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Zoloft Side Effects

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Posted 2/19/2012 5:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All - Im new here so please be kind.

I started taking Zoloft around May 2011 - for anxiety and social phobia (started on 25mg then up to 50mg), It was a nightmare getting on it - Sleep issues, dizziness, nausea etc... I was startign to fall asleep at work and wasnt functioning normally - so I decided to stop in about Sept 2011. At this time, I took 25mg, then after 3-4 days i took 25mg every second day for about 1 week, then I stopped.

Around Dec 2011 i started getting lightheaded, dizziness, palpitations and the panic attacks seem more intense. I went to the hospital, and they basically said theres nothign wrong with me. I had an ECG done, and that came back fine. I have started seeing a Psychologist once a week as well. I came good for about a week or so, then on Thursday the side effects returned... lightheaded, anxiety etc...

Its very frustrating, as just when I think im ok, wham it hits me...

Will these side effects go away? I just want to feel normal again...

Posted 2/19/2012 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
XPOSE,

I'm sorry to say, but I don't think these are side effects. I believe it's your anxiety and panic attacks returning. Seeing as how you've been totally off of the med for 5 months.

I am currently on Zoloft, and have taken it 3 times in the past also, and all three times I weaned off, I never had anything like this happen unless it was my anxiety and panic returning.

One of the biggest problems with these meds, is that people often don't give it a chance to work. You have to take it for at least 6-8 weeks before you feel any siginficant changes, and it could take up to 3 months.

If it made you that sleepy, i'm assuming here that you took in the morning, it would have been best to take it at night before bed. That's what i've always done because it made me tired if I took it in the morning. My doc actually told me to switch to night time. Everyone is different, some people can take it in the morning an dfeel fine, some have to take it at night, and some split the dosage, 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night.

Worst case senario, it was not the right med for you. It's all trial and error when starting a new med. It takes quite a bit of time to find the one that you're most compatable with. Not every person reacts to SSRI's the same.

Hope you start feeling better soon....Fox
Posted 2/19/2012 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Xpose
I think Fox maybe right. If you haven't tried going back on zoloft then the things your feeling are probably the anxiety playing merry hell with your body (as it likes to do). Maybe ask your dr about alternatives if Zoloft's not working for you.

I've just come back on Zoloft (2 weeks ago today) after coming off in Nov. I've been desperate for it to start to work so I can get back to my life. When I was at my worst with Panic disorder and Agoraphobia I barely went outside for about 6 months. Even after I went on zoloft it took me years to get to a point that I felt remotely normal. As much as we'd all wish it didn't It can take a while for things to get to normal no matter what path you go down. it sucks and it's frustrating but it all takes time :(

Just to show everyone different, I take 50mg and if i take it at night I'm awake for most of the night. I've found luchtime is best for me mainly because it's the only meal I have at a regular time :)
Hope you find something that works for you soon :)
Posted 2/23/2012 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
The most common Zoloft side effects are sexual dysfunction and nausea. The nausea is usually minor and often subsides after a few weeks on therapy. The sexual dysfunction is most often orgasmic dysfunction, anorgasmia or delayed orgasm in women, and delayed ejaculation or inability to ejaculate in men.


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Post Edited (Gerret) : 2/25/2012 5:30:33 AM (GMT-7)

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