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Zoloft and depression

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100 Side Effects posted for Zoloft

October 7th
2009
9:12 AM

I'm glad I found this website this morning. I have been taking the generic of Zoloft (Sertraline 50mg) for 4 months now. Every night this week I have been having nightmares. I'm happy to have found a medication that works with my Generalized Anxiety/Depression--but I have started experiencing anxiety in the evenings and have insomnia also. I take it as soon as I wake up in the morning but with a new job, new hours, I have skipped on occasion this last week. I don't know if it's a side effect I should mention to my doctor?

-- By nikkifernandez | Reply | Private Message me

July 17th
2009
1:47 PM

I am so relieved to hear that so many people have experienced significant WEIGHT GAIN while on this drug. I weighed 150 pounds when I got pregnant and was 183 when I gave birth. I got all the way down to 152, when I became depressed and suffered from severe anxiety. I have gotten as high as 210 lbs, and my life has been miserable because of my attempts to lose weight and NOTHING WORKS! I can do an hour of spin class (supposed to burn 500-700 cals), lift weights, eat perfectly for weeks and step on the scale and lose NOTHING! I even hired a personal trainer and I think she thinks I am lying because she sees how hard I work out, and nothing changes. This is so depressing, I am embarrassed to go in public or even look in the mirror. I have decided to wean off although I have been taking this med for 10 years. It did help the depression, but now I am so depressed from this weight it is not worth it. Thank goodness I found this thread, because maybe I am not crazy!!!! Is there any chance I will ever lose the weight, or is my metabolism ruined for life?

-- By fatty1 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

July 5th
2009
7:48 PM

I have been on zoloft for 18 years, mostly at 50 mg. This time period includes when I was pregnant and breastfed my son, now age 9, who is a special needs child. I regret taking zoloft during my son's babyhood but was hooked, told it would be OK by my doctors and was afraid to go off. I have never gone above a size 14 before going on zoloft, usually hovering around size 10 or 12 and wishing I was an 8. Well, I am now a size 24 and weigh over 200 pounds. My stomach is so huge people often think I'm pregnant which is a source of huge embarrassment for me. I find it impossible to control my desire for sugar which I crave to boost my energy. I am often sleepy in the afternoon yet can't get myself to bed early enough. I am apathetic about everything except my son. I have gone months without sex and didn't miss it at all -- thank god for a saint of a husband. Recently I started up sex with my husband even though my drive was still very low, as I saw it really helped my marital relationship. How nice it would be to actually feel a sexual desire before we start up. I crave wine at night to calm me down despite being on this drug. I feel like my brain is sluggish and I've lost some major IQ points. I hope that's only temporary. I have no desire to leave the house and would be happy to stay home all day which is I'm sure due to the drug. I can't get myself to exercise. I feel this drug has put me into a sort of walking coma. I want to go off and will begin soon -- I have set myself up for a tapering schedule that will extend to over a year using liquid zoloft and going down over 10% a month to minimize the brain zaps and depression backlash. I hope I can do it -- my husband wants so badly to get back the size 10 sexy woman he once knew. I want her back too. I hate this drug with a vengeance and am furious I was ever put on it. Absolutely furious.

-- By zoloft18years | Reply | Private Message me

July 3th
2009
5:29 PM

In 2003 I started having panic attacks that lasted for 10-12 hours. My family doctor put me on Zoloft. I don't remember the dose, but think it may have been 10 mg. I became horribly depressed and had a severe aversion to eating. This is the exact opposite of my usual self. I fell into deep depression, to the point where I just laid on the couch. I lost 30 pounds in a month. My husband called my parents over, and they all said I had to go see a psychiatrist or they would put me in the hospital. I chose the first, and he put me on Xanax (alprazolam). Within 48 hours I was my old self. Unfortunately he prescribed the Xanax extended release ( just new on the market, so he got a kickback) and I suffered needlessly for months with delayed release of the medication and horrid expense. I finally asked my family doctor if there was a generic, and she said it had been around for years. For pennies a day, I have great relief. I have managed to wean myself down to 1 1/2 mg. a day, and can add more if going through a stressful time. We all have different reactions to meds. For me, Zoloft was a nightmare.

