Nervous about taking Zoloft for Panic and Anxiety - Any comments from users?
Question posted by turkee25 on 17 July 2011
Last updated on 25 December 2023
Dr just gave me an RX for Zoloft 50mg for panic and anxiety but said take half the pill. i haven't filled the RX yet cause I'm nervous about taking meds.
The past few days I had pretty good days until yesterday and today not so much. So I'm just on the fence about it.
Any good stories about Zoloft? Side effects? Hard to come off of them...
I have tried different things for my anxiety and I finally found a family Dr. with IHC. He Started me off with half of a pill also. The results are AWESOME. I was taking 50 mg a day but had some tramatic things take place and I talked w the Dr. He upped my dosage and I think Zoloft really helped. After 4 1/2 yrs I take 100mg daily and life is good. no side effects have occured. Now if I forget to take them for some reason, like moving and they were packed away in a mysterious box, I didn't find them for 3 days and my kids and family noticed I was more edgy but I was able to maintain control. They ( my kids) call them (zoloft) my happy pills. The reasoning behind the slow star is so your system not only gets use to the zoloft, but you gradually work to the amount that works for you. The generic I take is sertraline. Everyone has good and bad days so don't give up. your on the right track. I've noticed my anxiety is nothing like I was, I'm up and active more, and my temper is way more tolerable. Good luck and no worries ok? I wish ya the best.
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AN
antaylor
29 Sep 2011
I've never taken Zoloft before but I have tried three different anti-depressants with mostly positive results. None of the meds really work for me, but two of the prescriptions gave me NO bad side-effects. In fact, I couldn't even tell I was on medication. The meds I have taken that I liked were called Wellbutrin and Celexa. I say I "liked" them only because they didn't produce terrible side-effects, which is just miserable if you are suffering from any effect. I am currently on Celexa, it is a decent med - like I said, no side effects really. I don't even notice that I take it, I just take one pill every morning when I wake up and get on with my day with no feelings of dizziness, nausea, jitters, etc. There was one med that did make me feel like that and I IMMEDIATELY discontinued taking it. It was called Lorazepam, known as Ativan.
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NA
nashoomoo
22 Sep 2011
I am taking Zoloft for eight years now. 200 mg is my current dose. With the help from the creator, I do feel things but not anxiety. Wish you all the best from the deepest from my hart
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CA
cainon25
22 Sep 2011
I take Zoloft myself and i can tell you it is alright if you are dealing with depression or if you are nervous all the time. the first week or so they want you to take 25 mg because it will make you pretty tired. Then once you are use to it they increase your dose. I have been on Zoloft for around 7 months and so far no bad side effects. I myself, didnt want to take anti-depressants but if you are depressed and dont take something it seems you only seem to get worse. I actually started to get some energy back and certain things i use to enjoy are becoming pleasent once again.
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IN
Inactive
19 Sep 2011
Hi, my husband is on 100mg of Zoloft for depression. He has had no side efects at all. Be sure to take it in the morning as I have been hearing it will keep you awake at night. Good luck...
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PR
primetimegrape
18 Sep 2011
I have Panic Disorder, and I took Zoloft years ago. I did not like it. It actually augmented my anxiety, and this is common with these kinds of medications when used in the beginning. They usually take about 3-4 weeks to start working and your anxiety and insomnia can get worse at first, then that will "supposedly" start to subside and u begin to feel better. However, I could not make it through that period without flipping out. I refused to take it again. Saw another doctor, and she told me that the doctor should have prescribed a benzodiazpine med like Xanax or Valium to take in conjuction with the Zoloft until the Zoloft would take over without the side effects. Benzo meds are effective for short-term use for stuff like this to level out unwanted side effects, especially if u suffer from anxiety.
I understand your concern, and all these kinds of meds effect ppl differently, and my best advice to prevent u from having more anxiety or sleep problems when starting out on this med is to request a benzo. med for a few weeks to take in conjuction. Longer acting benzos. like Valium and Klonopin are less addicting to something like Xanax and one pill goes a long way, so I would go that route. Best of luck to u. God Bless!
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OU
outsidesue
10 Sep 2011
So Turk what happened? Is iit working?
