Depression Blog.com

Hi all: Boy am I glad I visited this site. I've been on anti-anziety drugs for about 4 yrs. Started with Celexa - gained 45 lbs. Went off that, went to Serzone - it is no longer in production because of the dangerous side effects, went on Zooloft. I take 100mg a day and have for the past few months. I have to admit that it is the best drug I've tried for the social anxiety and general anxiety disorders that I have, I feel very calm. but the side effects! I crave sweets, I feel very "dull" all of the time, I'm just happy sitting at home all of the time watching TV, I have terrible night sweats, and weird dreams, and I've experienced drastic hair loss. I'm going to try to get off of all of this stuff. Does anyone know of any natural anxiety reducers? I almost prefer the anxiety! (well, not really!)

I just started taking zoloft, for about two weeks, on 50 mg per day at the moment. It has really helped me with social anxiety, I feel more inclined to speak and be social, thats very good. I definitly have decreased sexual desire, I think I might have less ability to concentrate though I'm not sure. I would gladly take the decrease in sexual desire, but I am concerned about the allegations that zoloft causes agitation, irritation and suicidalness. Some people say that it is hard to stop taking it, and that there are extreme side effects when you quit, including depression. So far, it is working very well for me. I am just very wary of these alleged negative side affects, I definitly won't up my dosage or quit.

okay, well, i've recently gone off le zoloft. the anxiety, suicidal ideation, extreme back and joint pain, bad cough, vision alterations, dizziness, heart palpitations, weird dreams, confusion, etc. were enough to make me look back and take a serious look at its effects. oh, also, my chest turned blue last week. doctor said it mystified him, but hey, it went away(sort of, now it's just my stomach, and it's more of a greenish color). i never had a single health problem even remotely similar to any of these before i started this medication, and i am 19. i've only been on it a couple of months, to boot. on the other hand, perhaps it is all a mysterious and bizarre coincidence, and these health problems appeared completely from nowhere, with no warning at all. i doubt it, though. oh, for the sake of science, i started on 50mg, was moved to 100 about a month later,after the first dosage didn't help terribly much, and that was in june of this year, approximately. i cut back to 50 again about 3 weeks ago, finally going off it last week(roughly). hopefully, i'm young enough that these problems will eventually subside.

After having my second daughter and a very hard career, my doctor prescribed Zoloft (about one year ago) At first I felt miserable. I had a hard time concentrating, I was dizzy and almost felt like I was in a fog. After 3 months on 50 mgs - I felt so much better. I was able to concentrate on all the good in my life and not stress about the bad. I had some pills taken when my purse was stolen and had to go out of town the next day. Being over a weekend, I called my doctor to call in another prescription and they told me they would not do this since it was a weekend and refused to page the doctor. I left the following day and have just returned. I have been off now for 5 days and am very scared about the side effects I have been experiencing. I am dizzy almost to the point that I could fall over and have no energy. Then worse - I have exploded on my family and children almost to a suicidal rate. Am I going to have to be on this for the rest of my life and is restarting it back up today going to quickly make this disappear. I am very scared of these side effects.

weaning off paxil to zoloft. Have dizziness, sweats, weird dreams, tiredness, one panic attack, stomach upset. And, I think I too have been more spiritual in nature -- having differing opinions of my beliefts...that knocked me out when I read it! I am hopeful this will even out. Does anyone have any hopeful words for going from paxil to zoloft?

For those of you who have trouble staying asleep - ask your dr. about serax (generic name oxezapam)it is great to take one at night and you sleep through.

i m on zoloft for almost 2yrs now, i found that it helps me lose weight, and make me less active..........well, i start feeling so tired that i decided to stop the medicine...then, i gain 20 lbs in 3 months!!!!!!!shit!!!!!!!!but i wa eating even more healthier and less than b4...........what happen to me??????
the weight gain has bring me down to great depression again, even worst as i had never feel so fat b4, so, i start taking zoloft again, i found that i m now addict to it....and i found that i use it for weight losing instead of depression problem!!!!!i feel so guilty about it, what should i do?>

i m on zoloft for almost 2yrs now, i found that it helps me lose weight, and make me less active..........well, i start feeling so tired that i decided to stop the medicine...then, i gain 20 lbs in 3 months!!!!!!!shit!!!!!!!!but i wa eating even more healthier and less than b4...........what happen to me??????
the weight gain has bring me down to great depression again, even worst as i had never feel so fat b4, so, i start taking zoloft again, i found that i m now addict to it....and i found that i use it for weight losing instead of depression problem!!!!!i feel so guilty about it, what should i do?>

