Hello :) I am 21 and I just started taking Zoloft two months ago. I started feeling better but then around week 5 had a panic attack and my doctor bumped me up to 100 mg almost 3 weeks ago. I already feel a lot better (a lot of my anxiety is gone but still there a little), however my depression has stayed the same (i.e intrusive thoughts, low energy, hopelessness). I am very happy with the progress I made so far with therapy as well but I was wondering when people started to feel their depressive symptoms getting better? I hope everyone is doing well and fighting depression and anxiety :) We can all get through this!
Zoloft - How long did it take you until the depressive symptoms got better?
Question posted by hp322 on 12 Nov 2020
Last updated on 16 November 2020
Answers
Hi, hp!
"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, anxiety, and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
Antidepressants often take a bit longer to become more effective at treating depression and dose increases can prolong the process because your metabolism needs time to adjust to the new dosage.
The fact that you've responded so well so far is a good indication that your Zoloft will work on your depression also. Because depression is harder to treat dosages sometimes need to be increased to a maximum of 200mg/day.
Give it another couple of weeks and if that doesn't help you'll need to talk with your doctor about your options.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better soon now.
Thanks so much! That was really helpful!
Zoloft is an SSRI med. In general you need to take an SSRI med for 4 to 6 weeks before you feel the full effect of this med.
Related topics
zoloft, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, doctor, symptom
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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