Zoloft for nausea

What to expect in the first week of taking Zoloft

During your first week on Zoloft expect headache, nausea, fatigue, constipation, and more

Living with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression can make daily life stressful. An estimated 31% of all adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life, and statistics show that 264 million adults around the globe have anxiety. Luckily, there are many treatment options available for people who seek relief from anxiety or depression. Zoloft is a prescription medication used to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and when taken properly, it can make daily life more manageable. Let’s take a more in-depth look at how to take Zoloft, what side effects to look out for in the first week, and what else to expect when you first start this medication.

RELATED: What is Zoloft?

What is Zoloft prescribed for?

Zoloft is the brand name of a generic medication called sertraline, which belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs like Zoloft are antidepressants that work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Zoloft is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions:

Major depressive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Off-label uses for Zoloft include:

Anxiety
Binge eating disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder
Bulimia nervosa
Premature ejaculation
Hot flashes due to menopause

Starting Zoloft

Just like with any medication, knowing as much as possible about the drug you’ll be taking is essential to making sure you maximize its potential benefits. Knowing how to take Zoloft properly is important to make sure it works as effectively as possible. When taken correctly, Zoloft can make people feel less anxious or fearful, and it can reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks. It can improve sleep quality, appetite, energy levels, restore interest in daily life, and reduce unwanted thoughts and panic attacks.

Zoloft is available in tablet form in dosage strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. It’s also available as an oral solution, which must be diluted into four ounces of water, orange juice, lemonade, ginger ale, or lemon/lime soda before consumption.

The standard dose of Zoloft for anxiety is 25 mg or 50 mg per day. These are the starting doses of Zoloft for other disorders:

It’s important to talk with your doctor about what dosage is right for you because the exact amount of medication you’ll need will vary based on your specific condition, how severe your symptoms are, and whether or not you have any other health problems.

Zoloft is typically given once per day. The manufacturer of Zoloft does not specify that it should be taken in the morning or evening, just that it should be taken at the same time each day. There is some data from initial trials for Zoloft that suggests it can cause somnolence for some individuals. If you notice that it causes somnolence when you take it, it may be best to take it every day in the evening. Your healthcare professional may make a recommendation to change your dosage time to alleviate other side effects as well.

How long does it take for Zoloft to work?

Once you start taking Zoloft in the right amount as prescribed by your doctor, you can expect it to start working in about two to six weeks. Zoloft isn’t the type of medication that will start working on the first day, so you’ll need a little bit of patience while you wait for it to start relieving your symptoms.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some of the earliest signs that Zoloft is working are improvements in sleep, energy, or appetite. These improvements could happen as soon as one to two weeks into taking the medication. More significant changes like feeling less depressed or regaining interest in daily life may take six to eight weeks to show up.

Remember to be patient while assessing any positive impacts Zoloft may be having on your depression or anxiety. Most prescribers will require a follow up at 4, 6, or 8 weeks to assess how it is working for you. They may utilize a type of questionnaire to measure your symptoms more objectively and compare them to where you were before starting Zoloft. If you begin to get frustrated because you are not feeling the results you expected with Zoloft, make sure to speak to your healthcare provider first before discontinuing the medication. Zoloft should not be discontinued abruptly as it can cause worsened anxiety, agitation, confusion, headache, and insomnia. Your doctor may ask you to give the drug more time, or they may suggest transitioning to a different drug. This is a decision you should make with your doctor.

When you first start taking Zoloft, you may begin to notice a few side effects. One of the best ways to avoid side effects is to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe you a certain dose for a reason, and taking more Zoloft because you want it to work faster isn’t safe. Let’s take a look at some of the most common side effects of Zoloft you’ll want to be aware of when you start taking it.

Related: Zoloft for anxiety

Zoloft side effects to expect in the first week

During the first few days on Zoloft, you may experience some initial side effects even if you’re taking the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This happens because it takes time for the body to become used to the medication. Some of the most common side effects that people have during their first week of taking Zoloft include:

Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Constipation
Dry mouth
Sleepiness
Nervousness
Drowsiness
Trouble sleeping
Restlessness
Decreased sex drive
Weight gain
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Increased sweating

Up to two-thirds of patients discontinue antidepressant therapy in the first 90 days of treatment due to side effects. It is important to know what to expect as therapy begins and have an open dialogue with your prescriber about your concerns. Do not abruptly stop treatment without speaking to your prescriber.