I'am taking Zoloft to help me cope with my Hyperthyroidism which has caused me a great deal of anxiety. People at work notice how nervous I get and they think I have no confidence gee wonderful, my boss told me if I don't learn a certain job that most likely I will end up losing the one I have more good news. My Hyperthyroidism really has ruined my life in many ways. I have only taken Zoloft for two weeks and it has helped me calm down a lot but I noticed the first week I had nausea and headaches and a slight weird twitching once or twice. I have also noticed I feel like I am a total Zombie, I don't even want to move to get the remote I just want to sit there and fall asleep or watch TV all day...not good for my job I have zero energy...I hate coffee I used to drink it but that doesn't help my anxiety...I am in a delema I can't wait for my surgery so that I can feel a whole lot better and hopefully I don't lose my job. I think I will tell the Doctor to give me something different because I hate feeling like a damn Zombie and another thing that I noticed is that I can't remember things that are important. Being forgetful started at least two months because of my hyper-thyroid problems. I don't have depression thank God! I new I was never depressed but thyroidism does fool with your mind. What made me feel sad for a while was the fact that I was losing my hair which became dry and brittle I thought I was losing my mind but I new deep in my heart and mind that I wasn't a depressed person. I may have grown up with a very miserable childhood and abusive father but I overcame the past and to me my future is bright and nothing could stop me I guess except my health. I believe in time after my surgery I will hopefully to live a life without anxiety.

I've been taking 50mg Zoloft daily for almost 2 years. I absolutely LOVE how this drug has helped with my depression and stopped me from screaming at my kids for no good reason. The problem is that I think it is causing me to drink too much. I have always been a moderate drinker, but for the last year or so, I have craved alcohol more and the volume of my drinking has increased to an extreme. It worries me. I never worried about being "alcoholic" before, but now I don't think I can stop. I can't seem to find any good documentation on WHY one should not drink while on Zoloft, only that "it is not recommended." I do not want to quit taking Zoloft because it has truly improved my life, but I also do not want to be alcohol dependent! UGH! Anyone else out there experiencing this?

I have been on Zoloft for several years. During that time, I have tried to wean myself off of this medication (slowly) without success. I have gained approx. 50-60lbs, plateau with dosage and had tremendous anger and inability to focus if I try to "get off of this medication". It has had the least "negative" effects of the numerous SSRI's that I have tried. However, it affects my life negatively.

I have attempted suicide numerous times while on this medication and it has affected the rest of my life because I feel it has permanently altered my brain chemistry and "I have had absolutely no success" with trying to come off of this medication.

I become VERY angry VERY QUICKLY if I do not take this medication. Others notice that I talk very loudly (I do not notice this). I no longer feel "depressed" and wish to discontinue this medication and IT HASN"T WORKED.

I am comforted to know that this website is availabel to post this info. ZOLOFT IS DANGEROUS AND A WARNING LABEL SHOULD BE INCLUDED ABOUT THE "INABILITY TO DISCONTINUE" AFTER DEPRESSION SUBSIDES. PERSONALLY, I FEEL "ADDICTED" TO ZOLOFT AND CONTINUE TO ENDURE THE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS MEDICATION.

i have been taking zoloft for 9 months now for my anxiety..but more ralated to physical symtoms racing heart rushes through my body insomnia trembling the whole package. as soon as i started taking them i felt the side effects burning sensations through my body.weakness in the legs dizzy..no appetite have lost 20kilos..had no emotions at all i just felt unwell all the time some days i felt great most of the time felt shit.been doing psycotherapy for 5 months in that time been trying to taper off goes well for a couple of days then it hits you i feel all agitated,anxious tired all the time feels like going backwards..just want to know if its a withdrawal side effect and how long will it last its been about 7 days now was on 100mg went down to 75,50,25,12.5, all with 2/3 days intervals still on 12.5mg but feeling crappy again will it go away ? because being on them feels like i am deteriating lost so much weight everyone tells me i look great, but i feel like crap...but i am not giving up worked so much at it just want to know if theres a light at the end of the tunnel..because theres something inside saying there is.

Well, this IS an interesting site. I started doing some research online into Zoloft and side effects. I began taking Prozac about a year and a half ago, which may have been partially responsible for a suicide attempt about a year ago. At that point, the doctor continued with the Prozac, but after my vocal complaints of sexual side effects, had me switch to Zoloft. I had NOT REALIZED that the sudden increases in anger and potential for violence (I live in a country where agrivation and physical confrontations are the norm, and managed nearly 10 years with virtually no problems) were related to Zoloft, not to my decreasing patience with other people. In addition, the same sexual side effects became appearant with Zoloft and, although not the main reason I stopped taking it, were a contributing factor. The MAIN reason was a sudden decrease in creativity (I'm a photographer and musician) and a sense of not being connected to myself. In any case, the doctors in the country where I live (not the U.S., not third world, but not developed world either) insisted that I would need to take Zoloft or Prozac for the rest of my life. I have very little faith in them after a number of misdiagnoses in my family and (as I am discovering by reading a bit about SSRIs) did something kinda dumb and just stopped taking it. I had sudden bouts of something *like* dizziness, more like a sensation that life was fast forwarding, like a broken DVD. When it started interfering with my productive life, I'd take a Zoloft and it would go away....slowly they got manageable, and now 2 months later, the odd sensations are still there, but very manageable (almost like mini-seizures, but mental only and very brief). I *tried* talking to doctors about this, but they all inform me that if I do NOT take Zoloft, I *will* attempt suicide again (perfect thing to tell me, I have always been a bit contrary).

