Zoloft and sleep side effects

I started taking Zoloft about a week ago and my side effects have been fairly mild. I was waking up a lot with hypnagogic jerks and felt drowsy during the day, but that was about it for sleep side effects.

Then a few nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night sitting up. I don't remember everything exactly, but I had a panicky feeling and it was like I was gasping for air. I remember feeling slightly confused and couldn't remember what had gone on in the past week (I remembered soon after).

I am not sure what this was. For all I know, it wasn't even due to the meds. But this is the first time I ever had this happen.

One time I had a completely different medication for a physical issue and my parts were activated (I have DDNOS) and I am wondering if it also might have something to do with that. I have found no connection with Zoloft to this experience online.

Only on week two of Zoloft, woke up from a morning nap 'vibrating' anxiety.
I assumed it was because of an upcoming event today, which I decided to stay home.

Hope this does not happen again to either of us and if it does I will not wait to call Pdoc.

hmmm... what did you mean by vibrating anxiety?

Catlovers141,
sorry not good with writing. Maybe this is a better description?

Waking up from my nap, in a nightmare, shaking and not knowing if it was a nightmare . Or if I was really shaking inside with anxiety.

I was able to get my bearings fairly quickly, but I was worn out after that two hour nap.

What are hypnagogic jerks?
G

Thanks for your reply, Gently. I don't think I have really experienced what you are describing, but it sounds sort of similar and thanks for clearing things up!

Hypnagogic jerks are when you wake up suddenly just as you are falling asleep. You often dream that you are falling and then suddenly jerk yourself awake. They happen to people sometimes when they sleep normally. I only included them in my side effects of the medication because they happened several times during the first week that I was taking Zoloft, and that was a lot more than usual.

Yes I know the feeling of this falling/tripping and jerking. It does not happen often, but I have noticed the cats don't move in close until I am asleep. I have not noticed an increase with Zoloft. Tomorrow up to 75mg.
thanks for your answer.
G

Have you noticed changes in side effects when you increase the dose?

Just starting to feel more energy, but anxiety has returned.

Let you know tomorrow or wed.
increase to 75mg tomorrow.
G1

Hi I was on zoloft and it made me sick had worsen anxiety and was sleepy all the time.Even though they tell you that zoloft is mild but it also can worsen panic attacks.

Yeah, that's a good point too, Kikki. I think Zoloft is fairly mild, and it can be used to treat things like anxiety and depression. But it can also cause or worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. It just really depends on the person.

first day at 75mg, maybe some stomach upset, headache, but had enough energy to go shopping for groceries. May have enough for yoga.

off for a nap now
g

Gently --
Thanks for the update! So essentially it is like when you first start taking it at all. That's kind of what I was thinking.

New energy, hard to settle down. This is day 3 of 75mg, could just be I am not used any energy.
Stomach not bothering me today.

How is it working for you?
G

Same as before. No real positive side effects, but it is still really early for me. I've only been taking it for almost two weeks now. I've mostly been feeling drowsy, but even that is not as bad as before.

Third week 4th day at 75, did not sleep well last night, more energy and because I am not used to the energy it feels 'weird'. Checked in with friends and my movements have almost returned to normal levels.
To me it feel like over- active. Just have to remember to pace myself...

on my second week a hint of more energy, so hopefully you feeling good effects soon.

I appreciate this regular updates, it can be so hard to learn when to call the Pdoc and say you need to review my meds. your posts are very supportive.
thanks
G1

Thanks for the updates. It sounds like the meds are going well for you so far. I just got a call from my pdoc saying that the things I was experiencing aren't generally associated with Zoloft, so I don't know what is going on.

But, since none of the side effects except drowsiness have persisted, I will be increasing my dose to 50mg. We'll see if I have a similar experience as yours!

Hi Catlovers,
so far so good, the anxiety is still higher but worth it for the energy
2 more weeks before I see my Pdoc by then I should be at 100mg
I want so much to have real sustainable energy! That will mean losing the anxiety as that is one big energy drain.

I am setting my timer and working on 'stressful' items 7 minutes at a time.
It does not seem like much, but I can feel accomplishment which has been in short supply with the depression illness. Hard to get excited about being able to sleep 12 hours at night and nap during the day.

G1