I have been on Zoloft for 3 months now and feel too like it has changed my life. I take 25 mg a day, and no longer get nervous in groups of people or dread social situations. I'm also a lot nicer to my husband! I used to worry about EVERYTHING, but now I don't let things get me down. It's great. I can, however, feel some "twitching" (for lack of a better term) going on in my brain which makes me think about brain aneurysms. I"m curious about the long term effects of Zoloft use on the brain. Does anyone know?
Does anyone know the long term side effects of taking Zoloft?
Question posted by happymomof2 on 3 March 2011
Last updated on 6 March 2021
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
19 Answers
Marsha5920
6 March 2021
As I go thru everyday looking for a solution and an answer I came across this today and give my opinion for what it is worth. I have been on Zoloft since 2000. For me it was a miracle drug. I am at the present on 200mg at night. I rest peacefully and wake up to enjoy a new day. Without this drug I was a basket case having lived thru abuse, unhappiness, anger, and my own destruction. I am not saying I never have a bad day, but I have fewer of them. Pfizer and this drug saved my life.
WildcatVet
6 March 2021
Thank you for posting this positive insight!
Best
Nattycupcakez
6 Nov 2020
I know exactly how you feel! I’ve only been on it a few months. I don’t take it at the same time everyday either. If I wait too long to take it or forget, my head does that. It’s like brain bursts or flutters. I think it’s withdrawal but I don’t even know.
eeqz
21 June 2018
Well don't know if this will help or pose a concern, my dr. before (rx.ing) me zoloft asked if I've ever had seizures, because in some cases that could be a side effect.. Consult with your doctor to rule the "twitching" out ,for possible seizures. good luck!
dentarthurdent
12 March 2018
I'm concerned for a loved one. She has been on the generic Zoloft (sertraline) for around two years now and during that time her personality has changed, she's increasingly enraged by things that really don't mandate rages (and in the past would have been dealt with calmly). I'm deeply concerned. What would you, dear reader, recommend I do because right now, I'm not in a position to say anything.
dentarthurdent
12 March 2018
I should add that I was on it once for a few weeks because it was indicated as a possible help for a headache related problem and it made me very, very dark.
Inactive
12 March 2018
Hello Dentarthurdent. I understand your concern. Despite what the drug companies say, this drug has not been documented properly... especially for long term effects. In brief, I was put on a dose of sertraline that reached 600mg/day (!!) by a psychiatrist. I have been off sertraline and all antidepressant medication for 4 years now. My husband says I am better off the drug than I was on the drug. My rather long post appears on 25 Jan 2018 if you’re interested to read.
Yes, it’s difficult dealing with an angry/combative person. Does your wife have a regular G.P? Who put your wife on this drug…a G.P or a psychiatrist? Maybe talk to them, although whoever prescribed the drug may not be open to hearing any feedback apart from what they want to hear. Unfortunately, the banter the prescribing doctor rolls out is that the patient will suffer dire effects if they come off the drug. That didn’t happen to me. I got MUCH better.
I did, however, titrate myself off the 600mg/day VERY slowly. My whole experience has left me with a profound contempt for psychiatrists and the drug companies.
Good luck with your wife. She doesn’t sound like the happy lady this drug was meant to foster.
WildcatVet
25 Jan 2018
From NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):
"Are There Any Risks Of Taking Sertraline For Long Periods Of Time?
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of sertraline. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed."
Ificoulddoover
6 Aug 2018
I have been on Zoloft 200mg for20 years. I recently was hospitalized for severe pain in my hips and down my legs. I am 61 in great health... 136 lbs and 5'7. A neurologist checked me and told me that because i have been on Zoloft for so long my reflexes have been heightened and it has taken a toll on my legs. I have had so many tests done on my legs to check out why they are constantly in pain and heavy. I also have restless leg syndrome extremely severe which does not help matters. It feels like my hips now have the restless leg syndrome... they continuely twitch as though someone is checking my reflexes.
My neurologist suggested that i lower my Zoloft to 100mg... and continue to tighten my core to help with twitching and pain.