-- By mtfarmwife | Reply | Private Message me

June 6th
2009
2:31 PM

These are not new side effects but a confirmation of some I've read. Two most disturbing are: the inability to cry which all my life has been a major way to release tension; weight gain and an inability to discipline myself to stop eating; addiction to sugar; lack of motivation; can't stick to anything. when I first started taking it my body "vibrated" but that stopped after a couple of months. However, my head sings all the time. It does cause heartburn so I have to take an antacid (but I also take other blood pressure meds which may add to this). I do generally feel better and now after nearly two years on Zoloft, my motivation to take on projects has increased. I exercise every day and it has helped with depression and anxiety but not with sleep. I'm afraid to go off it because of withdrawal symptoms I may have to suffer; so for now I'm going to continue taking it. It does cause weight gain and does lower motivation but since I'm 74 years old, I don't need to worry about sex drive. Hope this helps.

-- By seniorcitizen | Reply | Private Message me

February 27th
2009
5:27 PM

I started Zoloft 50 mg about two months ago. I must say i have absolutely no complaints! I was prescribed the medication due to mood swings and depression before and while i was on my period..I take my zoloft and night and within a few days i noticed my mood swings started to go away! I felt more patient and less anxious and pissy all the time. Not to mention before zoloft i was tossing and turning all night long thinking about stuff that was stressing me out..Now, i sleep like a baby! the occasional nightmare every now and then but nothing i cannot handle. The only thing i have to say is when i take it at night i have to have water with it. At least 5 sips if not the heartburn is unbelievable!! So if you are thinking about it make sure you take it with something to drink..I have had no weight gain,no headaches,no suicidal thoughts and no nausea! Also, the sex drive has gone down a little bit, but not much. I would recommend this medicine to anyone! It dosent make you like a zombie or out of your mind. It is amazing!!

-- By katenator2007 | Reply | Private Message me

February 24th
2009
8:29 PM

About a year ago my doctor put me on Zoloft for depression and anxiety. I only gave it a chance for about 3 weeks though. In the first week I thought I felt pretty good and things were fairly smooth sailing, aside from feeling a little loopy. Once I got into the second week though, I started feeling a lot more dizzy and like my head was in a constant fog. I started feeling a lot more depressed than I was before being on the drug and I was sleeping all the time. There was even a day where I had slept right through my alarm clock AND phone calls from work. I'd missed an entire shift of work because of it, which is when I decided I didn't want to take Zoloft anymore because I didn't want a drug to affect my life so negatively. When I was talking to a coworker about it after the fact she had told me that she noticed that I seemed really off recently, that I was talking slower and didn't seem myself at all. I didn't have a very good experience with this drug at all.

-- By lexibadger | Reply | Private Message me

January 19th
2009
7:32 PM

I have been on Zoloft for 20 years now for depression and anxiety. The only thing I have really found is that if i skip a dose i have nightmares that are so real I actually yell out in my sleep. My doctor told me that was a little strange because it usually happens from taking the medication and not from missing a dose. But he didn't seem concerned at all.

-- By ragtopbaby | Reply | Private Message me

December 28th
2008
10:13 PM

I have been on Zoloft since June of this yr. I was depressed, had anxiety attacks that felt like heart attacks, racing thoughts, felt unnecessary in this world, cryed alot and felt like I was going to be fired at my job all of the time.
I feel better on Zoloft. My moods are more even. I work nights now and am alone from 5p to 11p. I have had headaches alot lately. My dreams are pretty vivid and I wonder if I lived it or if I dreamed it alot now as well. I asked my doctor about this product causing weight gain and she denied that it did. In fact she blamed the steroid shot I had for allergies this winter for the hunger I have felt. Maybe so, but I was eating before that and now that I have found this site I am afraid that it is the Zoloft afterall. I am on 75 mg's. I have felt a bit dizzy at times, blamed allergies, now I am not so certain. Also, after I eat I have been feeling nausea too. Zoloft? I do not know. Is there anything a person can take or do that will remove the anxiety, racing thoughts, depression etc without feeling other horrible effects to feel better? Now I am afraid to go off of the drug. I certainly do not want to return to the way I felt, or the mean mood swings or the pains that felt like a heart attack. I also sweat alot at nights while sleeping. Thought it was menopause? Don't know. What do we do? Other than the dreams, sweats, overeating, stomach upsets, racing to the rest room etc. I feel okay. HA.

