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...
uggg i feel so frustrated!
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I have been on Zoloft for quite a while now. It has mellowed me out a lot but as for my panic and anxiety disorders it did nothing. I am currently taking 200mg of it daily so don't worry yourself over it. I've had no side effects at all. They slowly increased my dosage over time as to figure out the correct dosage needed. As to going off the medication - Consult your doc. They will help you find a safe way to stop taking it. Do not just stop. They aren't habit forming but you don't want the chemical balance in your brain to drop that quickly. I hope this has helped you with your fears of the medication. Best of luck ~
do you take something else for your anxiety? thats why im going to take it for anxiety
You are not a little fatigue?
I still need another medication for the anxiety. I guess it depends on your level of anxiety. To me it is all consuming and I just ball up and hide in my bedroom. I was recently put on klonopin for anxiety and it worked wonders. I would advise you to just try the Zoloft and see how it goes. Don't take extra meds unless you absolutely need them. :) It just depends on the severity of your symptoms.
Fatigued? A little, but compared to before the medication. I'll take a little fatigue over what I was experiencing before. ;)
ok so just saw therapist, and then i went and filled my RX
i guess tomorrow is the big day and i will start taking the zoloft. im praying for good results.
ok so if i start taking these meds will they make the dizziness and sweaty palms and the worry stop?
thats what they are made for right?
Listen to all the good advice you got. u will be ok, please stop worrying. I think you will find after a while you are going to feel much better. After you take the first one and see nothing bad happens you will be ok. I know how you feel, I have to talk myself into taking a new med. Von
These meds have a history of taking some time to work. You will have to give it a month at least, but you could see results sooner...
Turkee25, I feel you are putting to much into your anxiety about trying this drug to help with the same exact issuse you have about taking it in the first place! You need to trust your doctor, & do as he says. By starting at 25mg you will not feel the difference right away anyway. It usually take a month for the full effect of a drug like Zoloft to take full effect. Your doctor is the best judge of what is going to help you, as as you have read most have not had bad side effects from taking it. You are really making yourself sick over this decision, & should just bite the bullett so to speak,& get started on this. I'm sure your dose will be increased slowly as I am sure your doctor must realize how bad your anxiety is , & didn't want to hit you full blast. Just do it girl, & stop worrying so much...
Good Morning nice to see you Mary. Turkee25, Mary is dead on the money. And I agree with her, you've got to stop this worrying. I'm not going to repeat what Mary said only this, your dose is low, and you'll hardly feel it to begin with. Remember, I know, because I once was on it. Mary, my wife is down your neck of the woods. visiting friends and family for a week. Shes hit lots of rain. We are dry here. Bit here and there but nothing to write home about. Go figure ha! Care for a cup and a doughnut? you bettcha! talk to you later have a great day, and hope alls well by you. See you friend.
Thanks Pledge. Would love a donut & cup of joe, altho I've had 3 already this AM. Never enough! Mary
Ha! :-0) I know what you mean. I'm on number 4. And I've been up since 5 or so, and it just turned to 8 am. so thats 4 cups in 3 hours. (mugs I should say) Well, I've got to water the vegetable plants, and then its my morning walk to the mailbox. Oh, Mel posted, in the same spot where she did yesterday. Don't know if you received a notice via your e-mail. Shes better (thank God) when that sort of thing happens, you've got to get your you know what to an er asap. Enjoy the java joe, this mornings blend is eight o'clock, I love that brand. Think its the tops.
thank you very much and i do agree... its just getting to that point. and to stop being so worried almost seems impossible, going to see therapist today and then will probably take my first dose around 130 or should i just wait till tomorrow morning?
No, you should follow the directions on the bottle! And also talk to your therapist about this anxiety about taking meds to help you...
havent seen the bottle yet so when i get it filled i will see what it says
u can't always trust doctors, that is the problem. Too many ppl trust doctors and with these kinds of meds, there are side effects. Doctors need to be "smart" when prescribing these types of medications. I feel anti-depressants and anxiety drugs are way over-prescribed, handed out like candy, and there are too many doctors that think things like Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac are the cure to anxiety and depression. Not necessarily. Success rates vary. I have Panic Disorder and if someone gave me Zoloft without prescribing me a benzo. drug for a few weeks, (like Valium or Klonopin) I would ? his/her decision b/c Zoloft can actually enhance anxiety and insomia, esp. for ppl that have severe anxiety or panic attacks in the beginning phases of taking the medication. As u stated and are correct, it does take some time for the medicine to start working, as is the case with most of the meds.
