I’ve recently been diagnosed with PTSD and the depression/generalized anxiety that accompanies it. I’ve been on Zoloft for about a week and I’m experiencing mild side effects already. I had some nausea, some difficulty concentrating and feeling both antsy (difficult sitting still, slight tremors) and “spacey”. I also definitely see a decrease in libido. My friends have said I seem “worse” but they also didn’t know about my depression before I started medication, so it could just be them noticing the depression that was there before now that it’s been pointed out to them. Everything is very manageable right now, but I’m wondering if these symptoms will become more intense as I continue to take the Zoloft or if this is as bad as it will get until they start to subside.
Do initial Zoloft/sertraline symptoms get worse before the getting better?
Question posted by mental_anonymous on 2 June 2018
Last updated on 10 June 2021
Answers
I'm on it but it's been on and off in helping for me it's barely doing that much now
Have you asked your doctor about a dosage adjustment and/or adding another medication like Abilify or Rexulti?
WC
Hi, there! I think this excerpt from the literature will answer your question and it's good news!
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Also, be aware that it may take some weeks before you feel the full benefits of your medication.
"Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
Best regards and best of luck! Any time you have any questions or concerns feel free to post again. An update on your progress would be nice too!
Reading this has really given me hope in getting to a recovery I have been given sertraline 50mg after coming off work with a break down .I have gone from not speaking and being very depressed and suffering horrendous anxiety after 3 weeks on this medication although a long way from well I am much better than 3 weeks ago .I have no normal happy thoughts at the moment but hoping after being on this medication for a number of weeks I may get well again I am very grateful that this drug has brought me up from a horrendous place.
Good news! I know that the initial side effects can really be tough for some people but it sounds like you've made some significant improvement.
It will just keep getting better as a few more weeks go by.
Thank you I'm hoping things will continue to improve I'm just going into the 4th week I went for a walk this morning and for the first time was able to look at the colours in the trees and experience some enjoyment in the walk. I'm hoping things continue to improve I'm so grateful for the bit of normality this morning and the realisation the obsessive thoughts are barely there.Thanks again for your post it really uplifted me to read it.
Your answers have been most helpful
Thank you
Related topics
zoloft, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline, major depressive disorder, side effect, symptom, diagnosis
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