disorder and it is not really treatable with medication. The only known treatment currently is a specific therapy called DBT. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. I will be starting the therapy soon and will report back on its effectiveness. I have serious PTSD and severe anxiety and under stress literally have flashbacks that are not remembering trauma, but literally reliving it, as if I am right there in the situation with every minute detail reoccurring. It is terrifying. Many of you may want to look into BPD, as there are specific symptoms that describe this disorder.

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-30 07:09:30

Answer/Reply:

Hey i am having a bit of trouble im a 16 year old male im on 50mg of zoloft and it has no effect i still hurt myself once a week i still feel like its better off on the other side so im having trouble i need a opinion if you reckon it is the zoloft or do i need a stronger dose

and another question sorry is it safe for a teenager to take 50mg+

16 male

thank you PLEASE REPLY

16 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-03 09:17:26

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Zoloft is FDA approved for use in people as young as six years old. The starting dose for patients age 13 to 17 years is 50 mg once daily. Higher doses have been used in young people, but these doses are determined by age, weight, and body type.

Zoloft takes a while to start working - sometimes up to 4 to 6 weeks. Before Zoloft starts working to make you feel better, you may feel an increase in your energy level that might make you feel motivated to act on negative thinking. There is some concern that young people taking Zoloft or other antidepressants have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors during the first few months of taking these medications. It's often hard to tell if it is the medication or the condition that is causing these problems. With continued use of Zoloft, many people will see an improvement in their condition.

Treating conditions like yours is challenging and often takes working closely with your family and your doctor to let them know how you are feeling. Since you are still having trouble with how you are feeling, please make an appointment or have your parents or caretaker make an appointment for you with your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the severity of your feelings.

Posted: 2009-07-04 00:09:05

Answer/Reply:

Please talk to your doctor. I, personally, am on 200mg of zoloft a day and there are times that I still feel sad and down, but not as bad as I used to be. Maybe the doc can switch you to something else or increase your dose. I have used many different antidepressants and another one that worked quite well was effexor xr.

33 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-09 20:25:58

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

No one within the iGuard database has reported taking sertraline for migraines. As you have noticed in your research, there are only individual reports about using sertraline for migraines in the medical literature. For setraline's FDA approved conditions, sertraline tends to take up to four to six weeks to take full effect in helping decrease symptoms.

Besides depression, iGuard members take sertraline for mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Although iGuard has not collected information from patients using the sertraline for migraine, you can use the iGuard common side effect report to get a general idea of the commonly reported side effects: sexual problems, weight gain, and drowsiness/fatigue. Before taking the medication, make another appointment with your doctor to discuss your specific concerns and to further evaluate yours risks and benefits with taking sertraline for migraine.

Posted: 2009-07-04 00:02:16

Answer/Reply:

Although an SSRI was very effective in treating my depression, it did absolutely nothing to prevent, reduce or alleviate the frequent migraines I get. If your prescribing physician was not a neurologist, I highly recommend consulting with a neurologist for migraine treatment/prevention.

52 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-10 16:51:16

Answer/Reply:

Thank you for those responses! I did end up trying it, but found that it increased my headaches after 3 weeks and I finally got referred to a neurologist - who said he would have never put me on Sertraline (said in most people it increases headaches!) or the Depakote (which he called an evil drug that just makes you fat and bald). Wish I'd asked for him earlier. :)

He's given me some other things to try and we're going to see how that goes... but I wanted to follow up in case anyone else was seeking info -- if your regular doctor goes for Sertraline/Zoloft for migraines - ask to see a neurologist first.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-22 17:05:04

Answer/Reply:

I too take Zoloft 75 mg daily and it helps my anxiety and depression. I still suffer with migraines, at the same intensities, as I did before taking it. At one time I was on 150 mg daily of Zoloft and it made no difference. In my experience, Zoloft does nothing in alleviating migraine or the other way around causing them or making them worse. I have seen a neurologist and they are the ones knowledgeable about treatment options...I wasn't offered and SSRI as an option for treatment.

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-24 08:27:00

Answer/Reply:

I also have lots of migraines, and I am not taking Zoloft for migraines, but I did want to stress an important thing my pharmacist told me when I filled my prescription, DO NOT SKIP A DOSE! She told me that it could trigger a migraine and my response was, GREAT! as if I needed something more in my life that could trigger a migraine.