-- By 23mar | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

November 20th
2008
10:54 AM

I used to take zoloft for anxiety/depression, and it gave me uncontrollable flatulence. at the time I was also taking Trazodone. could these be related?

-- By bardon08 | Reply | Private Message me

November 4th
2008
1:10 PM

I have taken Zoloft (100 mg) on and off for about 10 years. It is very effective at reducing depression for me, but it also dramatically reduces my motivation and ability to concentrate. Hence, I am always eager to get off the drug when I feel I am in a stable situation.

My most productive and creative periods have occurred about a month after stopping the medication. I have *never* had a productive period while on Zoloft.

The most dramatic side effect for me is nightmares, which generally occur when I am ramping up or down on the med (mostly the latter). If I miss several doses, I am often treated to horrific dream in which I go on a murdering rampage, or something similarly gruesome. They are deeply disturbing dreams, unlike anything I've ever experienced without medication.

-- By jim822 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

October 4th
2008
10:54 PM

I have been on Zoloft for 3 months now. My OB/GYN prescribed it to me after I had my son since I had a severe case of the baby blues and depression. I've felt much better and don't feel so hopeless anymore, but one thing that is really worrying me is that I can't cry anymore or feel any type of extreme emotion. I've recently moved from KS to VA and when I was leaving my family and friends I couldn't even cry or show sadness even though I knew I felt it inside. It was really weird. Another bad side effect is the EXTREME decline in my sex drive. My husband is getting really frustrated with me because I'm just not into sex anymore AT ALL. But my theory is I'd rather have no sex drive than feel hopeless and lonely and depressed like I did before taking Zoloft. Once I find a new doctor in VA I'll see if there's any alternatives but for now I'm staying with it.

-- By ashleywil05 | Reply | Private Message me

July 10th
2008
5:56 PM

I have been on Zoloft for about 8 months. I began taking it for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and eating issues. Since I have been on it, my eating issues have gotten a lot worse. I began binging, something I've never done before. I have racing thoughts and feel like I am just floating through life. My weight has gone from about 120 to 155. I am not happy, and am considering coming off of the medication. Has anyone else noticed they have not been able to control their eating while on Zoloft? However, my anxiety did subside.

-- By doobee | Reply | (9) replies | Private Message me

June 11th
2008
11:21 PM

I was on 125 mg of zoloft for 3 year but decided to go off this spring and weaned off very slowly. I have been zoloft free for 10 days and have been experiencing extreme dizziness, fatigue to the point of having to nap every day, wild mood swings and severe hot flashes. I would really would like to stay off but am not sure I can get through this. Any suggested are greatly appreciated!

-- By notgood | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

June 11th
2008
3:19 AM

im 17 yrs old an on these tablets for depression. although it has cured my depression iv started gaining weight my appetite has changed all i want to do is eat. i don't sleep properly. i haven't had a good night sleep yet im tired all day my legs shake at times . i have some anxiety an i seem 2 be really loud all the time. i am also a kickboxer an the medication seems 2 make me really agitated and angry an im really worried someone is going to piss me off an im gonna do something really stupid and im scared of myself. my uncontoled rage makes me hit walls all the time an my knuckles r all scared im scared of hurting people an the look on there face when i get angry. i get thoughts in my head to kill at times.

-- By chanz13 | Reply | Private Message me

May 29th
2008
11:26 PM

I have been taking a low dose of zoloft (25mg) daily for about 9 months now and it has helped with my peri-menopause symptoms. I was having anger issues and depression associated with the changing hormones. I have never had these problems before recently so that is why they put me on the zoloft. It has helped a lot but the side effects have caused me to request a change in medication. I have some mild problems with diarrhea and headaches but nothing too bad. The worse one is the total lack of sex drive. I have no use for sex at all any longer. What is worse is that even if I do it for my husband it is impossible for me to have an orgasm or even become aroused. Strange. Hopefully there is something else out there that will help without this bothersome side effect.

-- By teresa5k | Reply | Private Message me

May 20th
2008
3:09 AM

Makes my stomach hurt like a gas feeling and burning really bad.
Night sweats are horrible. I have to change my PJs about 5 times a night and the bed is soaking wet. It really messes up my sleep. It is helping with my anxiety I think. I'm just not sure if it's worth it with all these bad side effects.
Now I am getting tingling on the tops of my feet and tops of my toes.
It's all so strange. I also have depression and this is helping a little.
I feel unmotivated lately and tired...oh did I mention weight gain because it makes me eat more? What a mess I am.