A medicine called Buspar, used to treat anxiety can take at least 6 weeks before it will start working, but I find it effective, but I have to use a benzo. every once in awhile, just as needed, but that is just me, b/c I have Panic Disorder. Depends on the individual and specific condition. You cannot trust all doctors. You want to, but as a patient it is much better to question the doctor fully (heck that is what u are paying for) and not challenge, but have a say in things. I do this with my doctor, so that way I have some control over what works for me without taking control (I have a degree in psychology so I can be a doctor's nightmare, lol with my questions), but all of us want to develop a trusting relationship with our doctors, but finding the right one is the key to this. I trust my doctor, but not when I first met her. I have knowledge about medications and made sure that I had a say in stuff that I knew, studied or experienced. Again, I think doctors over-prescribe anti-depressants and other SSRI and SRNI drugs, and some think it cures all, but the sensible doctors will look hard at individuals and make decisions about these drugs and accompanying drugs on a case by case basis without just saying a few words and quickly writing out a script. Good doctors take the time to talk and not get offended when u ask them questions, even if u feel like u are bombarding them. It is your health and your body, and our healthcare system in this country is lacking, most cannot afford, hell I don't have insurance even though I work, so I make damn sure that I get the most out of my out-of-pocket appointments, lol!! God Bless
pledge , can you please add me? and anyone else who cares to. HollyBean00. help please. I'm new to this and sint know how to add anyone.
i started taking zoloft almost 3 years ago after my husband and his mother passed away within 2 months of each other.i was having a very hard time dealing. i was started out on 50mg. i am now taking 150mg and it seems to work better for me. i haven't had anyside effects from taking it. frankly without it i don't think i could handle things. i have went for periods of time without taking any without adverse effects. don't be afraid of it. it really helps
im sure it does help. i just dont know why im so worried about it. i feel so helpless that i cant get myself through this without meds. just that alone is deoressing. i want to feel better i do. thats why i been going to therapy and got the RX. im glad to hear it has helped you so much. i just need to get the courage to take this medication.
I also began using Zoloft 50 mg. for depression/anxiety- day 6 for me, 1/2 dose for first 7 days then full dose, at night. It's going fine except for weird bruises on my arms and one on my leg. When I noticed them I stopped taking a daily baby aspirin and am waiting to see if it keeps happening. I was getting ready for a party & also a big class reunion so was busy cleaning, setting up tables, etc. May have bruised myself without realizing it, but don't know ...
I feel fine. It supposedly takes several wks. (like 4-6) to slowly build up to a therapeutic level in the body. I would recommend you give it a try.
Hi Turkee25
I am like you. I have the Zoloft Here. But I can't seem to take it. So nervous about it. That's probably the problem (Anxiety, Fear of the unknown).
The sad thing is I had this same thing 25 years ago and took Zoloft and at 100 mg Everything went away. I felt great. I couldn't believe it. Now here I am faced with the same problem and afraid to take it. What a bummer. I might have to go to the hospital and sit there while I take my fist dose to make sure I don't die. Sad isn't it, but thats anxiety and stress.
dededede
that how i feel... i havent even filled my RX yet, just looking at it.
if you have taken it before and it helped you alot why not dive back in... do you remember any side effects?
i will only be starting with 25 mgs
hi turkee25.
I don't remember any side effects or how long it took to work. I was really out of it then. Jumping out of my skin and pacing the floor. But I really don't have zoloft this time I have the generic (sertraline) and I don't do well on generics. If I can get a doc. to give the the brand name I will take it, and hope it helps like last time. Do you have zoloft or the sertraline?
they gave me RX for the generic
when are you going to start taking yours?