The main things that I am amazed by are:

1.) The incredible rage that Zoloft seemed to create that is now (for the most part) gone. The world IS a safer place.
2.) The sense of disconnect from self while taking Zoloft
3.) The sudden drop in creativity, I can see the difference in my photographic work while I was taking Zoloft
4.) The very severe withdrawl from Zoloft, I was told by my physicians that it was non-addictive.
5.) The absolute lack of information where I live on the dangers of suddenly not taking it (one site claims that real problems can occur suddenly, 2-3 months after stopping the drug, I'm at month #2 and am glad to have found that information, will be watching myself like a hawk).

Hello everyone,

I am 26 years old and currently taking zoloft 50mg for anxiety attacks and depression. At least thats what the doctor said I had. The first time it ever happened was about 7 years ago. I was over at my friends house at a party or something, and all of a sudden I felt really faint like I might pass out, wich I never have. Then after that my heart raced terribly fast. I mean it felt like it was going to expolde!! Then it would slowly calm back down and id feel fine. Since then I have probably had about 20 or 30 of these "attacks"

I have been to three different doctors and they all say the same thing "sounds like anxiety". So anyway now I am taking Zoloft. I have been for about a year. I only had about 1 or 2 attacks since I have started taking it. I also have seemed to develope another problem and im not sure if its from the zoloft or not, but whenever I do something thats the least little bit strenuous my heart seems to race and i get tired very easy. I never used to get so wore out like that when I was a teenager, and sometimes my heart will just take off and race really fast for no reason like driving down the road or just sitting.
It also seems like going to sleep at night is what starts everything all over again, because sometimes when I lay down it feels like I stop breathing or something and I ALWAYS wake up in the morning feeling like my head is going to explode, and my eyes feel like they have alot of preasure behind them. almost like having a hangover every morning, without drinking!! that really sucks!! Im not sure if this is all zoloft related, probably not, Oh and another thing when I wake up my chest is real tight feeling and My lower back is stiffer than hell the stiff and groggy feeling always goes away within a half an hour after I get up, but you can bet I WILL feel like this all over the next morning. I dont know whatis wrong with me Am I dying or what? I really hate feeling like this, and I think its starting to impact my wife and son because of how I feel. somebody please give me some answers. The doctors dont seem to know. All I know is i hate it.

SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!!

MIKE

If you want to talk please feel free to email me
at minichs3@adelphia.net

Or hotdodge_98@yahoo.com

Thanks again

MIKE MINICH

Regarding the "brain zaps" during withdrawal from Zoloft, I had them for several weeks after being weaned off Zoloft in April 2004. I haven't had any since.

I am a 53 y/o pwm who started experiencing panic attacks about a year ago. I let them run their course until last June, when they started to become debilitating. The anticipatory anxiety was so bad that I went to work and came home and did absolutely nothing else. Anyway, my doctor convinced me to try Zoloft and it worked. The anxiety is mostly gone and I haven't had a panic attack since September. But ooooh the side efects:
I was the typical Type A personality but now I'm like an automobile stuck in neutral: Nothing excites me but nothing bothers me either. The worst are the dreams: vivid, disturbing, almost hallucinatory. I feel like I'm living 2 realities: the awake world and the dream world.
Sex is also a problem: No desire. However, I will gladly tolerate these side effects to eliminate the panic which was truly horrifying.

Hi there:

I have been on Zoloft for about 3 years now. I have many scary and intense nightmarish dreams (especially if I skip a day or two). I found it is best to be consistent in taking it everyday otherwise, I feel off-balance and weird. It affects my ability to orgasm and I am HOT a lot of the time (to the point where I need to take everything off). I don't really like being on Zoloft but my "living hell" was making me crazy and everyone else crazy around me.

I have been taking Zoloft for about 3 years. My doctor put me on it after having my baby, for the post-partum depression. It made a real difference in my moods right away. I called it my "happy pill". But the good mood didnt last more than a few months. After that, it was just something I had to take to stay "normal". I also experienced the weight gain Ive seen others mention here (now I have a good excuse!). Now, I can no longer afford it and I ran out about a week ago. The withdrawals are horrible! I feel like Im having an all-day stroke... constant dizziness and light-headedness and when I move too quickly, I feel like Im being electricuted, usually in my fingers or toes. I did try tapering off somewhat, when I realized I was going to have to stop taking it... I went from 100 mg to 25 mg in about 4 months time, then quit when I ran out. As I've read in other reviews, I agree that you should stay away from meds unless you really need them! And then, shop around and find out more before committing yourself. I am currently searching for a natural alternative for a Seratonin supplement.

Oh yeah, and the Zoloft may explain the hair loss I have experienced since starting on it as well.
(thought I should add that)

I took Zoloft for about 6-8 months, and I couldnt really tell any difference. I think Prozac has worked better for me.