For some of these side effects, men and women may experience them at a different rates or intensity. For example, a study evaluating SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction found that men suffer from sexual dysfunction related to this class of drugs more often than women, but when women do, it is more intense. Sexual dysfunction can be characterized by decreased libido, delayed orgasm, delayed or inability to ejaculate, and impotence.

Women also have to be concerned with the effects of Zoloft on their unborn child if they take this medication during pregnancy. Zoloft has been linked to cardiac defects as well as defects in the formation of the baby’s skull. Zoloft is not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, especially in the last trimester.

Can Zoloft make you feel worse at first?

Zoloft does not provide immediate relief of symptoms, and for some, it may leave you wondering if what you are feeling is actually worse than before you started the medication. Depending on what primary condition you are treating, you may have a different response and a different timeline for improvement than others. There is data to suggest that Zoloft begins helping with anxiety symptoms in the first few weeks after you start treatment. Relief from depressive symptoms may not come until closer to the 12-week mark. While depression and anxiety are often hand-in-hand, the delay in the improvement of depression may leave you feeling “worse” than you did initially.

Zoloft is known to increase suicidal thoughts in teens and young adults, and this is especially true when anxiety and depression are uncontrolled. It is important to monitor this group of patients closely as their risk for these thoughts is highest until their anxiety and depression are better controlled.

How long do Zoloft side effects last?

Taking Zoloft may make you feel uncomfortable or weird at first as your body starts to process the medication. After a week or two these side effects will go away for most people as their bodies get used to the medication. It’s possible to experience some of these side effects sporadically throughout the duration that you’re taking Zoloft, especially if your doctor increases your dose. If your doctor increases the dose, it will take a couple of weeks for your body to fully appreciate the new dose. From there, it can be several more weeks before you may see an improvement in symptoms. Most healthcare professionals will allow for 4-8 weeks between dose adjustments to make sure the full effect of the new dose is realized.

You may be wondering if you should discuss your drug therapy with those around you. Your family and friends have likely noticed the impact depression and anxiety can have on you, but the decision to share your treatment choice is absolutely up to you. Yes, some of the side effects of drug therapy may also be noticeable. Like untreated anxiety and depression, the effects of drug therapy can also impact your daily functioning. Speak to your healthcare professional about the best way to handle any potential impacts to your job or performance of daily activities. While your boss at work should not hold against you that you are seeking treatment for your disorder, you may not feel comfortable sharing this information. Your doctor will be able to walk you through your best options of treating your disorder while maintaining performance expectations along with your privacy.

Serious side effects of Zoloft

Although it’s rare, Zoloft can cause more serious side effects like:

Unusual weight loss
Low sodium levels
An increased risk of bleeding
Eye pain that indicates angle-closure glaucoma
Sexual dysfunction such as delayed ejaculation

Manic episodes for people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder
Allergic reactions
Seizures

Black box warning: Zoloft and suicidal thoughts

Zoloft also comes with a box warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Short-term studies have shown that antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to a placebo. If you’re taking Zoloft and start to have extreme mood changes and/or suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you should seek medical advice right away. You can also reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Precautions to take when starting Zoloft

You should not take Zoloft if you have a history of an allergic reaction to sertraline or one of its other ingredients. Zoloft therapy is also contraindicated in patients receiving treatment with a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid, selegiline, and phenelzine. If you are taking one of these drugs, you must notify your doctor.

Do not abruptly stop Zoloft or any SSRI without first consulting your prescriber. This can lead to sleep and sensory disturbances, anxiety, and agitation.

Suicidal thoughts and ideation may occur in adolescents, teens, and young adults who take Zoloft. This may be worse during the initial few months of therapy or after dose changes. Caregivers and loved ones should monitor this population closely during this time for unusual changes in behavior and irritability.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizure disorders (epilepsy) or cardiac disorders such as QT prolongation as Zoloft therapy could make these worse.

If you have liver disease, your dose may need to be adjusted by your prescriber.

