[thatgirl]

After being off antidepressants for a while, I've recently been put on Sertraline (Zoloft). Does anyone know anything about it? Because I remember reading a while ago that a certain antidepressant was increasing suicides in teens, and because I can't remember, I'm scared that I could be on it. I'm not a teen, I'm 21, but still I'm scared.

Does anyone know what the name of the drug that was reported is? I've tried looking up but I can't find anything. Please put my mind at rest.

Thank you x

[h0kie]

I remember when that study came out. My husband was newly on Zoloft himself. We showed the study to his aunt who is a RN and she said that virtually all antidepressants at that time (11 out of 12, I believe) were on the list. I know Zoloft was. I think you should watch your reactions when beginning ANY new medication. Its just safe.

In my opinion, don't worry too much about it. (However, if you are feeling unsafe, call a hotline or get to the hospital.

I would also talk to the doctor that prescribed the medication too. That's what we did. She said it was more that antidepressants give you more energy right away, thus a suicidal person who didn't have the "energy" to act on their thoughts would then have the energy BEFORE they started feeling better. Not that it made you feel that way if you weren't already there.

Does that answer your question? Also, if you have someone that you trust, ask them to watch your behaviors and actions "just in case". That's another precaution you could take.

[h0kie]

Here are some links, hopefully they can help ease your mind. From what I have gotten from these articles and studies it sounds like the FDA is taking a "better safe than sorry" route to this.

FDA Orders Strong Warnings on All Antidepressants
Death is Not a Side Effect - Antidepressants and the Suicide Problem
Mental Health Update: Research ~ Antidepressants Reduce the Suicide Rate
Antidepressants and Child Suicide

[Butterfly_Faerie]

I was on it for 8 years. I went from 50mg to at the most 150mg. People can go up to 200mg but it's not often. It did wonders for my depression and helped with my anxiety. For me after being on it for so long it just quit working for me.

The side effects were awful but once those past I felt much better. I hope you have much sucess with it like I did.

[obsids]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
After being off antidepressants for a while, I've recently been put on Sertraline (Zoloft). Does anyone know anything about it? Because I remember reading a while ago that a certain antidepressant was increasing suicides in teens, and because I can't remember, I'm scared that I could be on it. I'm not a teen, I'm 21, but still I'm scared.

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I was 21 or so when I started on Zoloft. I don't know much about the suicide thing. I do know that I had a lot of unpleasant side effects with it. I'm on Paxil now, and side effects are minimal... so it depends on the person, really.

One comment I might make about meds in general is that sometimes they work great, and sometimes they don't. Sometimes you become tolerant to them or go through rougher patches where the drugs don't cover everything. Bottom line is that they help, but there is no miracle potion. I have always had suicidal tendencies, and so, were my meds to fail, I might be suicidal at times. That doesn't mean that the drugs caused the ideations. Does that make sense? Also, once you get used to feeling a lot better, if you start to slip down again, it can seem a lot worse.

As with any med, it is always good to be aware of the pros and cons. And if you ever reach a point where you feel awful, then call a support hotline if you can.

[jennie]

i think the first signs you have difficulty taking Zoloft is if the drug increases your agitation and anxiety.

[Azalysa]

Hi, ThatGirl!

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
She said it was more that antidepressants give you more energy right away, thus a suicidal person who didn't have the "energy" to act on their thoughts would then have the energy BEFORE they started feeling better. Not that it made you feel that way if you weren't already there.

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I had been recently put on Zoloft about the time of that study and was scared too. I mentioned it to my T and he said "There is a higher incident of suicide among people who are suicidal" which basically said the same thing as the above quote.

I have now been on Zoloft (100 mg - increased to 150 or 200 when I have a depressive episode) and have had no problem with it whatsoever. Not even any side effects when I went on it. However, as has been stated, each person is unique and what works for one person may be horribly wrong for another. As an example, I couldn't tolerate Prozac...go figure.

I hoped that helped to alleviate your fears.

However, I wholeheartedly agree with the other posters that if you feel unsafe on Zoloft or any med to contact your Dr. or a medical professional immediately.

[tracylee]

I think that the warnings published with nearly all anti depressants are there purely as a guide line, Remember people who arent necessarily depressed will go all suicidal on the world and there will be questions obviously, but then people who are on anti depressants/suffering from depression etc., are more or less 'expected' to go that way anyway. Does that make sense? Don't worry too much but if it becomes a major concern speak to your support people or phone one of the hotlines. All the very best of luck and lots of huggies.......

[JustBen]

From what I understand, those warnings apply to almost all anti-depressants. It seems to be a problem mostly when: (a) you're first starting a med; (b) when your dosage is being changed -- up or down; and (c) when you're getting off of a med. The only thing you can do is follow your prescription instructions carefully and keep a close eye on yourself during any of the above times.