My husband has been taking Zoloft for almost a year now. He loves it becuase it has taken away the social anxiety. I hate it becuase it has taken away my husband. Beyond the decrease in sexual desire(which he attributes to his age...43!), he has become more irritable, he drinks alcohol more often, he can't lose weight, and he's considering divorcing me after only 2 and 1/2 years of mariage. I do not see the same man I married. He doesn't seem to care about anything. Before Zoloft he was a sweet, sensitive man who cared deeply (maybe too much) about people and loved me unconditionally. He seems emotionally flat (best description I can come up with). Has anyone else experienced mental/emotional symptoms like this? Most of the posts deal with physical side effects.

After my last entry here, about 3 months ago, I stopped taking Zoloft cold turky (after being on it for 6 weeks) and felt a lot better without it. I've been fine ever since and gone are the complete memory loss, feeling fuzzy, and sleeplessness. Great! BUT..in those 6 weeks I gained a lot of weight and have gained even more since: from 210lbs to now 232lbs despite taking up an exercising routine and watching my diet. Also, because of the rapid weight gain in such a short time, my liver acted up (elevated enzymes) with pain and swelling.... Although Zoloft helped me initially with the depression and anxiety, it seems to be very troublesome with such an abundance of very negative side effects. Hence, the sooner you can get off it, the better!

Angela,

I can only confirm what you write about your husband - when I was on Zoloft I noticed that I had no emotions (feeling flat?) and no interest in anything. Everything slowed down and I felt lulled in an almost debilitating way. Sex drive gone, initative gone, emotions leveled... There is not much advice I can give you - except for accepting his state of being (not satisfactory for you) or to look for alternatives (i.e. other meds, or treatment, talk therapy?)and work with him to solve the cause(s) for his being on Zoloft (In my opinion, the meds should not be a final solution but a first step to overcome inital hurdles on the path to betterment). Remember, the person on Zoloft hardly notices the changes as much as the loved ones around them. Have you mentioned your observations to your husband? I think that would be a good first step.... Best wishes!

I have been on zoloft for 6 weeks. I am on 25mg. I has helped relieve some of my anxiety. But I still have a decent amount to contend with. After 4 weeks, my Dr increased my to 50mg. I become sick (throwing up in the am), tremors, a feeling like electricity throughtout my body, general body weakness, tired and just don't feeling like doing anything. After 1 week, I went back to 25mg. I now only feel sick, have very fine tremors, not a lot of energy, tinkling in my hands and my head and body feel like I am constantly fight off a cold. I also notice that I have an increased and intense desire to drink. I would generally drink 6-12 beers/weekend and nothing during the week. Now, I feel like drinking all the time. I find my self stopping on the way home from for a drink or two. I drink considerable more that 6-12 beers on the weekend. I just can't seem to control it. i have never had a problem stopping drinking or having these types of cravings. I am concerned about mixing zoloft and alcohol and also becoming an alcoholic. Since I have been on Zoloft, I have been a little more emotionally stable, but I feel crappy. I wonder how I would really feel if I went of Zoloft, but my Dr is convinced that I need to be on it for a while. They main reason I am on it is that I recently divorced and I'm having a difficult time with handling the changes of this new life. Has anyone else experienced what I have and could it be the zoloft?

Well i started taking Zoloft about 1 year ago or more ,i started out with 50 but now im at 150 mg and the doctors think this is the right dosage for me so im gonna stay at this one ,but im 19 years old and i dont go to school becuse of my social phobia i use to go to work but i dont feel like im needed in the world also i dont have any faith in myself ..im just so tired and alone ...only got 1 friend that i am social with. Hate it ..everything

Zoloft made me emotionless and tired all the time. I switched to effexor for my extreme anxiety and it saved my life.

I am 32 and just started taking Zoloft 4 weeks ago. It seemed to help with the slight depression I was feeling. I have been able to lose a few pounds, have been more motivated to do things, have gotten a better grip on the things that were spiralling out of control, and oddly have had an increase in sex drive. But, for the last week I have noticed some side effects that have made me deside to deal with life without taking Zoloft. The side effects have included: blurred vision, tight chest, racing heart, chest pain, muscle tremors, back aches, joint pain, muscle tiredness, muscle soreness, extreme forgetfullness, intollerance for noise (not needed when you have 3 kids), and (what seems to be a common one) an increased craving for alcohol. (Luckly my stomach does not allow me to over indulge too much, but I do not need to push the addict button.) After reading the blogs on this sight and a couple of others, it is obvious that I need to quit taking it sooner rather than later. Thank you guys for your messages. I have been taking 50mg for 3 weeks: I am going to cut it back to 25mg for a week, then 25mg every other day for a week, then hopefully be done. Wish me luck!!!

Veronica, my situation is similar to yours. I ahve taken Zoloft on and off for about 6 years and have noticed extreme memory loss (worsening every year), racing heart, chest pains, muscle tremors, joint pains and the other symptoms you listed. My husband gets so upset because I forget things he tells me within 5 minutes or less with NO recollection after he reminds me. I feel flat emotionally a lot of the time and very 'uninspired' by anything. I also have experienced an increased craving for alcohol. I am glad I found this website.