Inactive
25 Jan 2018
Hello. I was put on sertraline by a psychiatrist here in Australia. It wasn't working. Her response was to up the dose. It increased to a massive 600mg/day of sertraline for approximately one year. I kept telling her it wasn't working... yet she ignored me. I titrated myself off the drug and left her "care". I have been off the drug for 4 years now. I now take no antidepressants at all and I fear/detest psychiatrists because of my experience with her.
My side effects were extreme sweating- had to change the sheets every day because of this, teeth clenching, increased anxiety, short term memory loss, severe muscle cramps- the latter not good because I am (was) an athlete. She also mixed 500mg of Sertraline with 250mg (maximum dose I think) of amitriptyline for about 3 months before removing the amitriptyline and increasing sertraline to 600 mg/day.
It was for major depression.
I am extremely concerned about the long-term side effects of this drug. The psychiatrist refused to discuss it with me and has now shredded all notes from that time.
Can anyone PLEASE advise me what I should do please? I am extremely concerned.
Thank you.
Crystalberet
26 Jan 2018
Dear lord! I thought 200mg was max! Meant to start my tablets on Tuesday but can't bring myself to take them, don't know if it's worth the hassle! Too many side affects for my liking , wish there was some other way to overcome this, why do other people get to live A normal life and some don't ? I've tried for twelve years to overcome this and it just gets worse every year!
Ccc_nl
17 Feb 2021
I've been taking 100mg zoloft for just over a year now and am dealing with the sweating, teeth clenching and short term memory loss pretty badly. It has been so effective with my depression though so I'm torn. I tried decreasing to 50 and noticed a little depression seeping back in. Do you have any advice on how to deal with these side effects?
bbellhairgirl
15 Jan 2018
To whom it concern or would matter:
I have been taking Zoloft/Sertraline for 23 years have taken 100mg (150mg if things where ruff.) Mainly 100mg all the years. I have been down to 50mg in the last year times up to 75mg. Sometimes I have thought to just do 100mg but trying to get through. Its worked for me and I NEVER had any issues unless I didn't take it or I tried getting off of it.
I started counseling to face why I have been on Zoloft/Sertraline for all these years.
to whomever is curious the book "The Body Keep the Score" that's me could be most of use. That book touched very close to home!
When I first was put on Zoloft/Sertraline I experienced a inter outer body experience. I keep taking it. I then was great after 24 hours. I had called the hospital at that time and they said KEEP taking it and I did. Few years in they wanted to try and switch me to an anxiety medication. I was very allergic to it. Back to Zoloft/Sertraline I went. The drug Zoloft/Sertraline as all of them are just a bandage. A bandage that helped my wounds for years to be covered up and not dealt with. My wound/s that need to be healed. That is where I am today.
I got on here to see if there is any connection maybe to my taking Zoloft/Sertraline for all these years and Histamine issues. (Mast Cell Activation) Learning a lot of things start in that pituitary gland. I am just researching.
I am doing EMDR and hoping things get better and I heal from all my trauma.
I was hoping that there is others that have taken Zoloft for many years as I and what their experiences are or have been.
I only read on here short term people. You all are good. Just so you know. You just need to deal with why you are on it. Face it sooner than later. Life does get better when facing things. Harder then HELL and takes a lot of courage. I wished I know there was help as EMDR sooner. I would have done this many years ago.
If there is anyone that has taken Zoloft/Sertraline as long as many many years as I. Have you had any issues etc...