Now, I have used other medications off label for migraine therapy and they have helped, and they are somewhat similar to this medication, so I think there could be some hope, good luck and I hope it does work for you. I currently take Topamax for my migraines, which has decreased my migraines from several a week to a few a month.

29 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-15 23:01:30

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Zoloft is a medication that takes time to stabilize in your system. You should discuss your symptoms with your doctor so they can evaulate the next step for controlling your depression.

Posted: 2009-06-23 22:51:35

Answer/Reply:

Hi.....ironically enough, I was here looking for symptoms of that exact drug combination.Our 7 yr. old is on both, and while the Focalin seems to be a near miracle drug for his ADHD, the zoloft[sertraline], seems to have made him become MORE OCD, and act out impulsivly and destructive.....he is getting into things like a toddler would. My make up, which he wrote all over his closet doos with. Packets of sugar, eating them and pouring them on the carpet. Food coloring and butter, and icings for cakes.....taking a dead fish out of it's bowl and putting it into a bowl and carrying it through the house. I could go on, and on. These are all new behaviors that have gone on for 2 wks. Doctors appt is next wk. She had mentioned the poosibility of OCD getting worse w/ this drug combo.....clearly it has......he was only taking Zoloft for OCD. I would rather live w/ the mild original OCD than this.... in other words, be aware!!!! The combo is not working for this child!!!!

7 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-12 09:27:48

Answer/Reply:

Not sure on Zoloft and pregnency, but I was taking Xanax when I got pregnant with both my children, due to severe GI problems and Chrons Disease I had to maintain a small Xanax dosage while I carried both children. Thank the good Lord above, and knock on wood both children were great babies and have been very healthy. I think Xanax is older than Zoloft and I think only minimal amounts pass through the placenta to the baby. GOOD LUCK

42 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-14 16:04:24

Answer/Reply:

I'm not a woman but I'd probably stop taking it considering it's uses... It will obviously have some effect on an unborn child. You surely wouldn't want to risk it, would you? I'm not a doctor but many of them don't know all of the side effects of medication; And if they did know, they feel that the benefits outweigh the repurcussions; Again, in your case, don't... OK?
wyattking1@hotmail.com... Just an average guy with a professional opinion based on common logic.

52 year old Male

Posted: 2009-06-20 11:59:38

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Zoloft is classified as a Pregnancy Category C, which means that it has been shown to cause adverse effects in fetal animal studies. There are no well controlled studies of Zoloft use during pregnancy in humans - so we don't have good information about how Zoloft may affect outcomes of human pregnancies.

With that said, not treating your depression during pregnancy could put your health and your baby's health at risk. Each patient's case should be considered individually to weigh the benefits versus the risks of continuing Zoloft and other medications during pregnancy. You should contact your doctor to discuss taking Zoloft and the benefits verse risks for you for an upcoming pregnancy. Together you can select the best treatment approach to manage your depression and reduce your worries about how to treat your depression if you become pregnant. Please remember that any changes in your dosing or discontinuation of the Zoloft needs to be carefully planned under the guidance of your doctor.

Posted: 2009-06-25 13:17:44

Answer/Reply:

I was not on zoloft during my pregnancy, I had just come off of paxil and my OB/GYN started me on wellbutrin. She said it's one of the safer antidepressants to take while pregnant. I would think that if you are only on 50mg, you could easily take wellbutrin instead. My daughter is 25 months old and very happy and healthy.

33 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-09 20:29:52

Answer/Reply:

My only but very important advice for you is to notify your physician immediately. I would not be driving until I had talked with my physician. This could be a number of things but only your physician can be the best judge of that. It could be a reaction or possibly not related at all to Zoloft. I am interested in knowing how long you were off wellbutrin before starting zoloft and are you on any narcotics ie. vicodin, codeine, or percocet? Please contact you Dr. right away if you haven't done so. Hope you fix this & have a great day.

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-28 05:10:41

Answer/Reply:

I quit taking Wellbutrin the same day I started Zoloft, about 3 weeks ago. I am not on any other meds (narcotic or other wise) and don't have any medical history. Thanks for your feedback. I have an appointment on the first on June and of course I'll be talking with my Dr. about these problems.

PS I have 3 kids and wouldn't drive again until I know what's going on and I'm sure it's not going to happen again.