Ugh! This is the second time I am trying to wean myself off Zoloft! I am so angry that nobody told me how difficult it would be! I have been on this medication for 7 years, and the only info I was given was that it was not addictive. Well that may be so, but it is damn near IMPOSSIBLE to get off the stuff! I have been practically immobile for the last few days, suffering hallucinations, dizziness, nausea, and depression like I've never experienced before. PLEASE, before you start taking this drug - DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH!! Your doctor may not understand how difficult it is to stop taking this drug!

I felt the need to add my two cents about this drug b/c it was actually a godsend to me for many years. I starting taking it in high school when I was going through some hard times. It seemed to work really well and i felt like a normal human being. I no longer felt the urge to break down every 5 min crying over nothing in particular. I continued on with my usage for about 3 years until I got to college. I felt like I had gotten to a point in my life where I was happy enough that I no longer needed this to help me through. I slowly weened myself off with a few headaches during the process. Unfortunately I had been wrong in my assumption. I went a couple of months without this medication before realizing how much help it was to me. I ended up getting back on it and felt back to normal for a few more years. Then I came to another hardship and at that point realized that this drug just wasn't the right one for me anymore and switched to Lexapro. I was happy with the Lexapro b/c it really made a difference. Unfortunately it also diminished my sex drive and helped me gain 30 lbs in about 6 months. I've now switched to wellbutrin and have only been on it for a week. we will see how that goes...

Zoloft is a horrible drug (excuse me, poison) that does far more harm than good. If you ask me it should be taken off the market and Pfizer charged with negligent homicide (at least) for those who took it and committed suicide. Doctors should no longer be allowed to prescribe it, and any doctor who attempts to push it or prescribe it should have his/her medical license REVOKED INDEFINITELY!

Zoloft is a horrible drug (excuse me, poison) that does far more harm than good. If you ask me it should be taken off the market and Pfizer charged with negligent homicide (at least) for those who took it and committed suicide. Doctors should no longer be allowed to prescribe it, and any doctor who attempts to push it or prescribe it should have his/her medical license REVOKED INDEFINITELY!

I have been taking Zoloft for about a year now, and recently I decided to wean off the drug due to weight gain. I do have to say the zoloft helped me with my anxiety and depression I had, but now I just want off of it. I have always been the same weight and a couple of months after starting zoloft I started to put on weight. As of now I have gained 45 lbs. I am through with it. I talked to my doctor about it and she said that the gain had nothing to do with zoloft but just with stress from college. I did research on the internet and found lots of others with same problem. I was at 100mg, but I asked her about weaning down so I started taking 50mg with her advise. Big Mistake!!!! Immediately I had my first relapse (for a week). I felt so sad for no reason, and I couldn't stop crying. Plus, I felt the infamous dizziness that never goes away. Thats when I did my research... I started taking 100, then the next day 75, then 100. for like 3 weeks. then I took 75 for a couple of weeks. Then 75/50 for like 3 weeks. And so on. Now I am down to 25mg a day for like 2 weeks now. I still get dizzy, but I have not had a depression spell. thank goodness. I do know of course that it is completely normal to be sad, and I know now to listen to my body, not ignore my emotions so that they will explode again one day. I really hope that when I get off this very addictive drug that I am going to be able to manage my emotions in more natural ways though exercise, and journaling. But I do have to say that I have been having very weird dreams everynight. They are completely terrifing and I dont understand why my brain is thinking them up? I am thinking maybe it has to do with the zoloft withdrawl. I also hope that the weight melts off as fast as it piled on. Well, good luck everybody!!!

I've been on Zoloft straight for five years if not longer. I am 25 and had been diagnosed with Panic Disorder and Depression. I'm on 100mg a day. I think I may have to take it for the rest of my life because going off of it is too hard. I ran out and haven't been able to get it filled for insurance reasons (it is very expensive!) and so now because of the sudden withdrawal I'm dizzy, i turn my head and everything follows slower, extremely emotional i could cry at the drop of a dime, I'm very irratible and can almost go into fits.My husband says when I'm not on it its almost like i become someone else, that there is a blank evil look in my eyes, and I tend to space out a lot and forget things. Not to mention my panic attacks just come whenever they want. I wish I had found something different to take years ago when I needed it. This drug is almost IMPOSSIBLE to discontinue.

ive been on zoloft for two years for gad, i noticed that when i was on 50mg (the first year and a half) i seemed to cope fairly well.
i was told to increase it to 100mg when i had a re-laps but could not stand the lack of emotion.
honestly, ive been reading all the blogs here and to hear it is so common is not good enough.
i mean shit! is that their answer for people who suffer from panic and depression ? hey lets just take their emotions away !!!
dont let them bullshit you , this really happens.
good luck
david

I am so glad that i came across this web page. i thought i was loosing my mind. i have been on zoloft for about a year. my mother passed away and i had a hard time dealing with it . i have never been suicidual in fact the thought of dying scares me. my doctors put me on zoloft. she said that it would help, it did in away. didn't cry so much,didn't feel much of anything. nooo sex drive. i could have cared less if my husband ever touched me again in tht way. this was not me
have always been a very afectionate person. i talked to her about this , she said "sadly this is one of the side affects". along with the memeory loss. i thought i was getting alsztimers.
i was taking 50mg. i cut back to 25mg. for 30 days and then every other day for a week. then just stopped. it's been 2months and after reading theses blots. i'm still going thur withdrawl. i do not want to go back on this drug. my memory has improved sex is better.but i'm so tired all the time. dizzy headed,feeling drab, and have gained 20lbs. how much longer til i feel good again? i wish i had never taken this pill.