You should take your first dose while you are home and do not need to drive. Zoloft has been known to cause somnolence in some patients, and you should avoid driving after taking Zoloft until you know how it affects you.

Zoloft has been linked to birth defects, especially when taken late in pregnancy. Zoloft should only be taken in pregnancy if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Drug interactions

Another thing to consider when taking Zoloft is that it shouldn’t be taken with certain medications. Giving a list of all the medications and over-the-counter supplements you’re taking to your doctor will help reduce your chances of experiencing more serious side effects from interactions with Zoloft. Here’s a list of medications that shouldn’t be taken at the same time as Zoloft:

Medications that increase serotonin
Triptans (migraine agents)
Tricyclic antidepressants
Blood thinners such as warfarin
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
St. John’s Wort
Lithium
Ultram (tramadol)
Nardil (phenelzine)
Parnate (tranylcypromine)
Marplan (isocarboxazid)
Azilect (rasagiline)
Emsam (selegiline)
Orap (pimozide)

Zoloft shouldn’t be taken at the same time as MAOIs because this could lead to serotonin syndrome, which causes hallucinations, seizures, comas, tremors, delirium, and other serious side effects. This list of drug interactions is not exhaustive, so it’s so important to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking or thinking about taking.

Foods to avoid while taking Zoloft

Like with many other drugs, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with Zoloft absorption. It can slow the metabolism of Zoloft, therefore increasing blood levels of available Zoloft. This is typically only a problem if intake of grapefruit products is inconsistent. If you are going to ingest grapefruit products, it is best to ingest a consistent amount daily.

RELATED: Can you drink coffee while taking Zoloft?

Missed dose of Zoloft

Nobody is perfect, and missing a dose of Zoloft is bound to happen at one point or another. Taking your medication consistently as prescribed by your doctor is important, but missing a dose isn’t the end of the world if you know what to do when it happens.

“Take your dose as soon as you remember,” says Brian Wind, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, and the chief clinical officer of JourneyPure. “If it is nearly time to take the next dose, don’t take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed. Simply take the next dose. You can experience side effects and an increased risk of relapse if you suddenly stop your medication.”

The side effects you might experience if you stop or miss a dose of your medication are mild withdrawal symptoms that happen because of something called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. According to American Family Physician, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome occurs in about 20% of patients who abruptly discontinue an antidepressant after taking one consistently for at least six weeks. Missing a dose of Zoloft may cause you to have flu-like symptoms, nausea, insomnia, imbalance, or hyperarousal.

The best thing you can do if you miss a dose, just as Dr. Wind says, is to take your next dose as soon as you remember. If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms because of your missed dose, they should go away once you start taking Zoloft consistently again. It may also be a good idea to contact your doctor if you miss a dose, just to check in and make sure you don’t need to do anything else.

Zoloft overdose

Overdosing on Zoloft is more serious than missing a dose. There are no reported cases of fatal Zoloft overdoses, but taking too much medication can cause serious side effects or health complications. Accidentally or purposefully taking two or more doses of Zoloft could cause:

Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Agitation
Confusion
Fever
Fainting
Hallucinations
Changes in blood pressure
Rapid heartbeat
Tremors
Seizures

In rare cases, taking too much Zoloft can also cause serotonin syndrome, which results in dangerously high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. When there’s too much serotonin in the brain this can cause confusion, diarrhea, and headaches. More severe symptoms may include seizures, hallucinations, muscle rigidity, and comas.

If you think you’ve overdosed on Zoloft and/or start to experience one or more of these symptoms you should seek medical attention right away or call the Poison Control hotline at 1-800-222-1222. The Poison Control hotline is free for anyone to use and offers callers expert and confidential advice.

When to see a doctor for Zoloft side effects

Zoloft can be a great medication to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression if it’s taken properly. Being prepared to experience potential side effects is an important part of taking any medication, and knowing what to expect can remove some of the anxiety that often comes from taking a new medication.

If you start taking Zoloft and have some mild side effects it’s important to remember that that’s normal. It’s also important to remember at what point you should see your doctor because of the side effects you’re having. As mentioned throughout this article, more serious side effects like confusion, hallucinations, allergic reactions, seizures, and vomiting require medical attention. If you start to experience worsening depression or anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, severe irritability or aggression, then you should seek immediate medical help.