when I use to work in the hospital don't think you're crazy we actually had patients (they didn't say that was the reason) but one of the nurses told me a particular person was so nervous that usually when they changed or went on medicines this person's doctor would tell them it was OK to go to a waiting room off the nurses station, take the pill and see how you felt, you know that's not a bad idea, if it makes you feel safer then who is to say, you do whatever you need to do!! Your friend,
Well Turkee25 I found a doctor that has given me a scrip for the brand name Zoloft, just have to wait 2 days till the insurance covers it. (I HOPE) Then like I said I will go to the emergency room and sit there if I have to. I might feel safer because its zoloft, but I'll keep you posted. dededede
Hi Turkee25,
I started the Generic zoloft, Started at 25 mg. for 3 days then went to 50mg have terrible headache and stomach cramps. Didn't get the brand name yet, still waiting, but the generic is not good for me. I know they put dye yellow and blue in those genterics, maybe thats what I cna't tollerate. Now I'm faced with not taking at all. Waiting for the doctor to call. dededede
Just start off with a small dose, say 1/2 of 50 mg. You would be better off taking your mind off of taking the med and get busy but stay around the house. The most it will do is make you sleepy. Just don't start and stop it. I am scared of the unknown and use to wouldn't travel at night because you couldn't see beyond a certain part. I also would just take a nibble of a new pill because I would start it and see what it does to me. I was working as a LVN and knew alot about meds. Just don't start off taking too much at once. smitty1935
turkee
I really can identify (many years ago) I had experiences with panic, aggoraphobia, depression and chronic pain but in the earlier years the same that you are dealing with, first of all the very horrible traumatic nightmare of panic I think intensifies us of being afraid to try new treatments, it's so difficult if you can get up and function you heve fears of things not being as well as they are. But I think that's when we need someone who has experienced (so to speak walked in the shoes and at least can identify what you feel) I wasn't on Zoloft for very long (about 25mg as I recall) if there is any hope of it giving you relief at least from meds very much like it it is trial and error at least by the doctor having you to start out by halfing the pill then if you seem to notice problems then it can be discontinued, I know you are scared but if it can alleviate those symptoms then it seems worth the trial.
If you have further questions or just need someone to talk to this site is filled with knowledgable, caring compassionate people who've experienced what you're going through, you need to start somewhere and I remember clearly whatever it had been I had fears, I wish you only nothing but the very best. feel free to keep us posted, and just know if you do (and probably won't) have problems give the prescribing doctor a call and allow him to know. Again please take good care.
thank you, yes i could use someone to talk to who has been here done this,
did you have some side effects from the zoloft? did you use the zoloft in junction with therapy? and it really makes me feel better that you didnt stay on it for long was it hard to come off of? do you take anxiety meds now instead or no meds at all?
thank you so much
Now that quite a few years are passed I take xanax (but I take less than prescribed) I can have it four times a day I take a half in the morning and 1/2 at night, it does not work like the larger quanity would but when I first got it I soon saw if you take it your body will require more and more, I would rather take some than to need more and more and then the doctor feel the need to stop prescribing it. I took Zoloft for probably 3 weeks for some reason (and Please don't go by me, I didn't think it helped I think my problem was that I was so panicked and nervous until I didn't give it a fair chance, I want to be honest with you but the last thing I want to do is bash the drug when it very well was my own fault. feel free to ask any questions you have the need to Caringsonbj sorry I didn't answer before now.
If memory serves me right I had (one of the side effects I experienced) was a very dry mouth, and I just was so nervous and panicky to start with if I could have looked at it in a calmer way then drinking extra water should have helped and I think in time some of the side effects (especially some of the milder and ones that a person can cope with the side effects tend to improve. I am going to friend you and if you need to write a personal message then you can feel free to do so, You also need to make me a friend by clicking on to the avitar and add me as a friend, I am going to allow you to write me if you so choose and have questions, that way you feel comfortable and know if thats what you choose to do again my first name is Billy and my site name is
I have been suffering from Panic attacks and anxiety now for 10 years. I have took all of the Zoloft paxel etc... For me the side effects were horrible. Everyone is different so I would not say anything bad about them. I however was finely put on Xanax and have a wonderful life. I can leave my house, have friends interact with my family. The Dr. has changed me several times. Some really dislike Xanax. It was so much easier to get off those then the Wellbrutrin etc... I don't tell people because of the stigma that goes with Xanax. Because I took them for medical reasons I did not get hooked on them or abuse them. I have been taken off Xanax 3 times. They took me off slowly. Good Luck to you.sorry about spelling the meds. wrong. I just wanted to share my story. I would never tell someone to take Xanax. It just so happened to of been the best fit for me.