Sincerely.
bbellhairgirl
Stella12345
27 Jan 2018
Hi your response hit very close to home for me. I’ve been on Zoloft for 24 yrs. Currently i’m living with emotional and verbal abuse and an alcoholic. I never thought my life would turn out this way. I suffered trauma with both my parents with regards to them getting sick suddenly. My secure world was turned upside down. I’ve tried once again to get off of meds but I’m having a difficult time. I’m in counseling now and trying to deal with whatever is causing me to have panic/ anxiety attack’s. It’s not fun. I wish that I can live a peaceful life but I need to find my happiness first. Let me know if u have any questions. May God bless us
Lizzy126
12 March 2018
Hello! I went on thos forum bc I was worried about long term side effects of Zoloft. I have been on 150mg for 25 yrs. I am now 44. I have noticed that I get these “brain zaps” and my words don’t always match what I’m thinking like I see a triangle and sometimes the word square comes out. That’s just an example. I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older and I am post menopauseal. I have no idea about the brain zaps. They come and go. I thought I would be on it for life because of the wicked side effects from weening. Other than that I feel fine.
masterbarber
11 April 2018
I've been taking zoloft for 26 years been a life saver most of the time at 200mg had panic attacks and severe anxiety. Xanax helped also in the early years nut have not took that in a long time. I always worry about long term but rather feel better now one day at a time! I'm 47 now and happy!! Life saver zoloft worry about long term health sometimes but so far no prob
CaptFelix
3 Oct 2017
Going on 13years, 150mg Zoloft. Zoloft saved my life... I was put on a bunch of different meds, none worked Zoloft did. I'm a 40 year old man so Due to age there are a lot of changes going on making it hard to pinpoint side effects. The one side effect I can def attribute to this drug is a severe lack in sex drive. I've wondered if this drug lowers testosterone in men as I also feel sluggish at times. If you enjoy sex and your a man, say bye bye to the yearning, n lust for the opposite sex. I deal with severe panic, anxiety, manic depression, the pros out weighted the cons.
10/3/17
Patsy Craig
6 Dec 2016
I have taken Zoloft for at least 20years. I have tried other antidepressants that my doctor suggested but always have to go back to Zoloft. It has worked for me without a whole lot of side effects and I can truthfully say that before Zoloft, different doctors had me on at least eight different drugs and I did not feel normal until 1991 when I started Zoloft. I take 100mg every day. I am now 77 yrs old and I live a very average life.
12-5-2016
Lizzy126
12 March 2018
I’ve been on it for 25 yrs and I’m 44. I’m wondering if I’ll have to take it the rest of my life because I can’t get off.
Bkluiz27
13 Sep 2016
So I've been on zoloft for 14 yrs and it's helped me alot however one of the main side effects I experience is memory loss. My short term and long term are really horrible and I'm only 34 yrs old. But I'd rather have the memory loss then the negative thoughts and panic attacks
cjlcjl50905090
29 April 2013
I have been taking zoloft for 13+ years, I started on 25 mg, then 50, 100 and now I take 200 mg. I dont have any different side effects then I did when I first started taking it. The only thing now is if I skip it on accident that day, by night I feel off balance, where as before I would take 2 days.
Inactive
3 Feb 2013
If Zoloft is working, I would not worry about brain aneurysms. I would go to my doctor and see if he thinks you should see a specialist. But, not have the depression/anxiety is a wonderful thing. Good luck and God bless.
Catwoman1965
2 Feb 2013
I have been on Zoloft for over15 years. I take 100 mg a day along with 1mg of Kolonopin. This drug has changed my life. No more panic attacks; choaking, etc. It think the only effect that I believe is due to the Zoloft is that I no longer have a good memory, but who knows, it could also be from getting older. I do have to take both drugs or I would shake from just the Zoloft.
Inactive
4 March 2011
Hi there I have just posted two answers to this question this morning explaining ex-actually what you want to know !! look on the site & you will find ! take care Candypq
Inactive
4 March 2011
Hey happymomof2, glad to hear the Zoloft is working for you. My husband is bi-polar manic depressed & thanks to a really good physciatrist & Zoloft he's still wilth me today. He takes 100mg, so yours is a low dose as LaurieShay pointed out. If you feel there may be a small side effect, you should take it up with your doctor as everyone reacts differently to different drugs. A phone call may put your mind at ease so you can go on being a happy mom! Lots of luck to you, & glad you are getting the help you richly & your kids deserve.
Related topics
zoloft, social anxiety disorder, postpartum depression, side effect, anxiety and stress, nervous
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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