I have been on Zoloft for over 4 years. I have tried many times to get off the stuff, but I can't stand myself when I dont take the pill. The side effects are beginning to concern me: 1. there is no long term efficacy established for multi year use of this stuff. 2. There is no data (or is there) on any damage this may cause to neurons, etc. 3. Decreased Libido. It's real folks! 4. Memory issues. I dont care, therefore I dont remember.

Anyway, I feel trapped. I feel like the medication does wonders for me, but at the same time, it has negative side effects that I am sick of living with.

Is this what we've become? Dependent on mood altering drugs? I think I will look into cognitive therapy. THere has to be another way to live happily without feeling angry inside, and negative.

I am a 36 y/o pwm who started experiencing panic attacks a couple of years ago. I used breathing technics to control them or I would let them run their course. Last June when they started to become debilitating due to added stress I consulted my doctor who convinced me to try Zoloft 25mg. The anxiety is mostly gone but the side efects are an extreme problem:

I have difficulty sleeping and when I do finally sleep the dreams are extremely disturbing. The night sweats and radical increase in body temperature.

Irritable, problems concentrating, in ability to remember information, diminished sex drive, racing heart, chest pains, muscle tremors, joint pains, dizziness, loss of appetite...etc.

I have reduced my dosage to 12.5 mg a day in hopes this helps

I recently started taking zoloft about a month ago, I was taking 50mg, then a 100mg, now im up to 200mg. I know a couple people on ssri and they all take 25-50, im wondering if my doesage is high or what.

Gentlemen:

There is a wonderful long-term not short term fat burner product hitting the market soon. Please see www.serofil.com, from Nutrico. The company plans to launch their online advertising with AOL quite shortly. Your company would be a great source to obtain this product. While working with the Serotonin in the brain, its helps depression and cravings. No stimulants.

Wholesale prices are phenomenal!

Please let me know whom I may contact about placing product on your shelves!

Thank you

Wow I read all this negative stuff about this pill and I'm suprised!, I had taken Zoloft for about 6 months or so and then quit cold turkey and had no ill effects of doing so. The pill helped me a great deal, I had PPD and was prescribed to take it they wanted me to take 100mg a day but I never went that high on it. I took 25mg at the most. I'm having panic attacks again now after about a year of being off of the meds so I'm going to start taking 25mg a day again to see if it helps.

Great drug for the first year, resolved my anxiety and depression. I became very energetic, very focused. Really impressed my boss. I had been slim my whole life but i suddenly developed a voracious appetite and gained 30 pounds in one year, mostly in my belly. To my wife's delight, i reacquired the sexual libido and performance of an 18 year old, i am 36 now. I experienced lengthy and painful erections. Sometimes i could not achieve ejaculation even after nearly two hour of sexual intercourse. It was a wonderful time; i thought i would want to keep taking this medication forever. Then the fog set in my mind, like many others here, i became emotionally numb. Stone cold heart. I would be restless at night, tossing aroung, waking up my wife. I would sweat profusely during my sleep and wake up soaked cold with transpiration. Then the headaches started to put pressure behind my eyes and i felt like a vise grip was tightening around my brain. My daily dosage was 100M/D, i had to take it early we i woke up, if i took the medicine later in the day, i could not sleep at night. I would be restless, sitting in front of the computer until 5AM when i would be so exhausted that i would finally be able to fall asleep. I started experiencing memory loss and it became problematic because i was not able any longer to carry out an intellectual conversation with my spouse or friends. i could not find the words for the things i wanted to express in conversation. I nearly lost my ability to enjoy aesthetic experiences. I had little feelings left. This drug desensitized me physically, psychologically and sexually. I started feeling mentally blank. I nearly broke up my relationship with my wife because of the way I became. After 20 months, i was ready and eager to get off zoloft. I lowered the dosage progressively for the next two months, the side effects were getting worse so i finally quit while on a trip in Paris. The withdrawals were severe and painful. Heart throbbing, uncontrollable feeling of electric current buzzing through my body. I felt like my nerves had turned raw. i could not sleep. It was hell. I ended up having to take muscle relaxers and painkillers to function on a daily basis. I became addicted to some strong pain meds, i slowly lowered my intake and finally quit after 6 months. Then, a couple of stressful and traumatic events happened and i relapsed in deep depression accompanied by anger, sexual dysfunction, also lost 20 pounds since i quit zoloft. I have no appetite any more. Food tastes terrible. I took a couple of zoloft pills this week to help me cope with stressful events, the headaches immediately reappeared. The blank stares, dumbfounded mind, heartless soul came back to haunt me. Just took 3 Tylenols to help with headache. I cannot function without pain meds anymore. Currently looking at alternative meds and solutions.
Good luck to you all. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post, i will check back.

