Zoloft and sexual side effects

The first time I took Zoloft, it was a brand new drug with a high price tag and people were just beginning to talk about depression--openly. I had a positive experience with it. I have PTSD and severe depression due to trauma as a child and later from an abusive husband. I had a major depressive episode shortly after the birth of my 2nd child, exasperated by postpartum depression and thyroid storm. I became suicidal at a time when I seemingly had all I ever wanted. It saved my life in that regard.

I had stubborn baby weight that needed to come off. Also, I tend to be an emotional eater. Zoloft helped curb my emotional eating and I lost weight. Some people say overeating or eating disorders are akin to OCD behavior, both anxiety based, so in that way it makes sense. When Lithium was added, then changed to Depakote, I had a tremendous weight gain--I was PUFFY! At that time Bi-Polar was the flavor of the month--not that it isn't real--it just seemed that at the time, everyone was BiPolar. I later went off all meds and was OK for about 3 years when the ugly beast reared its head again.

Zoloft at one point both saved and ruined my life. The first time on Zoloft as a young wife and mother I think the verdict was still not out with all the side effects. I was unable to engage in sex. Not only did I not have any sexual urge but my body couldn't. I talked to a therapist and psychiatrist to no avail--it was MY problem--that the birth of a child brought up abuse issues--men are the only ones with sexual side effects! After being sexually NORMAL my husband and I were told that it was psychological. That didn't do a lot for our relationship. It also made me more distant and quiet. The new Me-on-Zoloft was like my repressed alter ego. The new me was all the more reason to need to stay on meds--just see how depressed and troubled I am. My husband and I divorced due to bad medicine and I didn't know any better. Had all the information been out there at the time, things could have been different.

I went back on Zoloft with mixed results. As a creative writing major at the university, it was like someone flipped a switch and all creativity left me. I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate and recall information for discussion or tests. I was however , more focused in the mundane--dinner, dishes, laundry, regular exercise, all the routine stuff. The anxiety before going back on zoloft made me want to rip my hair out and I was overwhelmed by everyday stuff. I would wash a dish and fight the urge to run around the table before washing the next one. Part of that, I think, was the pressure of being a single mom with 3 small children, going to school full-time and working part-time. Whew! and with little support from anyone, no dad in the picture.

Through the years I have been on many other things and this will probably be the pattern for the rest of my life. Paxil made me a suicidal zombie to the point that my kids cried and made me go to the hospital--they didn't know the suicidal ideation at the time. Effexor caused flabby weight gain and myalgia. Last year I went in the hospital again for depression (job loss, 2nd divorce, mother's death & all at once). The psychiatrist talked me into going on Pristiq claiming it was like Effexor but with none of its bad side effects. BS!!! Once again, I was duped and still weigh 33 pounds over what I did. I am AGAIN back on Zoloft and it seems fine. The devil you know is better than the one you don't know--I guess. I haven't been back on it long enough to know what will happen this time but it can't be worse than the other things out there. I'm tired of being the psychiatric community guinea pig. Everyone is different; my best friend gaied 25 lbs. on Zoloft and takes Paxil (I can't), my sister only does well on Welbutrin, my friend's mom has been on Effexor for years and it keeps her sane. You just have to find your fit. My problem has been from the medical community not being forthcoming with information and the reluctance to listen to a 'crazy' patient.

I've been taking Zoloft for nearly a month. My sex drive has not decreased but it takes me a very long time to have an orgasm. It is frustrating because my partner and I have always had a very active sex life. Now, I'm hesitant to have sex because it takes too long to have an orgasm. Any suggestions?? Sexually Frustrated

I am 20 years old and have been on Zoloft for 2 1/2 months. I totally agree with other posts in that I have had terrible lethargy and been sleeping 12 hours a night, when I am normally sleeping 7. I have also noted the foggy feeling, which makes me think I'm sleepy even though as I said previously I sleep like 12 hours a night. It does interfere with my ability to concentrate and sometimes I get concerned while driving that I will fall asleep or not be able to continue focusing. I really hate the dreams - I feel like they interfere with my ability to get good sleep, maybe they affect the REM or something, heck if I know. I also note incredible sexual side effects, however, they seem to be subsiding with time - and I hope that trend continues. What I am most concerned about is the hopelessness feeling. I have NEVER prior to Zoloft considered suicide or self-harm, however, in the past month I have begun feeling hopeless and worthless. I can't really explain why that would be because I really felt that I was improving on Zoloft. Thus, I can only conclude that it's possible hopelessness is a serious side-effect of Zoloft, one that some of us may not be able to deal with. I am going to a new doctor next week and hopefully he won't change me up too much. Oh and - seriously amplifies the effect of alcohol. So if you're a drinker and just beginning Zoloft, watch out! I lost control of my legs the first time I drank while on Zoloft, and I didn't even have much to drink. Again, I really fear that Zoloft, when treating patients with GAD or Panic Disorders may cause symptoms of depression (lethargy, hopelessness) and then we'll end up treating two illnesses, one of which is truly just a side effect of Zoloft. Hmm.. if anyone has any suggestions, pleast let me know! Thank you! And really, good luck. I believe this medication rocks for a lot of people - you've just got to figure what side effects you're willing to deal with, since most SSRIs give the dreams too.

I've been on Zoloft for three weeks now. I'm taking 50mg per day.

Mainly sexual side effects. It takes much effort to become
erect and I've had one orgasm in two weeks and it was a struggle and not enjoyable.

In the beginning, I had headaches, fogginess, tininitus, and overactive sexually for a week which disturbed me. I was unable to concentrate at work. I also sweated off and on for a couple of days and then felt feverish with chills. After a week, all of those side effects went away and now it is just the sexual side effects. I am supposed to see the doctor next week.

The positive note is that Zoloft has done wonders for me already. I feel great. I sleep through the night, wake up in the mornings ready for the day... and my mind usually races through several thoughts at once. I'm able to concentrate now.

weight gain, NO sex drive. Then my doctor switched me to WellbutrinXL, it does not make you gain wieght, and no sexual side effects. But, I was alot more moodier. I went back to zoloft and am fine, but the weight gain is back.

INCREDIBLE INCREASED APPETITE WHICH EQUALS WEIGHT. ZOLOFT DID HELP WITH MY DEPRESSION - LOST MY LITTLE SISTER TO A BRAIN TUMOR. TROUBLE SLEEPING AND TIRED MUCH OF THE TIME. I'VE TAKEN 100/MG FOR OVER 2 YEARS. GOING OFF AND TRYING WELLBUTRIN.