Side effects of stopping Zoloft

If it is determined by your healthcare professional that discontinuing Zoloft is best for you, you should do so gradually with dose tapering. This will decrease the likelihood of unwanted side effects of abrupt discontinuation such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, irritability, and agitation. If you abruptly stop Zoloft, it will be completely eliminated in a little over 5 days, even if you have taken it for a long time. Do not discontinue Zoloft without the direct advice of your prescriber. Long-term treatment with Zoloft is safe, but your prescriber may choose to reevaluate your drug choice if your symptomology changes or your side effects are bothersome. Sleep disturbances and weight gain are some of the most common adverse events associated with long-term therapy.

Zoloft alternatives

Zoloft isn’t the only antidepressant that can treat anxiety and depression. Zoloft can be very effective, but if it doesn’t work for you or if it causes too many side effects, then an alternative antidepressant may be needed. Clinical trials have shown that depression symptoms will completely go away for about 1 out of every 3 people who take SSRIs, but more research still needs to be done on why SSRIs work for some people and not for others.

If you’re experiencing too many side effects from Zoloft, then you might consider talking with your healthcare provider about other options. Here are some of the most popular alternatives to Zoloft:

Celexa (citalopram): Celexa is an SSRI that’s FDA-approved to treat depression, and even though it’s mainly prescribed for depression, doctors can sometimes prescribe it to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Effexor XR (venlafaxine hcl er): Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that can treat depression, improve moods, and improve energy levels.
Lexapro (escitalopram): Lexapro is an SSRI used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
Paxil (paroxetine): Paxil is an SSRI used to treat depression and other psychological conditions.
Prozac (fluoxetine): Prozac is an SSRI used to treat major depressive disorder, OCD, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder.
Xanax (alprazolam): Xanax is a benzodiazepine that relieves anxiety in the short-term. Xanax is a controlled substance because of its potential for abuse/dependence.

RELATED: A beginner’s guide to antidepressant side effects

Bottom line: Is Zoloft safe?

Side effects, some potentially dangerous, are possible with Zoloft. However, for most people, Zoloft is a very safe and effective treatment for depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that while Zoloft may cause more adverse events than Lexapro or Prozac in the same class, it has fewer safety concerns than drugs in related classes.

The potential to experience side effects from medication shouldn’t keep you from getting the treatment you need for your anxiety or depression. Talking with your healthcare provider is the best way to come up with a treatment plan that will work best for you and cause the least amount of side effects for you on your journey to find relief from your symptoms.

Sertraline side effects and interactions, and how to avoid them

Sertraline, most commonly known by its brand name, Zoloft, is a popular prescription medication used to treat depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), meaning it works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. As with many antidepressants, people who take sertraline may experience some adverse effects. Continue reading to learn about sertraline side effects, warnings, and possible drug interactions.

RELATED: Sertraline details | Zoloft details

Common side effects of sertraline

With any medication, there is always a risk of experiencing potential adverse effects. To know when you’re experiencing side effects, it helps to understand how the drug should make you feel when it’s working correctly. In the case of sertraline, patients can expect to feel improvements in mood, appetite, sleep quality, energy level, and interest in daily life. In other words, an easing of symptoms like depression and anxiety.

“Sertraline, just as all other SSRIs, increases circulating serotonin levels in the human body, promoting a sense of well-being and allowing persons with depression and anxiety to cope better with their current situation or condition,” says to Raul Perez-Vazquez, MD, a primary care physician of Tenet Florida Physician Services and West Boca Medical Center.

These are the most common sertraline side effects:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Dry mouth
Heartburn or indigestion
Loss of appetite
Weight loss or weight gain
Dizziness
Excessive tiredness
Headache
Nervousness
Changes in sex drive
Erectile dysfunction, including delayed ejaculation
Excessive sweating

When do Zoloft side effects go away?

Many of the common side effects listed below can go away after a few weeks while the body adjusts.

“Sertraline itself takes about a month to start working, and many of the mild side effects diminish after your body has adjusted to the medication,” says David Nazarian, MD, a primary care physician at My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills.