hi mac i am a person that is scared of takeing meds i took paxil and it didn't help me i only took it for three days but the panic attackes scared me so bad that i stoped and i could'nt sit still but now things seem un reall to me like i feel strang i keep thinking am i going crazy or what i am so sick of feeling this way i have a phobia of medication now because of bad expereances so now i am stuck my tharipist says tell my self i am ok but this time i think my thoughts are tacking ouver if you our anyone els are reading this and have some advise write and i'll check back or email me at sonyahdoor@yahoo.com thanks lisa

I have been taking zoloft for about two weeks now at 100mgs and am a 29 yo male. I absolutely cannot have an orgasm. Has anyone had this problem initially and then have it go away with time as my doctor is telling me?

I was on Zoloft for about five months (only 50mg). It seems like it really helps when you have stuff to do during the day - it was good when uni was on, but then the holidays started. I had a casual job, just in an office, and when I was there, I felt energetic, got stuff done, and I'd come home in a good mood.

But other days? Totally miserable. I ended up reading all the time in an effort to distract myself; didn't work that well. I couldn't seem to cry at all, even when I felt like crap and it would've been a relief. I saw a different doctor and changed drugs. A few days after I'd stopped the Zoloft, I had a major crying fit for no apparent reason, but I felt better for it.

My dreams got more vivid and a bit weird, but no nightmares. Waking up, it was like, whoa, that was a bit much, but it was bearable. I also got vertigo, particularly after going in lifts, but again, bearable. Never staggered/fell down.

It really did help when it came to writing notes, working, doing assignments etc, but taking it when I'm not doing much is not something I'll do again.

I have been off of zoloft (100mg) for one week now and am in absolute withdrawl. Very fatigued, lathargic, not interested in my one and three year olds, sick to my stomach, etc. I will once again return to this drug tomorrow as I can't go on like this. I have no insurance and the costs are staggering, but I can't live like this anymore. The longest I have gone with out it is two weeks. Even reducing the intake slowly has not helped. Also, has anyone taken this during pregnancy. Have I damaged my baby some how?

I tried Zoloft last month and had severe joint pain. It was to the point where I couldn't bend my fingers and every joint in my body hurt. After 3 days I finally called my doctor (i was unsure what this was from) and she told me to quit the Zoloft to see if it helped. 2 days later the joint pain was gone. I am now trying Effexor and haven't had any adverse effects besides feeling a lil nauseous when I take it but that is a normal side effect that is supposed to subside after a few weeks.

I've also taken Prozac in the past that worked wonderfully until I started taking the depo shot (yes i know its dumb to be on depo when you have depression but worrying about if i took my birth control everyday added stress and worry). If I can't find a good drug that works with depo I may try an alternative form of birth control.

I started zoloft on april 17, 2008. I started having side effects right away but they were tolerable. However I also was very nervous, anguish in the morning to the point of actually shaking. I take my pill 50mg at night. I tried to cut back on the dose, but when ever I got to 50mg I again felt this way. I also have not felt much better Its been 3 wks. I need some advice. My doctor wants me to try a completely different med. called seroquel. It is for bipolar. I do not think i am bipolar at all. And this med scares me. please help. does zoloft or other antidepr. take longer than 3 wks? Has anyone had nervousness, shaking on these. please help.

I read that Acne can be caused by Zoloft. I am 33 and have been struggling with Acne on and off for about a year. Does anyone have a suggestion for a treatment that would not have this side effect?

Zoloft DID eliminate my depression while I was on it. However...

In 2 and a half years of taking Zoloft I gained 80 pounds (I'm a male. I went from 145lbs to 225lbs).

The withdrawals when I decided to stop taking it were terrible. I had nightmares, feelings of an electrical current zapping through my brain at random times throughout the day, and a VERY intense pain in my legs that would come and go for about half an hour at a time, throughout the day (if you are experiencing this right now a heating pad under your knees will help). These withdrawal symptoms lasted about a week for me.

In fairness to Zoloft, it is recommended that one taper off the drug at a rate of 5% a week, which I DID NOT do. I quit "cold turkey" as they say...

Zoloft may be a good choice for certain individuals who are depressed to the point of suicide. After all, life is a better alternative than death. However, in my case I was sorry to have ever taken it, and for so long. My advise would be to research alternatives, read blogs like these, and if you start to see yourself gaining significant weight while on Zoloft, stop taking it. Look for something else.

Mercy to all who are struggling with depression.

I have been on Zoloft for only a few months, but I notice improvements already. I have a history of depressive episodes, anxiety, and extreme mood swings. Zoloft noticeably helps me personally with the extreme shifts in mood that I suffer from. Also, I do not have an overload of negative thoughts on Zoloft. It does not change my personality, nor does it make me like a zombie. It simply adds to my quality of life and allows me to fully be who I am supposed to be, minus the debilitating depression. Zoloft somewhat helps with my anxiety and anger, but I must admit that I wish it was more effective with these symptoms. Fortunately, I do not notice any sexual side effects. Occasionally I get minor side effects such as headaches, jittery-ness, and fatigue, but the benefits definitely outweigh these factors. The side effects do not bother me a lot at all.

