Sertraline? (Zoloft)

Hey everybody,

I'm looking for some input here.

Sertraline (as I understand it, the same as Zoloft), what have your experiences been, negatives, and positives?

I've been anxious as hell for a long time now, but only had my first major panic attack a few weeks ago. Since then I've been taking Lorazepam twice daily, but not much has changed. I still have panic attacks, constant anxiety, and that awful feeling of impending doom (which really is miserable).

My doctor (who I really do trust, have known for some time), doesn't think it would be wise to continue taking lorazepam much longer as habit forming as it is (I agree), and has prescribed me Sertraline, (50MG) to start, with an appointment in another two weeks to check dosage. This along with continued once a week CBT with a therapist is the plan of attack.

I'm a young male in my twenties, I was just fine about a month ago before my first attack (anxious and some minor bouts of panic but functioning), and now I'm headed in the direction of pharmaceuticals that I used to swear against.

What am I getting myself into here ? The doc told me that it's usually a six month minimum and not until a person feels 100% that they can work on getting off this stuff, and I wonder, if I do get off of it after six months, what are the lasting effects of such a drug? I'm torn between the trust I have with my GP and the hate I've always had for big pharma. That said, I'm in a nasty cycle of anxiety here and don't see an alternative.

Thanks SC,

I'll certainly keep checking in to see if anybody offers opinions on this med, but do fully intend to go through with it along with therapy for the time being regardless of responses.

Being locked into a drug with the potential side effects that Sertraline seems to have for some does worry me a bit, at my age, which is why I am curious as to the experiences of others so I may get some insight as to what I can expect. Mostly I just wonder if this is something that has effected people well after taking it. I'd hate to start taking something that, even upon cessation, changes me (in some kind of negative way) for the long haul.

Anyway, thanks ahead of time to anybody who takes the time to offer any insight. I like researching what I take and find feedback from those who have taken it to be invaluable.

CLFHM - for what it is worth this has been my experience with Zoloft (Sertraline) - I was on it for over ten years and it was the best medication I have ever been on. The side effects for me were minimal and I felt better than I had ever felt in my life. Unfortunately three years ago, it just stopped working on Christmas Eve. I was told I would probably be on it for the rest of my life - I was fine with that until it stopped working. I have yet to find a drug that worked that well for me, and this is three years later. I am on Effexor right now and the anxiety is gone, but first I had terrible sweating, everything in my bed was wet in the morning - that finally stopped, now I have diarrhea three or four times a day - I see my meds. counsellor on Monday as I am pretty sure it is the meds. Have taken a bunch of tests so should have the results when I go and see her.

Now having said that - let's talk about the side effects. I have come to the conclusion that if you want to read the side effects of every drug listed on the internet, they all have terrible side effects (doesn't mean you will get them) but they are telling you they are possible. Now one would think, reading all this stuff, no one would ever ever take anything, like you would have to be crazy - just everything out there scares you to death, but some time you have to take a leap of faith and trust in something. As I said mine were minimal and didn't last long. I found Effexor side effects much worse. Just imagine, if you do try Zoloft, you maybe have a few side effects which stop after a week or so and you FEEL WONDERFUL, wouldn't it all be worth it. Unless you feel you can live with your symptoms, I would at least try it - if your side effects are something you absolutely can not deal with, talk to your doctor and he can prescribe something else for you.

Remember - this is my experience - everybody is different, some hate zoloft - I loved it, only wish I was still on it. Hope this helps you. Good luck.

My 15 year old son was put on Zoloft for panic attacks. First 50 mg, then 100 mg, and it really helped him with no side effects. He was also on Ativan. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.