[Jreinhal]

Hello,
I am on day 3 of 25mg Sertraline (Zoloft). I was put on this to help me with Anxiety, Depression, and OCD. Last night was very difficult as I felt as though my thoughts were racing. Songs were playing non stop in my head. I had insane anxiety for many hours; sweating with heart racing. Today (again, day 3) I feel very nervous.
Now, I realize I have the potential to create these symptoms on my own. I was very apprehensive about taking an SSRI that messes with my brain chemistry. Would it be too soon, at this low of a dose, for me to be feeling these negative side effects?
Last, please no horror stories about Zoloft. I am very prone to triggers from other folks' negative medication experiences.
Thank you!!

[ChangingMyMind]

No, it's not too soon to feel negative side effects. Actually it's common to feel the side effects before the benefits. I actually feel side effects after 2 hours of taking SSRIs. Not to worry there. If you're worried about the actual side effects you're having, I would suggest contacting a doctor or pharmacist.

Best of luck to you!

On the plus side if you're having side effects, that typically means it's working.

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[Jreinhal]

Is it possible for these negative sides to work themselves out or is this evidence that Zoloft is not for me?

[lilypup]

I rarely find out or pay attention to side effects unless the doc mentions them (like the lamictal rash). I am such a hypochondriac I would have everything.

[ChangingMyMind]

@jreinhal side effects can go away. I think for most people they clear up within a few weeks or so. Everybody is different though. For me they never go away but I am atypical that way. I think they could wear off as your body gets used to the medicine.

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[anxteach]

Originally Posted by Jreinhal

Is it possible for these negative sides to work themselves out or is this evidence that Zoloft is not for me?

Yes side effects can definitely go away... it took me a solid month or more to really stabilize when I first started Zoloft. Then it was really helpful! Unfortunately for me, it's seeming like the meds have stopped working very well after about 5 years, so now I'm having to face the idea of changing again, which can be hard. At any rate, give yourself a little time to adjust. If you feel anything that feels life threatening, of course, talk to your prescribing doc. They should be willing to monitor you as you begin the meds and help you understand what's normal in terms of adjusting to them.

Jreinhal, you might want to keep a record of these side effects. If they persist or you find yourself revving up even more, let your pdoc know. It doesn't mean you have to come off the med or that it's not going to work for you, but it's worth keeping your pdoc in the loop about.

[Disorder7]

Don't worry. SSRIs are pretty harmless. The side effects are nothing compared to lithium or some antipsychotics ( the big guns ) that they give to bipolars and schizophrenics.

SSRIs allow neurons to bathe in serotonin a little longer than they normally would. No big deal. Your brain is not being nearly as altered as you fear.

[Sinking Feeling]

Zoloft is the only SSRI that works for me. I often go on it for a while then off. Zoloft is very strong! I usually feel better after 4 days of taking it BUT the side effects usually last at least 2 weeks for me, and during that period, it can be a little uncomfortable but then when the side effects do go away, you feel great! I start at 25mgs for 2 weeks then raise to 50mgs for at least 2-3 weeks then go to 100mg where I usually stay at. If I were to start at 50mg I feel too horrible for the first week!!! So I start at 25mg which is manageable for me.

It is very effective for anxiety! And really reduces depression. I have treatment resistant atypical type depression. Even though I am bipolar, zoloft seems to straiten me out better then antispychotics! Unless of course I'm psychotic which is getting more rare for me. Occasionally i do get hypomanic on zoloft but I'll take the rick because it really is the most effective for me. Give it a chance! 2 weeks at least!