23 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-28 11:12:07

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Most of Wellbutrin (about 80%) is eliminated from the average patient within 96 hours or 4 days of the last dose taken. No iGuard members have reported experiencing "blackouts." Some patients see the side effects of Zoloft lessen as they continue to take Zoloft - but this make take up to six weeks. With that said, given the severity of your symptoms, you need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss these episodes as soon as possible. These symptoms are serious and you should talk to your doctor about them immediately.

Posted: 2009-06-03 19:53:19

Answer/Reply:

I do NOT trust natural remedies. You don't know me, but trust me on this: because of herbal/natural remedies, I am on antidepressants for the REST OF MY LIFE!!! The herbs that I used to take, screwed up my seratonin levels so badly that I would have extreme pressure in my head that I wanted to die! Because of the pressure and headaches, my mood was awful, I had a hellish temper, I cried at the drop of a pin, I wanted to fight anyone that disagreed with me. I WAS normal and happy BEFORE natural remedies. Now I have to rely on prescriptions to fix what the herbs/natural products messed up.

33 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-09 20:33:35

Answer/Reply:

Also we have no medical benifits and i am trying figure out the medication prices here in Canada, Ontario.

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-03 20:32:54

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Sertraline for a year. The worst side effects I have had are the night sweats and sometimes insomnia. Within the first week, the medication took the 'edge' off my increased depression due to job loss and recent deaths in the family. It doesn't seem to be doing much of anything now - I'm back to where I was about 2 years ago, and I'm ready to get off of it. I don't want to go to an increased dosage because of other comments here and elsewhere.

If you have a K-Mart nearby, check them out. Their program for reduced price generics includes a 90 day supply of Sertraline for $15 (US). Walmart and Walgreens also have reduced priced generic programs, but I don't know what is on their lists. Chek other area stores, also, we have a regional grocery chain that I get most of my other prescriptions for $4 (30 days) or $10 (90 days); their reduced price for Sertrline is $100 for 90 days, but they price matched K-Mart so I get it for $15. It pays to ask around.

58 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-15 16:22:45

Answer/Reply:

it also depends on your insurance. A 30 day supply of Sertraline for me is one dollar and five cents at walgreens. ask questions, apply for prescription programs that are free or very reduced.
48 year old female

49 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 17:28:50

Answer/Reply:

Let me just say this to each and everyone of you posting. Now is the time for America to pool together and become very proactive and write to congress about the change for Universal Health Care Reform so that everyone may be covered in this country whether they are working or not. I am one of the 256 ambassadors to the Arthritis Foundation and I have written my senators and congressmen in my area to push for the new Legislation "The Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2009 (H.R. 1210/S. 984). All of you should become your own advocate and start emailing your local politicians for Health Care Reform and I mean now.

If you want to see change become a reality in this country and to help our children so that they won't have to be without the proper medical care, then now is the time to pool together.

https://www.myhealthreform.org/?gclid=CKuyhbH_1ZoCFQa-sgod4Wvn2Q

Everyone can copy the link above it will take you to myhealthreform.org and you can sign up and voice your point of view. You don't have to donate any money and if any of the links ask you to donate money just ignore it.

This site will also let you send a letter to Congress to let them know what you think about health reform. I hope this helps.

I do hope that each and everyone of you will write to make a CHANGE!!!

69 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 18:27:50

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A side effect for kids can be suicidal thoughts. If I were you I'd complain and have her put on another medication than zoloft.

31 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-15 15:20:35

Answer/Reply:

Hi, I hope your daughter is doing alright. I think just about all antidepressants have a side effect of suicidal thoughts. My thought of that is that if you are already feeling suicidal, when you first start taking medicine to make you feel better, you have a feeling that you are lost, like you couldn't kill yourself, and now you have to take medicine to have a life. I don't know if that makes sense or not, but once any antidepressants get in her system, she should start feeling better. I have suffered with depression for many, many years. I didn't realize I was depressed when I was a teen, but I thought of suicide many times. As for her head pain and short blackouts, I had that too. The pain was on the top of my head, near the front. It just felt like extreme pressure. My blackouts came mostly when I was mad about something, I apparently, would go off on people and I wouldn't even remember any of it. It was my seratonin level. Zoloft has helped me, but I really like paxil. Best of luck to you and your family!