Hello Billy. I wish for you the very best of health in the on coming year. May this and prosperity follow you and your loved ones. Be well my friend.
Hello turkee25. Nice to meet you. I answered a question much as you are asking not two days ago or so. I was on it some years ago, and used it for my panic disorder along with my depression.I believe I stopped taking it because my body built up an immunity to it. I might be repeating what I've said in my previous answer, so if any one read it, please bear with me. Zoloft has very few serious side-effects. Most people tolerate the drug very well. It has a very short halflife. Meaning the drug will leave your body, usually within days. Some of the common side effects are stomach cramps, insomnia, nausea. Most people seem to use for a daily dose between 100 to 150mg. All in all, in regards to my opinion, did it help me against my anxiet? yes, against my ocd?yes. Would I still be on it if my body did not build up an immunity to it? Most probably yes :0) I'd say give it a go turkee25.
If you don't feel comfortable taking it,(meaning side effects) you can always ask your doctor to prescribe you another medication. best wishes and try not to worry so much, things will work out. you'll see.
Pledge don't mean to interrupt but just to let you know it's good to see you.
maybe afternoon brunch? tea, coffee, sweet treats filled with ALL good friends on this site. (fantastic people and good food and conversation)
Well hello there Billy. Thanks for the invite my friend. Brunch sounds fine. I know that you can lay out a table filled with all sorts of delicious, cakes, pies and cookies. I'll bring doughnuts (in case Mary happens to drop in). See you later on then, ha! :-0)
How long did it take your body to build the immunity to it? How often did you increase it?
Darn.,l missed out again my 2 friends Pledge & Billy! How about an afternoon coffee? Help keep me awake! To help answer this question, my hubby takes 100mg of Zoloft with no side effects at all. It has saved his life in a way. He is bipolar, & this is the only med that has helped him. I wish you the best ...
Ha! Hello there Mary. In and out this afternoon. Afternoon coffee and tea sounds great. Good to see you. Theres a rocking chair, and bagels, and Billy managed to save you a doughnut, and so sit a spell if you've the time and we'll catch up on the news of the day.
Pledge, will be there quick as I can ! Mary
ty pledge... i been worried about this all day, worried myself sick just thinking about this and researching online about peoples stories. i got a headache now and feel sick to my stomach.
i just cant even explain how nervous i am about side effects and feeling worse then i already feel.
Hi turkee25,
I don't really know anything about zoloft, but when I started taking my meds, I I was so nervous and scared about being on antiD and antianxiety meds. I was afraid that they would change me and the person that I am, which theyu don't. They have changed me but they changed me for the better and they made into a more calmer and more balanced person. They meds are prescribed to take care of the disorder and the symptoms. There are some side effects, which do get better, I didn't gain any weight, I actually lost weight which is a good thing. I have my good days and sometimes I have some bad days, but mostly good. Don't be afraid to take them, once you get adjusted to them you'll be fine. Let me know how you're doing.
did you have bad side effects from starting them... how long have you been taking meds? how long till you felt some relief
When I started the meds, I had side effecvts like dizziness, dry mouth, ftigue, most of those went away. I still get a little dizzy but only if I strand up too fast. There are times when the fatigue would hit me but I'll have some coffee and I'll be fine. I look at it this way, I would rather take the meds and deal with a few side effects than deal with the anxiety and the depression. Its just a small price to pay for peace and sanity. The side effects will go away the longer you take them, and you might have a couiple here and there, but you learn to deal with them. It took me about a month for the full benefits of the meds to kick in, and actually I started feeling better the first week I started.
are you still taking meds...
yes. My doctor put me on them at the beginning of the year, and I'm still taking them. They and therapy have been a Godsend for me. In my situation I know that I'll be taking these for a long time, everyone's situation is different. You just get together with your doctor, which is what I do, and you both will know what is best for you. I accepted that I will probably be on meds for a very long time, because I know if I stop taking them, I'll go back to the way I was before, and I refuse to do that. I'm doing better because of them and I plan on staying that way.