It’s a good idea to track side effects that you experience and keep your healthcare professional updated so your physician can effectively monitor reactions and adjust medication as needed. Most importantly, tell a doctor if side effects are severe, worsening, or do not go away.

Serious side effects of sertraline

There are some less common, but severe side effects of sertraline. The following symptoms require immediate medical attention:

Abnormal bleeding or bruising
Agitation
Confusion
Fever, sweating, shivering
Hallucinations
Hives or rash
Loss of coordination
Muscle stiffness or twitching
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Rapid heartbeat
Seizures
Swelling
Suicidal thoughts
Trouble breathing
Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

Zoloft withdrawal

Although most of the side effects are reversible, you should not stop taking sertraline abruptly. Instead, speak with a healthcare provider before discontinuing this medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can devise a plan to slowly taper the medication. Withdrawal symptoms include:

Irritability/mood swings
Nausea
Dizziness
Vomiting
Insomnia
Nightmares
Headache
Paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin)

Collectively, these symptoms are called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which requires immediate medical assistance.

Sertraline warnings

Other FDA warnings include restrictions for:

Patients who are allergic to sertraline or any of its inactive ingredients
Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant, as sertraline may cause problems in newborns following delivery
Women who are breastfeeding since sertraline may pass through breast milk
Those with preexisting eye problems that may make them susceptible to develop angle-closure glaucoma, which can cause severe eye pain or even blindness. An eye test may be required before receiving a sertraline prescription.
Those with bipolar disorder. If sertraline is taken without a mood stabilizer, a patient may be at risk for shifting into a manic or hypomanic episode.

Suicidal thoughts

Perhaps the most significant warning to be aware of when taking sertraline is the potential for suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in young adults. All antidepressants, in fact, have a boxed warning (the strongest warning required by the FDA) about antidepressants and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

According to the drugmaker Pfizer, a patient may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of treatment and any time that the dose is increased or decreased. Pfizer advises patients to call a healthcare provider right away if you notice new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts. Patients and their families should be made aware of this rare but possible effect. Otherwise, all patients should regularly follow up with a doctor and call between appointments if experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Feeling agitated, restless, angry, or irritable
An increase in activity or talking more than usual
New or worsening depression
New or worsening anxiety or panic attacks
Trouble sleeping
Acting on dangerous impulses
Acting aggressive or violent
Thoughts about suicide or dying
Attempts to commit suicide
Other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Drowsiness

A common side effect of sertraline is sleepiness, which could affect your ability to react quickly or make clear decisions. For this reason, there is a strong warning not to drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how sertraline affects you.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition that can be caused by taking sertraline with other medications that increase the production of serotonin in the body. These medications include:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs—don’t use Zoloft within 14 days of these medications).
Other SSRIs (like Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro)
SNRIs (like Effexor, Cymbalta, Pristiq)
Triptans (Imitrex, Maxalt, etc)
Tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil or Pamelor)
Fentanyl
Lithium
Tramadol
Tryptophan
Buspirone
St. John’s Wort
Fanapt (iloperidone)
Thorazine (chlorpromazine)

Get the SingleCare prescription discount card

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

High fever
Rapid changes in heart rate or blood pressure
Uncontrolled muscle spasms
Confusion
Headache
Heavy sweating
Diarrhea
Stiff muscles
Loss of consciousness (passing out)

Sertraline interactions

Before taking a new prescription drug, you should disclose all medications that you’re currently taking. Over-the-counter, prescription drugs, and even natural remedies like supplements have the potential to cause harmful drug-drug interactions.

Certain antipsychotics

Mixing sertraline with antipsychotics increases your risk of heart conditions, including cardiac arrest. One example is Orap (pimozide), an antipsychotic medication often prescribed to people with Tourette syndrome. Geodon (ziprasidone) and droperidol are other antipsychotics that could interact with sertraline.

Blood thinners

Taking sertraline with blood thinners (aspirin, Plavix, heparin, warfarin) can increase your risk of bleeding, including nosebleeds as well as stomach and intestinal bleeding.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Combining sertraline with NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can also increase the risk of severe stomach issues, including life-threatening bleeding, and low sodium levels.

Alcohol

You should not drink alcohol while taking sertraline as both affect chemicals in the brain. Alcohol may alter the effectiveness of sertraline and lead to side effects, including sleep problems and excessive drowsiness.