33 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-09 20:40:38

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I just started taking zoloft last night. I couldn't sleep at all. I woke up shaking, heart racing, headache and i feel very sick. Has this happened to anyone else?

21 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-26 12:03:42

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I have been on it for a week and a half - exact same thing is happening to me. Never had insomnia before. Can't eat coz I feel so nauseated. Went to the Dr. for my headache - said to take ibuprofin. It was a bad one - lasted almost the whole week. Chest pains and shortness of breath. I just switched from Prozac, which I had been on for 2 1/2 years, and didn't seem to be working anymore. They tell me to give it time for my body to adjust to it. I take 100mg. Also .5 mg. clonopin for anxiety. Used to be on Buspar.

18 year old Female

Posted: 2009-04-26 20:17:13

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my daughter started yesterday as well she can't sleep even on the sleeping pills, head pain and restlessness

34 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-03 20:34:56

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IHAVE BEEN ON ZOLOFT FOR YEARS --PROBABLY CLOSE TO 10---AFTER IT BUILDS UP IN YOUR SYSTEM -2 TO 4 WEEKS MANY OF THOSE SYSMPTEMS GO AWAY --ALSO MANY TIMES STARTING OUT WITH A SMALLER DOSE AND WORKING UP SLOWLY HELPS--I STARTED ON A QUARTER OF A PILL---I HAVE HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS--AND I SUFFER FROM PTSD -DEPRESSION AND SEVERE ANXIETY ATTACKS--WOW IT WAS MY LIFE SAVER----

62 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-18 16:55:55

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YES!!!!!! I HAVE NITE MARES!! SWEATS AND MY APPITITE HAS INCREASED!!! OMG!! I AM ON 50MG PER/DAY...I SPLIT THEM IN HALF AND TAKE 25 IN AM AND 25 IN PM..THIS HAS HELPED BUT, IT TAKES ABOUT 2 WEEKS TO ADJUST... SOMETIMES I ONLY TAKE THE AM 25MG....MY DR. TOLD ME ONLY I KNOW HOW I FEEL...I AM MY OWN BEST DR. SHE TOLD ME TO ADJUST IT ACCORDING TO MY EFFECTS...GOOD LUCK

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-16 15:31:32

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My suggestion to you is to try to take all of the Zoloft in the morning. I could not be without the Zoloft. I take 100mgs every early morning as soon as I come back from walking my dogs. But I also take 250mgs of Lyrica, 50mgs in the morning and 200mgs at nite before bed. I could not be without these meds because for me they surely take the edge off of what I have been through the last 18 months. But now I am almost in 95% remission and I am almost pain free, nothing could be better than that for me.

What we need is to have all American's pool together and write letters to congress to pass health care reform so that not just people who have medical insurance but for the unfortunate that are unemployed, lost their homes, health care, these are the people who need the help at this present time. Good Luck

69 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-25 08:36:29

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I have sweats and nite mares!!...It takes about 2 weeks to adjust. I take 50mg. but i break them in half and take 25 in am and 25 pm...this helps...thqt way you don't feel like a zombie or get sick to your stomach...it helps with nite mares too........

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-16 15:39:08

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TAKE IT IN THE AM I HAVE BEEN ON ZOLOF FOR YEARS AND I TAKE IT IN THE AM


FEMALE
47

47 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-16 16:11:00

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been taking anti depressents for past2 yrs. went off them after 5 yrs, for a period of abouta yr. suffering from severe memory impairment. does this happen for anyone else? first time, dr had upped me to 100 mg per day as he says i suffer from clinical depression. after the break for a yr, i resumed taking it as it did make me feel better and not so hopeless. i have been taking 25 mg per day as i am scared about the memory loss returning. at first it didn't, but lately seems to be happening again. have also been on prozac, wellbutrin which didn't really work as well as zoloft. any comments from dr.s would be appreciated. thanks.

