Just starting to take Zoloft ...

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2004
Just starting to take Zoloft ...
8
Wed, 12-07-2005 - 10:00pm
hello, i feel like i really need some advice and help. I am just starting to take zoloft (it's been about 7 days) and I actually feel worse. I feel VERY distracted and totally spacey. Is this normal? I have no appetite and I just feel like I'm having trouble adjusting here. I'm going to ask my doctor about this. Will this go away? am i poisoning my body? how long before this gets better?
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2004
Thu, 12-08-2005 - 12:00am

Hello, Limberlost-And Welcome to our caring community!
I have been on Zoloft for about 3 months, and have not had the side effects you have described. Please contact your doctor and let him/her know what you are experiencing.
Medications affect ppl differently, and if you are unable to tolerate the Zoloft, I am sure there is a good alternative. Don't give up! :0)
Just taking the step to take a medication to get better is a big one, and I think things will work out. Just be honest with your doctor about how the med is making you feel.
You shouldn't have to feel worse. Believe me, I went through the same thing with a different med, and on the Zoloft I feel much better! YAY!
But everyone if different.

Can I ask what dosage of Zoloft you are currently taking?

Please post soon, and let us know what your doctor says,K?
Look forward to hearing from you and getting to know you,too!
hugs, shasta

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 12-08-2005 - 12:21am

Shasta is right. You should not feel worse. There is always the possibility of side effects, like dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, etc. They usually pass quickly as your body gets adjusted to the meds. In my case, I am very afraid of new meds & I get totally anxious & sometimes can't tell what is a real side effect & what is just anxiety for me. But as time passes, I can calm myself & think reassuring thoughts that I am ok. Please contact your dr. or pharmacist.


Please don't be a stranger. Post when you can. We know that living with anxiety is possible. We want you to feel better. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2004
Thu, 12-08-2005 - 3:57am

Thank you so much, to both of you for such kind replies. I am really having a tough time adjusting to this medication. I have contacted my doctor & I am awaiting a reply to see what she has to say. I think maybe i will have to stick with more of a naturopathic approach - with st johns wort and inositol. These side-effects of zoloft just aren't worth it. Really, sincerely, thank you for the compassionate responses.

~LL

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Thu, 12-08-2005 - 9:16am

I'm also on Zoloft and have been for almost two months now. I had a heck of a time with the side effects in the beginning. So much so that I almost discontinued it. But, with the advice and support of my doctor, I stayed with it and took it VERY slow. 25mg for nearly a month even though I was supposed to go from 25mg to 50mg after the first week. The side-effects went away after about a few weeks. If you can hang in there, the side-effects should go away and you'll start to feel better within a month or so. It takes time and patience, but is so worth it.

Those side-effects you are experiencing can be normal for Zoloft. Some people have no problems and some people have worse side-effects. I was VERY nauseous and vomiting from that. I also was light-headed, spacey, no appitite to speak of, and it was hard. But I got through, thank God!!! It's up to you if you wish to deal with these side-effects or try something else. It's all trial and error and you might experience side-effects with something else too. Just be patient and it'll all work out. Let us know what the doctor says.




Edited 12/8/2005 9:21 am ET by bluemarlin_girl

Jennifer

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evi

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 12-08-2005 - 6:16pm

I switched to Zoloft in September. I noticed that my anxiety got a little worse for a couple of weeks and I felt a little spacey. It takes time for your body to adjust. Luckily I had my ativan to help if the anxiety get really bad. Definately see what you're dr. thinks. I went a little more slowly increasing my dosage and that seemed to help. I also take my zoloft at night, so that might help too. Do what is most comfortable for you.

HTH!! Chrystal

Lilypie6th to 18th Ticker
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Thu, 12-08-2005 - 7:37pm

I just wanted to add that when I started lexapro I felt worse before I felt better, it was that way at every increase.


I would call your Dr though and talk about it, I called quite a few times in the beginning and didn't feel bad about it, thats what they are there for.

Merry Christmas from Christian Family LifeImage hosted by Photobucket.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
Fri, 12-09-2005 - 11:21am

I started taking Zoloft about 5 yrs ago. Since then I have been switched to Effexor. I don't remember having those symptoms...I do remember about 3 weeks into taking it every day after that point was much better. I could see the difference in myself.

I would stick it out for 30 days unless you are very bothered by what symtoms it may be causing.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 12-09-2005 - 2:08pm
Welcome!