Additionally, Antabuse (disulfiram), which treats alcoholism, cannot be combined with the liquid form of sertraline because of the alcohol content in liquid sertraline.

How to avoid sertraline side effects

The best way to prevent sertraline side effects is to take the medication exactly as prescribed by a doctor and in alignment with the drug manufacturer’s instructions.

The starting dose of sertraline is 25 to 50 mg per day, which can be slowly tapered up if necessary. Sertraline dosages can be adjusted by the physician through close monitoring of the patient and your response to the medication. “Always begin sertraline at the lowest dose, and increase slowly, reevaluating symptoms periodically, and using the lowest effective dose,” says Dr. Perez-Vazquez.

Sertraline can be taken with or without food, according to Pfizer. However, if the liquid concentrate form of sertraline is prescribed, it must be diluted with water, ginger ale, lemon or lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice.

There are a few other steps you can take to help minimize sertraline side effects while you’re waiting for your body to adjust to the new medication. “Some small lifestyle modifications can assist with sertraline side effects, like taking the medication at night to prevent lethargy or eating small frequent meals to avoid nausea,” says Dr. Nazarian. “By listening to your body, noticing the side effects, and making appropriate interventions early on, discomfort can be minimized.”

Another sometimes overlooked step in ensuring the medication acts as it should is to follow manufacturer instructions on how to store the prescription carefully. Regarding sertraline, the bottle should be tightly closed, kept out of the reach of children, and stored at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Pfizer antidepressant Zoloft - “So, I was prescribed Zoloft. »

Before using medicines, consult a specialist.

The cause was a panic attack, which completely unsettled the brain - and OCD and depression fell on me together! And this is a lethal force, believe me . .. I really wanted to leave this life, and it seemed that there was no return to the previous normal state. The aforementioned attack affected my body in a very deplorable way - with a severe acetonemic syndrome, I first went to surgery, then to therapy, swallowed a probe, underwent an ultrasound scan, did not sleep the first night with a severe condition, drank water continuously, it seemed to me that I was dying ... The second I didn't sleep much at night either. 10 days of hell, and the doctors of the district hospital released me with suspicion of pancreatitis (and for 10 days they simply lowered the level of acetone in the blood with saline and glucose droppers, and even then, for a short time), since I physically could not eat these days, there were vomiting in the morning, in general, toxicosis is evident, not before eating, she dropped up to 10 kg in one fell swoop! They also tried to treat worms)) And after all, I told all the doctors that I had a panic attack ... As a result, acetone ate all the hormone of joy for me, as I suppose, and then something unimaginable began! Fears appeared, thoughts cycled on one negative, a suicidal state was exaggerated. Srmatic pains in the back of the head (as if the back of the head was constantly pulling) did not go away. In general, the brain was very, very scared and reacted accordingly - it seemed like I was going crazy. How sideways I realized that I had to go to a psychiatrist, I don’t remember. Probably, at that wonderful moment, when I could already eat normally, and I realized that I didn’t have pancreatitis at all (not even close!) And put my fear of a mental hospital away (OCD and depression finally won) ... All this happened in time within a month or two, no more. The psychiatrist pulled me out for ten days with droppers and amitriptyline tablets, after which he prescribed Zoloft. I read about everything, incredulous)) Then I read a bunch of material about OCD, about bipolar disorders, about depression, etc. Psychologically clung to the phrases *remember your life and thinking before OCD*, *keep yourself busy*, etc. For two weeks I was not childishly sausage from Zoloft, then very slowly I began to return to life. Nausea when taking Zoloft has passed, the body has adapted. I sat on Zoloft for a month, then switched to Stimuloton (the same Sertraline, only cheaper). I take 3 months, the same amount remains. So here's the conclusion, guys - the psyche can be broken, like a leg. Zoloft is a plaster that will help you get out of a seemingly hopeless situation. Although sometimes it seems better to break a leg a couple of times! Those who are familiar with OCD and depression, PA, etc., will agree without looking. I can't explain how it works, but it's a fact that a return to normal is possible. And the fact that the problem is not that you are abnormal, but that the psyche, like the leg, can break is also a fact. And it will be necessary to be treated - and not from pancreatitis, but from what is called neurosis and its varieties - such as OCD and depression. And this is not only the psyche, but also physics. Do not be afraid to use drugs, my friendly advice to everyone.