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 17:07:08

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I have been taking 200 mg. of Zoloft for 17 years. I have never experienced the effects that you are saying. BUT when I started it I started at 25 mg. and gradually increased the dose over a month to 6 weeks. I don't know if doctors now are not giving those instructions but I would highly recommend doing that instead of starting at such a high dose. The medication comes in 50 mg and 100 mg and you just cut them in half to start. You may want to do a little research if your doctor doesn't know how to do that. I hope it works. I have been very happy with the medication. If you decide to stop the med you should wean yourself off as well. I had been on Prozac before and found that medication not to be a good one for me. I was like a zombie. Try the slow approach to Zoloft and maybe you will not experience those side effects.
I hope this helps you.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-16 18:37:30

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I can't sleep if I take Zoloft late in the day. I do not take it after 11am...try taking it in the morning...if symptoms persist I would contact your Doctor. I have been taking Zoloft for 1 1/2 years now. Good Luck!

35 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-18 03:25:21

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You should always take your Zoloft in the AM. It will interfer with your sleep if you take it any time after 3pm. I take quite a high dose of it and I take it when I first wake up and that way it does not bother my sleep. Good Luck..it has really helped me.

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 14:07:11

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Take it in the morning.

63 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-21 19:13:34

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I take mine in the morning when I get up

50 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-23 18:13:09

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ive had good results with zoloft, i feel good and have lost 43 lbs walk and exercise daily

46 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-24 01:32:28

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WoW you are lucky I have been on zoloft for over 5 yrs ,started out with50 mil. and my doctor raised it to 100 mil..and i have gained 60 pounds..i also take estrogen..zoloft has helped my anziety but the weight gain is terrible

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-21 18:41:52

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HI Im 64 I started taking zoloft 10 years ago from the first one I felt like a changed person, if I had your reaction I'd call my Doctor

65 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 16:06:51

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That is odd that everyone says to take it in the morning, my psychiatrist told me to take it at night. It even has a label on the bottle that says it may cause drowsiness. I sleep perfectly fine at night. I normally take my zoloft within an hour before bed.

33 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-09 20:49:03

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If I take this med after noon, I have sleep problems. I don't take it that day if I forget to take it before noon, and I sleep fine.

49 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-15 16:56:04

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I am 54 years old female. I have suffered from depresiion for about twenty years. I have been taking Zoloft for the last six months. It has improved the quality of my life. I no longer suffer from radical mood sings. I don't constantly snap at my family any longer. The only side effect I've had is a small loss of appeite. Which is a good thing for me. Because before I started taking Zoloft I would over eat when I was depressed. I need to lose fifty pounds. Since I've been taking it I have lost twenty pounds.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-15 15:22:21

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Dear 21 year old female:

Please try to remember that we all experience the effects of drugs differently. If your doctor prescribed Zoloft, try taking it. I've been on Zoloft for several years. I've taken Prozac and Celexa and Zoloft by far has been the best for me. I too used to suffer from social anxiety. But Zoloft is considered to be one of the best treatments for that. I actually take it in its generic form and it works just fine. Hang in there.

55 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-20 15:02:19

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If you read reviews about other anti depressants they all have,generaly the same side effects. Zoloft is no different then the others. You should read some positive reviews about zoloft and see how much it has helped people out.

25 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-21 05:56:25

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I have been taking Zoloft for 2 years now. I take 200mg per day in the AM. It has been a life saver for me. In the beginning I was taking Klonopin with it. Klonopin is a sneaky drug. It stores in your body and you can easily get too much of it not meaning to. I wrecked my car as a result of the Klonopin, not realizing that it stores up in your body. I thought there was something wrong with my vision..seeing 4 lines instead of 2, split vision..but since no Klonopin..no problem. I would be more careful of the Klonopin than the Zoloft. Good Luck

46 year old female

46 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-21 14:32:41

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I was given so many antidepressents to try and found zoloft to be the best. Little if any side effects. I also take valium with it have been doing so for about 10 years now. Would not be able to do without them.

55 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-21 20:37:14

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I have been on Zoloft for 5 years. In the beginning I did have problems sleeping. Once the drug got into my system it began to work as it should and I've been a more pleasing person for it. No more arguements with family members and now my friends stop by to talk all the time. Give the Zoloft at least a week to enter your system and hopefully you will have the same expierence that I have had.

53 year old Male

Posted: 2009-05-22 08:32:48

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I have been diagnosed with depression/anxiety since I was in my 20's...Here I am MANY years later still feeling the same symptoms...I started out with Prozac which changed my life for the better for many years...I guess it stopped working after 15 years so they tried all the new antidepressants out there and decided Zoloft would be right for me...I had problems sleeping as well, so I was put on xanax for anxiety...I only take it at bedtime...Now I am hooked...

