Nervous about Zoloft - advice/success?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2002
Nervous about Zoloft - advice/success?
12
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 2:32pm

Hey everyone:

So I am back on this board...much like other people have mentioned, I, too, am the kind of person who goes through waves of doing OK and then long periods of intense anxiety. I have a lot going on in my life right now: just broke up with my boyfriend, new job, transitions with a new boss at the job, etc. So I know my anxiety is rooted in a lot of change, etc. However, it's starting to get to me where I am anxious EVERY day and relying more and more on my Xanax. I spoke to my therapist and my doctor about it and my doctor suggested Zoloft. I tried Zoloft a few months ago, but after 3 days of some side effects (headaches, diarrhea, etc.) - I chickened out and stopped taking the pills. My doctor still thinks that Zoloft is the best choice for me based on the feelings that I describe so he asked me to give it another try at a lower dosage. I filled the prescription and am planning on starting tonight at half of a 25 mg pill. However, I am nervous about the side effects interfering with my daily activities, etc. I work a full-time job and teach on the side, so I can't be calling out sick, etc. My doc also suggested Lexapro, but he was leaning strongly more towards Zoloft for my case. I am tempted to call and say let me try that instead, but I don't want to give up on the Zoloft without giving it a proper chance. Can anyone give me any advice - or even better, some success stories with Zoloft? I have two friends who tried it for depression and were happy with it, but since my situation is more anxiety, I'd love some input from people who know.

Thanks so much!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2003
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 3:02pm
Hello and welcome. Sorry that you are having such a tough time right now. As for your zoloft, I have been on that in the past for many years and it takes a few weeks to get into your system. My therapist uses an antipressant and Xanax to treat anxiety/panic/depression. I would give it some time and see what happens. I wish you the best. Debbie

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2004
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 3:37pm


Hello,

I have been on Zoloft plus Klonopin as needed, for about 7 years now, for anxiety/panic/depression, I really can't speak for others but Zoloft is the best for me so far. But you got it take it on a daily basis.

I'm also going through a lot of changes similar to yours so I understand what your going through,

Tina

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 8:00pm

Zoloft is a good med for anxiety/panic. It's been around a long time & has helped many on this board. In your shoes, I would give it another shot. 3 days is hardly enough to give it a chance. Side effects, especially sleepiness that you are concerned about MAY effect you the first 7 to 10 days. But, if you'd start it on your days off you wouldn't have to worry about that too much. Usually, sleepiness is something we quickly get adjusted too.


My gf has taken it for several years for anxiety/depression. She feels it is very effective & never experienced any side effects. No weight gain or sexual effects. As always, meds affect each of us differently. Let us know what you decide. We'll keep you pumped up through those first scary days of trying something new. I am always gun-shy with new meds, but depend on friends & family who know of my anxiety to stick around the first few days. You CAN do this! GL & GBU! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-31-2004
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 9:15pm
I am sorry you are going through a difficult period, but am so glad you are seeking some help-))
        
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2006
Tue, 02-06-2007 - 5:15am

I was also on Zoloft 25 mg for Anxiety. The doc wanted me to take 50 mg but after a week of cutting the pill in half, I felt fine, so I just stayed on that lower dose. It really did help me manage the anxiety. I didn't notice any side effects except a little tiredness and diarrhea, so I took the pill before bed and it helped me sleep. Recently I just went off it (This is my 4th day pill free). I feel all my old feelings of stress and anxiety returning and I'm trying hard to manage it myself now. I think I can do it. The reason I came off it it was for two reasons mainly -

1) It's too expensive
2) It sapped my memory. Really the memory loss was a pain. I had to write things down normally in order to remember anything, and it just became more of a problem. I suggest investing in a planner you can put in your handbag and WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN! aagh. But anywho good luck :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 02-06-2007 - 6:10pm

I didn't do well on Zoloft, but I only gave it a couple of days, it did make my anxiety worse.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2007
Tue, 02-06-2007 - 6:39pm
I've been on Zoloft for six months. My Dr. initially prescribed Lexapro for my anxiety and panic attacks. However, after two weeks it hadn't worked so she prescribed Zoloft (50 mg). I also have been going through many major life transitions and haven't had any anxiety. I was tired and dizzy during the first week but have since had no side effects at all. I hope my experience is helpful to you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 02-06-2007 - 9:15pm
Welcome, Kerry! Nice to see you;) Thx for offering talula some reassurance. We appreciate your sharing. It's so helpful to all of us. Keep in touch! (((hugs))) jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2002
Thu, 02-08-2007 - 4:45pm

OK - I am going to try and begin my Zoloft tonight. I figure if any bad side effects, at least it's the weekend almost. Can anyone tell me how long until they felt better?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 02-08-2007 - 5:32pm
The literature states that it takes 4 to 6 weeks to reach optimal effect. However, you will feel some better in a shorter period of time. Good luck & keep us posted! (((hugs))) jan

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