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SW
sweetie pie
10 Sep 2011
Hello turkee25! I take Zoloft and have for years now. It does help control my anxiety and depression. The downside is that it does have side effects. The most reported ones are insomnia and weight gain. I have both. Not everyone will have these side effects,.It depends on their biological make up.B ut, I know a lot of people that take Zoloft that now have insomnia. Weight gain is a side effect of most SSRI'S. Why don't you give a try. If it does not help you, there are a lot of other medications available. I wish you the best! Sweetie Pie
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LU
luvncurli2
9 Sep 2011
I have taken Zoloft off and on for about 3 years.When my brother died, then when I lost a best friend . I started on 25 mg and took it for about a year. My dr said to go to 50 mg but I never felt the need to.I lost my eldest daughter April 2010 and went to 50 mg for a while. I have had no problem or side effects that I know of. I too hate to be dependent on any drug . I take synthroid for my throid, Zoloft, 50mg, vitamins and Singulair or Zyrtec for allergies. thats it for me. I hope this gives someone courage to try Zoloft. Maybe it will work for you too.Best of luck and find a hobby to keep your mind busy. I love to cook, thats the best therapy I ever found,stay busy and take care.
Votes: +2
TE
TEJANOFRANCO1
5 Sep 2011
Hello there! I also use zoloft and 100mgs every morning. My last dr started me on 50 mgs like you but I needed more of it to keep me calm. So, 100mgs has been working for me great. Just talk it over with your dr. Best of luck! :)
Votes: +1
TU
turkee25
24 July 2011
today is day 5 and it seems like my anxiety is pretty high again today... is this normal when starting meds... and what do i do about the sexual side effects?
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IN
Inactive
24 July 2011
I think you are worring about it to much. anIts going to take a while to get in your system. Relax and if your anxiety doesn't get better call the doc and see if he needs to up the dose. I don't know about the sexual side effects. I haven't heard about that, look up Maso and ask him or Laurie Shay. Vonnie
TU
turkee25
24 July 2011
yea im trying not to worry but it seems like its just worse so that makes me worry... dang cycle... hopefully things will start getting better soon
IN
Inactive
24 July 2011
I know its hard not to worry. I worry about things I can't do anythingabout and I try really hard not to. I have a 19yr I'm so worried about right and I could just scream!!! With my health like it is I don't need this stress but its there. So we just have to do the best we can. Vonnie
today is the end of day 4 and its been ok/... been rough today , it was the first day i had to take a xanax during the day to stop the anxiety. had a panic attack yesterday but got myself out of it.
so hopefully it starts getting better everyday
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SM
smitty1935
4 Aug 2012
tyrkee25; you spoke of your first day taking a zoloft and you had to take an xanax because of a panic attack. I am 74, be on this type of meds for at least 30 years and will have to retain on them for the rest of my life. I have so many things going on and I have panic attack. Even at my age and after having them since I was 30 I still have them. Only a xanax a half of a 0.5 will quiet me down. I put it under my tongue and it works right away. I don't have panic attacks everyday but when I do, I reach for my xanax. I take a 0.50 every night and it helps me relax and go to sleep. I know what it is like to have any type panic attack and don't have the meds for them. No one can tell me, oh just talk yourself out of them. (ha) I have run away from places, leave places, start crying for no reason except I am having a panic attack. They aren't funny, but thank God, there is xanax. !!! nannywiz
TU
turkee25
20 July 2011
just took my first dose like an hour ago... im nervous about taking it.
wish me luck... im praying i get good results
Votes: +2
IN
Inactive
20 July 2011
Good for you turkee25. A tip for you, just go about doing your normal routine. Just relax, try not to even think about. You'll be fine, trust me. I won't be here for awhile, so if you happen to comment , I will not beable to answer you. Someone else here might though.