I so agree have to agree with strmcliffae46 on this one. I know my post is 3 mths later but I've learned it's never to late to help w advice or experience. I'm living w a man whom has 5 boys. They're ages are 12, 10, and the triplets are 5. My kids are 18, 15 and 4. (the 15 yr old is girl) My life has definately changed stress wise, but I love all 8 of the children and If I start to feel an attack come on, I'm able to readjust. I find a less crowded or noisy place and I sit indian style w my eyes closed and take a few minutes to count to 10 and breathe. Sounds strange but I take a deep breathe in through my nose and slowly blow it out as if I were blowing out a candle. Life is great. I'm not moody and don't get that trapped feeling. Hope this helps.
I just increased my dosage from 25 mg to 50 mg of Zoloft and I feel a lot better. I did have some nausea but it went away after about a week. My anxiety is so high right now that I can't think about not taking it or coming off of it. I'll cross that bridge later. I have had no weight gain. I would encourage you to give it a couple of months.
so you anxiety hasnt gotten better since you been on zoloft? cause you said your anxiety was so high right now...
My anxiety is much better but I think I need to go up to 75 mg. The nausea lasted for a week but now I don't have any side effects. I also take Welbutrim which is not good for anxiety but good for depression
I have been taking Zoloft for about 4 years now, Dr.s have changed me to other things and they just don't work on me as well as Zoloft, no weight gain on them (miracle) I now take 200mg of Zoloft daily, still no problems, yes it did help me with my anxiety, I would hold my shoulders tight all the time, got to where I could barely move my neck from stiffness, that was a blessing in itself, my body is weird but it likes Zoloft, hope yours does also.
did you take any xanax or ativan to reduce the side effects...
i guess im going to try and start zoloft tomorrow... im freaking out
No. Just 300 mg of welbutrim for depression. Just try for a month
I take 1/2 a Xanax to help with sleep...
I sound like such a druggie, but at nearly 60 years of age and with only other being Lipitor I guess it's not so bad.
Don't be afraid Turkeygirl, it's just your anxiousness "talking".
all afternoon i have worried myself sick about this whole taking meds thing. i have a headache, and nausea and im pretty lightheaded. just been a constant worry for a few hours now.
i feel like crap everyday now, so i want to take meds but im SOOO worried about having side effects and feeling worse i cant even explain the worry i feel.
Hi,
I have suffered with anxiety and depression since the age of 12.
Most people say that Zoloft and Prozac are very similiar, which I questioned my Doctor and he agreed.
I was taking Prozac for over 12 years with other medications and never had a problem with any interactions.
When I started Menopause my hormones went crazy and so did I..
I immediately contacted my physician and he switched me onto Zoloft starting at 100 mgs.2 times daily.
Well, its over 14 years now and I am still taking Zoloft and I have not had any Panic or Anxiety attacks.
No weight gain, no mood swings etc.
Good Luck!
G... I couldnt believe that within 3 days (yes 3) I was well on my way to feeling like my old self..
I am so glad to see your comment. I have had depression for over 11yrs now and tried many diff meds. Just started Zoloft this week. Pls don't give up and start the Zoloft. It can only help. If it does not, let your doctor know right away. They work w/you to get to the one that is best for you. I am praying Zoloft works for you. Give it a try. It is better than the anxiety you are going thru right now. Hugs.
Sorry I can't answer about the Zoloft but I can tell you that I recently changed from Seroquel to Geodon and I was SO afraid of the change, put it off for about 6 months and 30 lbs ago. As it turned out, it's been about 10 days and I haven't had any bad experiences and actually losing weight, which was my goal for a change, so please try it if your doctor thinks you should and you have trust in him/her. Hope this helps and you feel better soon.
Hello I am a pharmacist, I want to help you. zoloft (sertraline) is a SSRI.These drug family are very effective in treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.one of the side effects of this drug is sexual complications, zoloft can provide long timing in orgasem, also zoloft create anorexia. zoloft must used long times approximately 6 to 8 weeks, if zoloft used less than this time it is possible not effective for you. You can take zoloft without no concering about it.
Dear Pharmacist
I have had good results on trazodone, nefazodone,and buspar Really bad results on Zoloft Paxil and Effexor
You do know about the clean receptor dirty receptor theory of psych meds I hope
dear jerst,
I look for some references but unfortunately there was no thing about dirty and clean receptor theory.Just I can tell you, dirty drug is called drug that tend to binds on many receptors.For example Xanax is called dirty benzodiazepine because affinity of this drug to receptors is more than other benzodiazepines and withdrawal adverse effects of this drug is more than others.
zoloft, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress, nervous
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