-- By mook777 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

April 21th
2008
10:47 AM

Ive recently started taking zoloft for anxiety..just started on the 50 mg today after 4 days of 25 mg. The first two days were awful for me...intense headaches, feeling sick, nausea, tired, constant yawning, jaw ache from clenching and grinding my teeth. This is my 5th day and i am restless, i cant focus on study and keep putting it off. I am so tired i feel i could sleep through the entire week. my vision is slightly blurry...but not so bad i cant see the computer screen, however my typing is really bad...that may be due to the restlessness and agitation.
I have an appointment with the doctor tomorrow, even if it's only been 5 days im not too sure why zoloft was prescribed for me when its more for depression and social anxiety. Today in the car i felt really panicky, and i thought i could just fall asleep at the wheel or have a heart attack because my heart beat has felt even faster than before. If these side effects go away in a few weeks and i can be reassured i will start to feel better and happier and less anxious then i will continue them. However my university assignments are going to be really poor.

-- By pussysat87 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

April 2th
2008
1:31 PM

Im a 33 yr old stay at home housewifey. Ive been taking zoloft for 1 week and 1 day. It is a miracle drug! I feel so relaxed and nothing in the world bothers me. I however i did get a couple brain pains and couldnt sleep for about 5 days. I was taking zoloft in the afternoon but was told to take it first thing in the morning so it can help you sleep at night. I started taking it the the am and the past 3 days my sleeping has gotten better, i toss and turn a couple times. I do still feel very fatiqued but only in the mornings and then it disapears by like 10 am. Loss of appetite whitch is good because i can now lose the 25 pounds i have gained over the holidays haha! I feel was feeling depression the first few days of taking zoloft but now its gone. My stress level isnt that bad like it was. I do feel like im in a dream but in a good way. I feel like im on a happy cloud. I love taking my happy pill (zoloft) it is helping me ALOT!
I am a quiet person by nature and now i find myself taking up a storm!
I was terrified of the carpenter bees outside whitch we have a ton of. It took me 1/2 hr to get to my car to pick my son up from school just about everyday. And i sat in the car for almost an hour trying to get back in the house. Now i find myself getting into the car with no problem and no fear of them. I actually stood on the porch with the bee in front of my face talking to it haha, they do not sting but are extremly nosey insects!
Sex drive is still good so far.
Zoloft is working wonders with me. Its not for everyone as i read all the experiences from people , BUT ITS WORKING FOR ME!
Zoloft is working wonders!

-- By tamaralynn | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

March 12th
2008
7:12 PM

I've been on Zoloft for about 6 months now. I started at 50mg a day and I am now at 100 mg a day for anxiety. I think it really helps me a lot. I haven't had a panic attack since I started taking the 100 mg dosage. For the first few days of both dosages I felt jittery and my pupils dilated. After that, though, nothing really has happened. I weigh 122 lbs and I am 5'4, so I don't know what it is. My doctor told me that the higher dosages are usually perscribed to people who have anxiety, while the lower dosages are given for depression. I haven't gained any weight, and in fact I am loosing weight. All in all, I think it is a very helpful drug.

-- By greyeyedsweete | Reply | Private Message me

February 4th
2008
11:20 AM

I've taken Zoloft on and off for three years for anxiety, panic attacks and agoraphobia. I started with 25 mg and have gone up to 75 mg/day. I am now on 25 mg/day, which my physician calls a "placebo" level. Initially, I considered Zoloft a miracle drug; I was able to get out of my house and was no longer suffering debilitating panic attacks.

I went off Zoloft when I became pregnant and resumed taking 25/mg the day I delivered my baby two years ago. I had suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety with two other babies and decided to be proactive. It worked; I did not develop PPD.

I "ramped up" my Zoloft to 50/mg day when my baby was one year and that's when the weird side effects began. An especially verbal person, I was having trouble coming up with the right words when speaking. I'd feel a weird shortness of breath which seemed to come and go and seemed to have nothing to do with exertion. In an odd way, it seemed like a blunted panic attack and I'd feel this sensation when I was not active or engaged in an activity.

