Nervous about Zoloft - advice/success?
Find a Conversation
| 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!

Pages
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
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
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 :)
I didn't do well on Zoloft, but I only gave it a couple of days, it did make my anxiety worse.
Sheri Ann
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?
Pages