I'm currently 5 weeks on zoloft. First 3 weeks on 50mg. Felt little improvement so increased too 100mg. I have been extremely more depressed and suicidal since! Obviously I was depressed to start. Though it is way worse! Never felt so depressed and suicidal! Please someone tell me is this to soon to stop? Or carry them on? I'm having zero other side effects. But in hell with this debilitating depression. Has anybody else felt this much worse on week 5? Surely they should be helping by now. Any advice much appreciated
Zoloft for major depression time, 5 weeks on 50mg then 100mg?
Question posted by Saruk on 13 Jan 2024
Last updated on 13 February 2024
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Answers
I remember starting out on these meds, and it did take awhile. I remember starting out on Prozac and asking my therapist every week. When will it work? My psychiatrist said it takes three months for full therapeutic effect. But it does keep benefiting after 3 months. Week five is very early. You should talk with your doc about it bc they need to know about it.
These are things I do daily.
Mood boosting tips-
Buy a book called The Good Mood Diet. Also the Feeling Good Handbook by Dr David Burns.
1. Get at least 20 minutes of sunlight daily. Preferably in afternoon. If there’s no sun , get a light box for example from Carex.com. I am not affiliated with them I just researched it.
2. Green drink. Get 2 big handfuls of spinach. Add other veggies too. Put into nutrabullit. Or if you don’t have one - a blender. Add about a cup of blueberries. Add water to fill line. Close to the top. Blend and drink. Strain if desired. This is the best. It’s like a mild antidepressant for me.
3. Drink one nutrition drink like Kate Farms or ensure. Kate Farms is better bc they add a lot of good vegetables. Has lots of vitamins and minerals for neural support. (Original ensure has added sugar.) There are all different kinds of ensure. Ensure high protein is a good one. But it kind of fills me up a lot and keeps me from being hungry. ).
4. Take a multivitamin. Also has b vitamins for neural support. Get one with vitamin D. Need more of it in the wintertime.
5. Garden of Life Mood Probiotic.
6. Methyl folate - it’s a version of folic acid that is methylated. Lots of people need this kind to pass thru the blood brain barrier. This can be purchased on methylpro.com. This is the only brand I can vouch for bc My psychiatrist recommends it. It helps you to make more neurotransmitters.
7. Sweet potatoes
8. Egg white protein shake. Or plant based amino acid shake like Sprouts Vegan Protein. I only take this every three days.
9. Veggies everyday
I do all these by mid afternoon. Or earlier. Btw feel free to ask me any questions.
Don’t feel too overwhelmed by the list. The green drink is really great. Just start with that.
The green drink works better when taken every 12 hours. Definitely talk to your doc about the suicidal thoughts and depression. Get well soon.
Related topics
zoloft, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, major depressive disorder
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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