IN
Inactive
20 July 2011
Turkee, I'm here. do what Pledge said. Dont think about it, go about your normal routine. It will take upwards to a month to get the full effect, but could work sooner, so don't give up. Von
TU
turkee25
20 July 2011
yea im trying not to worry, its hard, and my daily routine lately has been worrying about it all day lol...
so im trying to do other stuff to keep my mind off of it... going to go for a drive here in a few
HO
HOPEless87
20 July 2011
You will be just fine. Here if ya need to talk :)
JE
jennybhurtin
20 Sep 2011
I have been on it for 2 weeks now and am noticing that I have a little more energy than before. It was zilch to begin with, so this is good so far. No other reportable side effects other than eating everthing in the house. :)
SA
SandraLHoutz
14 July 2012
I was given a scrip for this one as well ... just this week at the recommendation of my sleep doc ... I filled it and have decided I'm not so sure I want this med. I realize this has been a year since your initial post ... so I hope this finds you ... how are you now? What are you taking or not taking ... did you take the Zoloft? How did you do?
I was told I am a hyper vigilant person that can't shut off their mind and thus the reason my insomnia is in hyper over drive right now ... I have a sleep study coming up on August 6th and the doc is thinking maybe there is some apnea issues?
Hope to hear from you :)
SM
smitty1935
4 Aug 2012
Hi turkee25; I use to be so scare to start a new med I would cut off a piece and take it, then wait and see on it. I have taken all kinds of meds but I still get nervous taking a new drug. One thing if you start zoloft , start low and see how it does you, but when you don't take it afew days it will make you teary eyed. Now it did my daughter that way and does me that way every time I get get off a day or too. I don't take but 25 mg. was taking 50mg. but knew I could get off the 25 easier. Right now it is working good for me. the 25mg. is small but you might feel a little relaxed from it but you will need anixety med for your nervousness. Good luck nannywiz
Hello turkee25! I have been on Zoloft for about 10 years now. It has really helped with my depression and anxiety. That is why I am still taking it. I have 2 side effects: Insomnia and weight gain. I really hate the insomnia but the Zoloft controls my symptoms so well. I had to decide if I wanted to take a chance and switch medications. But, all SSRI'S cause some weight gain. I know that some people also have insomnia on SSRI'S. You can't win! You have to try Zoloft to see if it is the right medication for you. I understand about not liking to take drugs. I don't either. We all are in !the same boat! I encourage you to talk to your doc about your concerns. They usually start you on a low dose of Zoloft, 25-50 mg. I have needed mine incteasedsince I have been on it so long. I did finally reach my plateau at 200 mg. Well I wish you the best ! You have all of our support! Sweetie Pie
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NA
nashoomoo
20 July 2011
Also my support
RA
rawboots
7 Nov 2011
Hey Sweetie Pie, Rawboots here. Been on my zoloft for three years now. Im up to 125mg daily. I take mine at nite. Decided to stop taking it two days ago. BIG FRIKN MISTAKE. Second anxiety attack, first of which was at work just tonite. Boy was I stupid. I have never talked down on zoloft. I just felt that ive bn doing good and THOUGHT by not taking it, that it'd be ok. Never again. I will probably continue taking this med the rest of my life fore it hs kept the attacks away, for me atleast.
SW
sweetie pie
9 Nov 2011
Hello Rawboots! Don't be so hard on yourself. I also went off Zoloft for a couple of days. I was a mess! I was at work and just had a anxiety purge and I could not stop crying. Never again for me too! I think alot of us think since we are doing well that we could try living without medications. Well we all find out that we can't. I am glad that you decided to stay on the Zoloft, especially since it is so hard to find the right medication that works for us. Take care, Sweetie Pie
SW
sweetie pie
9 Nov 2011
Hello Rawboots! Don't be so hard on yourself. I also went off Zoloft for a couple of days. I was a mess! I was at work and just had a anxiety purge and I could not stop crying. Never again for me too! I think alot of us think since we are doing well that we could try living without medications. Well we all find out that we can't. I am glad that you decided to stay on the Zoloft, especially since it is so hard to find the right medication that works for us. Take care, Sweetie Pie
RA
rawboots
9 Nov 2011
Sweetie Pie Thanks much. I appreciate it. Keep in touch. You seem like a nice person
I am taking Zoloft 150 to 200 MG for eight years now in the beginning it relives my pressure right away so I could fight with the fears worries, etc. more and more. and now I am fine B"H. And about side effects you need to try your self every person is different