I re-started my zoloft 7 weeks ago - i have done 2 weeks at 25mg and 4 weeks (Saturday will be my fifth week) at 50 mg. I suffer from existential OCD. I have had the typical side effects - night sweats, blurry vision, and some brain fog. However, i notice i can go even a few more minutes in between OCD episodes. Do you think the Zoloft is starting to work and to hang in the next two weeks or should i ask for an increase because it should be a lot more in between thoughts. I have heard that although they are annoying side effects are a good sign your medication is working. I am hoping i will turn the corner soon and that it is a little bit of a two step forward one back approach.
Zoloft - has it started kicking in yet?
Question posted by mishluck on 13 June 2023
Last updated on 14 June 2023
Answers
WildcatVet
14 June 2023
Hi, mishluck!
I'm not a doctor, just speaking from personal experience, so you'll need to decide with your doctor whether you should increase your dose. I took it for both depression and an anxiety disorder and found that the depression responded much sooner than my OCD. I was told that anxiety disorders sometimes do take a little longer to respond, especially OCD.
You may be sort of the borderline. You are responding to the medication so they may advise you to give it another couple weeks to see if this lower dose will be completely effective. On the other hand you've been on it for a while now and you may need a higher dose. You have plenty of wiggle room to increase it if it's felt you need to.
Personally, my doctor raised me to 100mg after four weeks but it took about another month or two before I got complete relief.
Zoloft is one of only a few antidepressants that's actually been approved for OCD and user reviews rate it 8 out of 10 for effectiveness. Talk things over with your doctor and stay positive. This initial period can be tough but you will get to where you need to be.
Regards, Wildcat
WildcatVet
14 June 2023
Are you doing therapy too? CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) can be very helpful.
Related topics
zoloft, hyperhidrosis, obsessive compulsive disorder, side effect, night sweats
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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