I've never taken/done recreational drugs, but I do feel a bit "off", fuzzy and sometimes dizzy, like I'm on something. I decided to go to a lower dose and nearly all oft these odd symptoms disappeared...I'm back to 25/mg.

I'm afraid to wean off Zoloft completely, so I'll stay at 25 for now. I'm a tiny person, so I think we have to find the levels that work best for us; I've always been sensitive to meds and find that the "usual" amount, even OTC's dosages are too much for me.

-- By bduke | Reply | Private Message me

January 28th
2008
11:31 AM

I have been taking Zoloft for over 7 years, Zoloft it might help you when you have \Depression because it seems that it works for a short period of time, or course everybody is different, after seven years taking Zoloft for Anxiety I got to the conclusion that the Science don't really know how the brain works, in my personal experience I notice that Zoloft it keep you thinking constantly so the antidepressants are good only if you take them for a short period of time after that like in my case it just make my life miserable, go down on the medication little by little, do exercise at least 3 times a week, drink water eat properly and pray to God almighty it will go away, change things in you life that affects the way you think, be positive talk to yourself all the time, stay away for the medication at least if your problem is anxiety don't take Zoloft I regret the time when I start taking it, it doesn't over for a long time, the brain doesn't know what to do when are giving serotonin everyday, this year I set a personal goal of get rid of Zoloft for good, if were not born with Anxiety that means for me that you can and you will be like before, our body has the ability of heal itself I believe our recovery from anxiety is life change but basically if you have seen that your medication it's not working don't try another one they just don't work for long treatment, try it's hard but the longer you take it the harder it's to get away, pray to God if you are a believer you will be better, I hope this helps for you.

-- By jc2970 | Reply | Private Message me

January 10th
2008
6:14 AM

Ehemm, haha. umm I started taking Zoloft exactly a week ago. so 7 days. umm it has been fin so far. I think i have been a little happier. oh I have OCD, Depression, and Anxiety disorders, nervousness etc. I am 16..17 this year in September. everything has been fine but, the first like 4 days when I would lie down I started tripping out..it wasn't bad like or scary!! It was real cool! ahha. everything was like molding and moving into one! ahha. anyway. I was also wondering about what happens if you snort Zoloft. I have a few lines in front of me. although I did see one thing of a guy who I assume, has snorted it because there was a question"what happens if you snort Zoloft"..Answer.. don't do it, no good ..makes you feel crappy, etc"..

-- By jess8 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

January 7th
2008
2:26 AM

I take Zoloft for depression and Anxiety. I was increased to 200mg about 1 month ago. Recently, I have been having headaches (pressure behind eyes) and at the base of my skull, along with shakiness and diarrhea.Is this caused by the increase in Zoloft?

-- By lb79 | Reply | Private Message me

December 2th
2007
12:03 PM

Give Zoloft some time. At first I was concerned about the nightmares and upset stomach, but today (after 6 months) I feel so much better. I am a 60 year old woman who has arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypertension, and sleep apnea. Yes I still sleep more than 10 to 12 hours a day, but when I wake up I feel I can handle the day. I still work as a grade school teacher. I am more social with my peers at work and generally happier and catch myself singing a lot and joking around with my students. I have lost 20 lbs on Zoloft, but it could be that I am now exercising (swimming ten laps 3 times a week) and have given up drinking wine at night. Maybe that explains it, but the Zoloft helped me work on these other issues. Keep trying it, you never know.

-- By puppyjasper | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

November 14th
2007
2:55 PM

Have been on 50mg Zoloft for ~3months. At first, I felt euphoric and happy, no appetite, calmness exuded throughout my soul, but about 6 weeks ago I began to feel anxiety again. I started to obsessively bite/peel all my nails off, which I've never done. My hunger for food, especially sweets is endless and I have gained 6 pounds so far. Also, I feel completely lost and can't function with my daily activities without feeling a constant loss-of-focus feeling. I have memory loss and feel insecure. I don't want to go on a higher dose for fear I may feel worse in the long run, so I have decided on my own that I will very slowly wean myself off this drug (12mg at a time until I am done to zero mg). Maybe I will feel better than I did before I took Zoloft, but I don't yet know what the outcome will be. If anyone has felt better after taking Zoloft and weaned off of it, could you e-mail me some input?