DPC

facilitates or completely removes phobias
helps with insomnia
Eliminates anxiety thoughts

Disadvantages

Nausea first time

9000 ms_MS77 Read all reviews 118

Zoloft - customer reviews and experience

Zoloft reviews

Sort:

new first first old first positive first negative first

new first

Thinks the product is normal

I drank the first day, terrible side effects: nausea, headache, trembling all over my body and clenching my jaw, is it supposed to be like this? I drink 4 parts of a 100mg tablet

Thinks the product is bad

Pros: The only antidepressant that suits me. Excellent relieves anxiety, eliminates depressive episodes. I have prl, it helped me in combination with other medicines

Disadvantages: TIRED that he disappears from pharmacies, they don't listen to people, it's impossible to buy it. I ride around other cities because generics don't suit me. Everywhere I hear rudeness. Why, in order to live normally, you have to go around half the country

He thinks that the goods are excellent

Pros: Everyone

Cons: Prescription.

Comment: In general, everything becomes indifferent, everything and everything, life is beautiful))

Thinks the product is good

Advantages: I have been taking it for 3 months already, the side effects disappeared after the first 2 weeks (headache, lethargy, vision problems), the drug stabilized my condition. It stabilized, did not awaken in me the joy of life and good mood - I just became normal (probably, it should be so)

Disadvantages: Most likely increased anxiety But so, a good and not sharp drug. It affects me, but not much, although the dosage is not small

Thinks the product is excellent

Advantages: Positive effect, good result, excellent price

Disadvantages: the drug is not for everyone, a selection of drugs is needed

Advantages: The drug works, anxiety disorder cured in 2 months. Psychosomatics passed on the 3rd week. The dosage was 25 mg, half a tablet. Take the original drug, you will not regret it!

Disadvantages: You need to understand that the drug is psychotropic, in the first 1-2 weeks there will be side effects, anxiety may increase, panic attacks, loose stools, but you need to endure, it's worth it, don't stop taking it!

Thinks the product is excellent

I had depression for two years and I got so used to this condition that I considered it normal. Everyday tears for no reason, apathy, unwillingness to live and work. Then overeating and bulimia were superimposed on all this, I tried to seize emotions and look for joy in food. I think I would have died if I had not sought help from a therapist earlier. He just prescribed Zoloft + teraligen. Together they began to help me 1.5 months after taking it. I can’t explain the state I’m in, but I can say with certainty that before that I lived in depression. Now I get up early, I do everything much faster, I have more strength and a good mood, my relationship with people in general has improved. I am satisfied with the drug and definitely recommend it to people with depression. Do not be afraid to talk about your problems and do not belittle their significance, otherwise you will ruin your life, as I almost ruined it.

Thinks the product is terrible

I take Zoloft for 2 weeks. So far it's only getting worse! Of the side effects: dry mouth, everyday nausea (weight loss in 2 weeks 6 kg), which I don’t need at all (from 54 to 48), I don’t feel like eating anything! I can hardly force myself !!! also: fussiness, increased tearfulness, anxiety, tics and shudders of the whole body, lethargy, mental confusion, headache! The doctor says that everything will go away soon, but every day it only gets worse. I don't want to take this drug again!

Thinks the product is excellent

I have been taking it for 2 days now, constant yawning, dizziness is rare .. lethargy is present, appetite disappeared as soon as I started drinking, apparently I need to get used to the drug

He thinks that the product is excellent

I have taken Zoloft more than once in my life. In general, the drug is not bad. The effect of taking is felt quite quickly, after about 1-1.5 weeks. Easy to use, as you need to drink only 1 time per day. For me personally, this is a huge plus, since I do not like drugs that need to be taken 10 times a day strictly by the hour. It's very difficult. But the body must get used to Zoloft. At first, it makes you a little sick, and you don’t want to eat anything at all. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that you will definitely throw off a couple of kilograms. For me, the end result is important. And after taking Zoloft, he is worthy. He completes his assigned task.

Learn more