10 Days into zoloft

Matt S. · Post by **Matt S.** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 10:59 am

I had been seeing a psyciatritrist for my OCD for a few months. I was begining to get an understanding and handle my problem when my brother passed away suddenly. This seemed to send me into a tailspin. I decided to try zoloft to help with my anxiety and depression. For the last 10 days I have been taking zoloft. We started on a really small dose, and have been increasing the dosages every 4 days. I seem to feel ok one day, then worse the next. The doctor has prescribed Ativan to help with my nervousness, but these feelings that come on during the bad days are scary and horrible. I know everyone reacts different to medication, but has anyone had these things happen to them as well?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 11:30 am

Communicate everything with your psychiatrist. I have been on three different SSRI medications in the past. Zoloft was by far the best for me. It takes about two weeks to a month to take FULL affect. People DO react differently though. Just try to remember that meds CAN cause irrational thinking, and if you suspect this is happening to call your doctor. Hang in there! Also avoid alchohol entirely. About the only time I had a major problem with Zoloft was when I decided to drink a beer. Get plenty of exercise too when you can.

Emma Rose · Post by **Emma Rose** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 11:49 am

Thank you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:46 pm

Matt-

I was prescribed Zoloft and started taking it 3 weeks ago. Last weekend, after taking it for 2 weeks, I had the most obsessive scary thoughts I've ever had in my life. Not like me at all. I am actually in the medical profession and normally function quite well despite long-standing problems with depression and anxiety. There is a recognized reaction to SSRI's that includes agitation, severe anxiety and thoughts of suicide. Several drug trials even showed this response in previously healthy (non-depressed, non-anxious) people. Of course this only happens in a really small percentage of people. If you're in that small percentage, however, then thats all thats important to you. My MD immediately took me off the med and within about 24 hours I was feeling back to normal. Obviously, I have no idea what is going on with you, but be careful and call your MD - this is nothing to play with since you say the "bad days are scary and horrible."

Please be careful and call your MD.

calmseeker · Post by **calmseeker** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 11:46 pm

Matt,

My doctor precribed Zoloft in a small dose when my sons were both deployed to Iraq and I started having panic attacks. It didn't work for me and after only three days was experiencing more anxiety and suicidal thoughts so that I felt I shouldn't be alone. It was a hellish experience for me. Recently, I tried Lexapro which left me fuzzy headed and again more anxious. I lost four pounds in a week as I was unable to eat...felt hungry and nauseous. Went off Lexapro. Xanax works for me and I only take it when necessary. It leaves my mind clear so that I can use positive self talk to remind myself that things will get better.

Talk to your doctor as everyone's chemistry is different and what works for one person won't work for another.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:17 am

Matt,
I was also prescribed Zoloft. I took it for a total of 3 days and my anxiety worsened, couldnt sleep or eat at all. My doctor took me off it immediately. I take Xanax now for anxiety as needed (which I dont even really take). I have a fear of meds anyway.
Xanax is in and out of your system so quickly and is also not a psychotropic drug. ( I think thats what they are called

)

Talk to your doctor and see whats best for you.
Hope you have a wonderful, peaceful day
Barbara

awm1975 · Post by **awm1975** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:28 am

I am on Zoloft. This is my 2nd week 25mg So far so good....I do have anxiety about taking it but I thought this time I should give it a try....I spoke with my doctor and my pharmacist and they tell me Zoloft is one of the safest SSRI's and to try at least for a month. Side affects should pass after 2 weeks or so... I have suffered with GAD and panic for 30+ years and have had enough...I too take Xanax when needed ...sometimes the right medication is ok especially if it gives you a better quality of life.

Good Luck and God Bless!

Angie S · Post by **Angie S** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:00 am

I also started taking Zoloft just about 2 weeks ago. At first I had normal side affects like naseau (sp?) and stomach cramps but that only lasted a couple days. Other than that, I feel great. Before that I was on Celexa for about 5 years. I think it stopped working. My Dad is also on Zoloft and has never felt better. It all depends on the person. Hang in there. The right drug will come along.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 2:34 am

I have been taking zoloft for about 20 years and have never had any problems with it. except when I stoped takeing it for 6 months, I got back on it and nver stoped again. the thing I am worred about is long term effets to my health. My DR. checks my liver/blood once a year. so far I am good. the meds work for me but I never treated the cause of my problem until now with Lucinda Bassets coures. I am hopeing that I can get off meds one day. I am also on Trazadone and Clonipan. all three for 20 years.