-- By heidi3 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me

October 9th
2007
11:58 AM

I have been on Zoloft (150mg) as well as Wellbutrin (300mg) for the last year. I have been on Zoloft for nearly 6 years (for postpartum depression and then ongoing depression) and the wellbutrin was added in by my doctor 2 years ago when the depression symptoms seem to be returning. However, during the last year, I am tired ALL THE TIME - really tired. The kind of tired in which I feel like I can not function. I nap any chance I get (which is difficult because I have four children) and still have no problem falling asleep at night. I have been to the doctor and have had blood tests to see if my exhaustion can be attributed to anything but my test always come back normal. So I am now wondering if my tiredness is a possible Zoloft side-effect... And is it possible for it to be a side effect that surfaced several years into using this drug? I did not feel like this when I first began either of the medications. I also wake up nightly completely soaked with night sweats... another Zoloft side effect. If anyone has any similar experience or advice, I'd love to hear!

-- By sgjessop | Reply | (4) replies | Private Message me

September 25th
2007
7:11 PM

Those of you that has experienced weight gain....do you think its because the Zoloft as increased your appetite? I can handel being tired and going to the bathroom all day... but I would be in worse shape if I gained weight....what else is more depressing!! My husband started Zoloft a few weeks ago for anxiet, and his main complaint is exhaustion. My OBGYN gave it to me for severe PMS.

Best of luck to everyone here....

-- By ohiotara77 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me

September 24th
2007
8:47 PM

I have been on 100 mg of Zoloft for 8 months after a several years of prolonged stressed leading to depression. It has been a life saver. I feel like I have my happy, balanced life back. No weight gain, no anxiety, no mood swings. However, I do have problems recently with my jaw. I feel like I have TMJ. I have jaw pain and my bite doesn't feel right. I also have very vivid dreams, so vivid I sometimes have to stop during the day and ask myself did I dream that or was it real when the dream pertains to daily living. I am wondering if I need to cut back now to 50 mg.

-- By grantsmom | Reply | Private Message me

August 3th
2007
5:03 PM

I've been on 25mg of generic Zoloft for a week and I've developed the feeling of a lump in my throat. It seems to get worse for a little while after I take it, but it may also be anxiety about taking it. I'm supposed to increase the dosage to 50mg tomorrow, but I'm afraid to in case it's really an allergic reaction. Has anyone else experienced this?

-- By pinky243 | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me

July 3th
2007
6:21 AM

I started on zoloft about 11-2006 i started of on 50mg and was increased to 200mg daily, it's been able 8months the side effects that I have had weight gain, skin rashes, nightmares. Then 8 months on all of a sudden i started getting moody, verbalily an physicalily aggressive, snappy, unable to think clearly, remembering normal things like names, loosing things, no time for anyone or thing, no focus on things being said, zoning out of my mental alertness, nerves always on edge, headaches, sleepy, a sense of fear, depression. Coming off zoloft just heightened the side effects. I was placed on zoloft due to PTSD and major drepression.

-- By pratman | Reply | Private Message me

January 31th
2007
9:22 PM

I am in the zoloft 50 mg since 2 months for anxiety disorders and hence depression. Initially it gave me abnormal side effects but after two or three weeks it slowed down now there is very low side effects. I used to feel that i am going to die or my heart is going to stop work in the time of side effects.

it worked me initially and i felt good for few days. I can work, i can live happily i used to think so but now a days my previous condition is trying to return back and i feel anxiety again but i am still taking the medicine.

can any one suggest me why it returned back? is it due to the low dose or what?

dipak

-- By dip_bhm | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

January 23th
2007
4:38 AM

I have been on zoloft 50mg for about 8 weeks now. The first and very bothersome side affect is the problem sleeping. After getting to sleep, it is very hard to stay asleep. My nights are full of vivid dreams. I have read this is a normal side affect. The BIGGEST problem I've begun to have is that while sleeping...I guess I am dreaming that my skin is itching because I have woken up many times to the pain of me scratching my skin until I have left deep burning scratches. Last night I had to get up and get a cold wash cloth to put on the skin on the back of my neck from the harsh scratching. This has NEVER happened to me before the zoloft. It has made a world of difference in my depression, and do not want to have to go off of it. Has anyone ever heard of this? Please post if you have....need to know this is a side affect...not just me...