My only advice for you...Go to your local Whole Foods market and ask for help on finding a natural remedy before starting Zoloft or any other medications. I have been in the gym for 25 years and eat healthy and I'm in great shape...My only regret at this stage of my life, is NOT going natural...I am working on it now...DON'T go on any perscription meds until you try a natural remedy first. You don't know me, but TRUST me on this!!!!

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-22 10:41:09

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I have taken zoloft for extreme panic attacks. I cannot live without it now. I am on an even keel all of the time. I did have trouble sleeping at first, but that does pass. I have tried several different pills (prozac, paxil, etc.) and zoloft has helped the most. Try it, it will take about 2 weeks to stabalize in your body. If it doesn't work after a few weeks, go back to the doctor.
Good luck!

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-22 15:46:55

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I have had aweful social anxiety all my life. About six years ago I talked to my doctor about Zoloft. He prescribed 50 mg a day and I can almost say it saved my life! I'm a happier person and worry much less. I'm sure I will stay on the generic form of Zoloft for the rest of my life. It improved my life 100% and I have never experienced any side effects.

60 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-23 08:25:32

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I took zoloft before i got pregnant and the side effects were not that bad especially in comparison the other drugs i have tried i got a little nausea and had some trouble sleeping but all went away within a month. Now that my pregnancy is over i cannot wait to get back on my meds.

26 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 13:34:08

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I too have been takin Zoloft and contrary to your symptoms, I have had no side effects, no nightmares, but I do have night sweats on occasion, but put those down to menapause. As I am a female in my late 60's.

Zoloft has helped me tremendously and I have taken it for probably over two years.

I suppose your reactions could be caused by an alergy to the medicine? I know I have had really bad allergies to Morphine and Lisinopril so this may be an allergy or that your stomach can not tolerate it?

I also take Prilosec to protect my stomach from ulcers and I am on several drugs for heart related conditions so maybe thats the diference.

Hope your doctor can sort this out for you.

70 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 16:14:52

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I have been on Zoloft for over 5 years now. In the beginning when you start to take this drug you need to start small and then as time goes on you may ask your doctor if you can increase the dosage. I have been taking 100mgs for the past year now and I also take 50mgs of Lyrica in the morning with the Zolof and Nexium. In the evenings I only take 200mgs of Lyrica and 10mgs of Liptor.

Now the reason why I take Zoloft and Lyrica is to take the edge off of my pain that I have due to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, COPD, Gerds and Sjogrens Syndrome, but otherwise I would not be on such high dosages. The Lyrica is for my peripheral neuropathy which is burning feet and ankles, so that blocks the pain.

Usually, in the beginning when you take Zolft it takes at least a minium of 3-4 weeks before it even gets into your body to start working, so what I have to say to you is you should give it a chance and you might just feel better soon. Good Luck and stay well.

69 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-24 18:09:06

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I've taken Zoloft for years and it has completely turned my life around. I don't think you mentioned the dosage, but that matters. Don't look for improvement until about 6 weeks go by. That seems like a long time, but it will pass. Good luck. I'm thinking of you!

80 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-25 17:39:21

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I am also taking Zoloft. There`s 1 thing u should know, u don`t feel any change 4 about 4or 5 weeks. When I 1st started them I didn`t feel any different! But, after awhile I started 2 feel better. Don`t be afraid, u can`t feel any worse then u do now. Think about it? It can only get better. the side affects are possible, not written in stone. Give it a try.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-05-26 04:49:26

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61 yr old male, I've been taking Zoloft for 9 years now. I started at 50mg and about 3 yrs ago they up it to 100mg. They started me on it when they diagnosed me inoperative Spinal Stenosis. They told me that slowly over a period of time it would paralyze me. I am now 80% paralyzed. I know they started me on it because, needless to say I was somewhat shaken by this. Associated with it I accute Nueropathy, lot's of pain, and on Morphine, Methadone, and Topamax. I do go through bouts of depression but I feel as if I owe my life to Zoloft. Like any medicine it effects different people different ways, so just be aware of your body and your mindset. If any symptons appear or you feel any great changes contact your Doctor. Best of luck with your decision but I've had no problem taking Zoloft. God bless.

57 year old Female

Posted: 2009-06-02 23:57:12