-- By reginasteam | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

May 12th
2006
4:44 PM

Been on Zoloft for 7 years - from 100mg and now 200mg daily for depression and mild anxiety. I have terrible headaches when I miss two days or more (my fault, of course!). I also found that my depression and mood swings were TERRIBLE when I first tried birth control pills (as someone else mentioned). However, different BC pills will have different effects and I have now found that Lo-Ovral is a a good match for me (after my Dr increased my Zoloft daily intake by 50 mg).

-- By smith384 | Reply | Private Message me

April 10th
2006
3:03 PM

I'm on 200mg a day of Zoloft. For depression and anxiety. Started January 2006 (25 - 50 - 100 - 125 - 200mg)- and it has helped a lot. BUT,,..........2 weeks ago I started with this "buzzing" feeling all over my body. (feel jittery) 24/7 - it doesn't stop.
Is this a side effect that anyone has had????

-- By vjurik2526 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

December 27th
2005
8:00 PM

I have been on Zoloft for approximately 6 months, I do feel much more in control of my depression and do not have the constant thoughts of harming myself anymore but the weight gain is a problem and that in itself is a cause of low self esteem. Has anyone found a way around this?

-- By sharry605 | Reply | Private Message me

October 30th
2005
10:20 AM

My mom,77 who has ALS was but on Zoloft for depression. I really need to get her off of it FAST! She was at 1ml for one week. I called the doc because she was having nausea. He wanted to try it one more week. She went to 2ml last monday after one week. Fri,Sat, and today she is having terrible headaches. I read all the replies on this sight yesterday for side effect. I told her about the zapping pains and she said yes, that is the kind of pain in my head. It will not let up. I took her back to 1ml last night. What happens if I take her clear off? Can the side effects be any worse than the constant pain she is having in her head? It is 2 weeks today that she is on the drug. Do I wean her or just stop now? PLEASE Help!!

-- By speakman11700 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me

September 30th
2005
6:24 PM

Hi. I have been taking Zoloft for about 3 months with very good results as far as my depression goes. Sleeping well, less irritable. My problem side effect is terrible gas. Anyone else having that problem? B.

-- By bubblegumlake | Reply | Private Message me

July 13th
2005
12:41 PM

I was put on Zoloft for (alleged) depression and unrelenting fatigue after a panel of medical tests (blood work, urine, CAT scan, etc.) revealed normal levels. After 3 days on Zoloft, I started hallucinating...flashing beam, lights, etc. Has anybody else experience that so fast? I got the heck off of Zoloft immediately.

-- By arizonascorpio | Reply | Private Message me

April 25th
2005
3:57 PM

i have been on zoloft for a little over a month. i have had a lot of diarreah. half the time i am afraid to leave the house, because it is so bad. is this common, does it go away? what good is it taking a med for depression, if you worry about going anywhere because of diarreah?

-- By rons_girl76 | Reply | Private Message me

February 10th
2005
1:48 PM

I have been on zoloft 50mg per day for about 1 1/2 months for depression. I have experienced weight loss/decreased appetite and vivid dreams. Luckly, I haven't had any negative side effects. The weight loss is fine for me and the vivid dreams aren't bad. My depression is totally gone and I feel great. I also noticed I am much more outgoing, making new friends, and trying things I never would have. I then realized that I had been suffering from social anxiety disorder and since being on zoloft it is almost completely gone. I feel amazing and am so happy. For those of you that find that you are experiencing negative side effects it may just not be the drug for you. For some people, like me, it can do wonders.

-- By amanda_country | Reply | Private Message me

February 7th
2005
1:15 PM

I just started taking zoloft. I'm confused sometimes if its working or not. i feel a bit different at first, but still feel overwhelming miner depression so far; not been 2 weeks yet. I just want to know if smoking majiuanna( weed ) will mess the zoloft up or not. Please respond, if you know or not; dont just say it will because you think its bad. Smoking sometimes on zoloft increases the positive effects it has on me.

-- By andrewmazzeo | Reply | Private Message me

January 20th
2005
9:16 AM

I started taking Zoloft in 2002, I had suffered from social anxiety disorder wich led to depression as well. I started taking setraline and felt normal for the first time in my life I was totally comfortable in every situation. I began to make friends at a rapid rate and was loving every second of my life. Stupidly I stopped taking the meds as soon as I felt better and have been on and off of the medication. I just started taking 200mg a day due to the fact that the 100mg dose wasnt helping any more, im 6ft4 190 lbs. I recommend this druf to anyone who is having trouble with depression or sad along with counseling. Anyways the side effects have been delayed ejaculation, better sleep, the first 2 weeks I felt like I was drugged everything was just cloudy and I had a wierd feeling in my stomach.

-- By ceceredean | Reply | Private Message me

January 11th
2005
1:08 PM

I am a 31 year old female who has been taking zoloft 50mg for over a year due to post tramatic syndrom. It took almost 2 months for my anxiety/depression and panic attacks to go away. It did help me get through it but in the process I have gain over 30lbs. I run over 2 miles a day 5 days a week and keep gaining weight. I havent weighed this much since I had my children. Anyway, i quit cold turkey 3 days ago and am experiencing dizziness, crazy, scary dreams, hot flashes and fatigue. I hope it does not get worse. I don't want to be back on the fat pill.

-- By hannasgymstrings | Reply | Private Message me

December 13th
2004
6:01 PM

i have been on Zoloft five years. at first it seemed to provide relief from depression. I began to experience gastro problems. No one even suggested that it was the zoloft. I have gained 39 lbs, and no energy. I took myself of this drug by decreasing the dosage over two weeks. not long enough. Now I have electrical jollts going through my head, very foggy brain, anxiety, etc. will the wieight gain go away? am i losing my mind? please comment.

-- By ponydreamers | Reply | Private Message me

October 23th
2004
4:44 PM

I just started zoloft for anxiety/panic attacks/depression I can't sit still and I am always drowsy and fogged up. When I exercise I cannot get motivated and give up. I run Cross Country for High School and im not sure If i should stay on the zoloft im scared it is going to affect my running.
Does anybody know if it affects running?

-- By lormond | Reply | Private Message me

July 22th
2004
8:01 PM

I went to the phycologist for insomnia and the DR. siad it was becuase of depression, so he prescribed me Zoloft. I've been on it for 3 months now the only side effects are diarrhea. For me the drug has worked u just need to give it a lil time. You will see the diff.

-- By mrhowdy1087 | Reply | Private Message me

May 22th
2004
7:40 AM

I experienced extreme weight gain as I went from 130lbs to 169lbs and I am only 5 feet tall!!!!! The insert states weight increase is in only 8% of people who take the medication, but after reading today, the drug company really needs to correct this! I have only lost 20lbs of the gain and I am finding I have to work twice as hard to lose the rest----I am VERY dissatified. Also, when being weaned-I experienced SEVERE dizziness and being light headed-That was more scary than the depression.

-- By sherry_peds | Reply | Private Message me

May 3th
2004
8:50 PM

I have been taking Zoloft for about six months now, and for the past six months I haven't had one menstrual period (this isn't unpleasant, but a little worrisome in its strangeness).

I am sixteen years old and I weigh 130 pounds. I take 200 mg of Zoloft (sertraline) every morning for depression. I am constantly in emotional turmoil internally, but I rarely have the motivation to express any of it, which leaves me a bottled-up mess.

I have gained about five pounds on Zoloft, and I exercise frequently and watch my diet in an attempt to avoid more gain. My emotions, ideals, thought patterns, and self image are all extremely volatile and they change constantly.

If I don't take Zoloft for one day, I feel slightly more energetic and I always have detailed, vivid dreams that night. If I don't take Zoloft for two days, I get a splitting headache, I am aggressive and histrionic, and I feel tense and hopeless. These disturbances are only slightly more unpleasant than how I feel when I take the medication; hence, I usually take it. However, if I gain one more pound while taking this, regardless of withdrawal effects, I will discontinue the Zoloft.

-- By galaxytwister99 | Reply | Private Message me

April 24th
2004
7:43 PM

I have been taking zoloft for 1 week , now starting on 50 mg. It is helping me feel so much better already. I wish I had went to the DR sooner for my depression, because it really works. I can tolerate a few side effects, loss of appetite, weird dreams, and a few headaches to overcome the depression .

-- By starjyc7 | Reply | Private Message me


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