I recently was taking zoloft for about 7 weeks and starting feeling better. soon as i felt better I stop taking it just stopped cold turkey being feeling fine.Now I feel so angry and frustrated like I want to explode.Is this normal when you don't ween yourself off the drug?

I have been on Zoloft since it first came out (1998) Originally it was a wonder drug - started on 50 mg - then it wasn't woring that good. went up to 100mg - then same thing - went to 150 mg and eventually 200mg. now it doesn't wor. went on effexor. hated it
wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience.I am a loss and scared.

yes i felt week and short of breathe went to dr they put me on zoloft i felt pretty bad the first 4 weeks then for about 2 weeks felt better now ive been feeling bad again could i need more medicine or maybe a different one...

I have been on zoloft for 8 years. When I take the medication I don't care about other peoples feelings. All I care about is how I feel and I don't care if anyone tells me that I am hurting them.
I have lost numerous relationships over this. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

I've been on Zoloft for about 6-7 years. 100mg a day. I was originally given it to combat low blood pressure. It works great on that front, as I dont feel like passing out all the time anymore. it also helped with the teenage moods too as when i started on it I was 13/14.

At that age, I never cared to look into side effects, It's been more the last Year or so. But I have been experincing these side effects for about 3-4 years.

Decreased sexual desire - well I never had any in the first place at that age, but I do notice it increases if I dont take Zoloft for a few days

Trouble Sleeping - Constantly. Everytime I tell a doctor they say I'm young and should just get more excercise to wear myself out. The only way I have a good nights sleep is if I'm drunk or if I take some Codeine.

Weight Gain - I know you slowly gain weight as you get older, but suddenly 3 years ago, putting on 15kg? Thats insane. In a period of 3 months.

I also find it really easy to lose concentration.

I crave sweets soooo often, and of course cant help myself.

I've also had a problem with Jaundice and Yellowing of the whites of my eyes. I have no idea whether this is related to Zoloft or not, but it just makes me wonder.

I do worry what long term effects it can have on my body, but I'm more concerned about Coming off it. I tried going off for two weeks and oh my god the damage I caused... I went nuts at everyone.

I have been on Zoloft for depression, after my son a Marine, had his leg taking off by a drunk driver, I became depressed, and had anxiety attacks. Zoloft, has helped to take the edge off, I have not had an attack for months! my husband never wants me to get off of it, I was headed for divorce without it. BUT, I have gained 12 pounds, I can't concentrate, I don't have the energy to run anymore, my speech sometimes gets all twisted, no control over my thoughts.....I guess the worst of this is the rapid weight gain, I hate it! and I am not eating more, but less???
I am going to ask my doc for a natural home remedy if she has one, I heard vita B shots weekly could help, we'll see. But I don't want to get any fatter, or that may lead me to a divorce!

Hi,
I am here for the first time. I am not on Zoloft or any other drugs, but someone I truly love does and he is not the same man I used to know anymore. He started taking Zoloft for 8 weeks ago and now he is not the same warm person I knew. He is cold and showing no emotion. I understand he needs this drugs tu survive, but I am afraid if what he becomes. I am also very sad of he has become. What can I do to support him, to support someone who doesnt show much or any emotion? Can anybody give me some advices? I feel I am losing him...
Thank you
Alexis

I have been on Zoloft for just over 3 months now... It has helped tremendously with my OCD, anxiety and anger but I have been very sad and low (since before starting it) I am going through a lot in my life right now (divorce, nursing school, lonely and caring for 2 young children). I am only taking 50mg i want to be happy...my doctor suggested therapy... And suggestions?

I have been on Zoloft for 14 years since the birth of my last child, I am now 52 years old. I am on 100 mg and take it faithfully every day. I thought about trying something different because of the sexual side effects and the 75 pound weight gain thru these years but I am afraid of the returning anxiety, panic attacks, depression and depersonation(feeling disconnected with self). My biuggest concern is that for the last two years I have experienced major major muscle stiffness, pain in my joints to where I look like I suffer from arthritis which I have been tested for and all negative, thought a Vitamin D deficiency but fine and all blood work is fine. I can't even exercise because of the pain. I have not shared this with my family and they have no idea the pain that I experience but life is passing me by. I am full of life normally and look at thinggs as glass half full but its slowly becoming half empty. Has anyone experienced this muscle stiffness and joint pain. I am scared to go off it and then what would they put me on, it seems like I know Zoloft so well but.. I am ready for a change if it will get rid of this pain.

I took Zoloft for 9 years. In that time I went off it twice for a 2-3 month period. I went back on it both times as I felt i Was happier on it, I really enjoyed life on it. But now, i am married and we are talking abouthaving kids. I wanted to see if i could have kids clean, just being me, not the zoloft altered version. Plus I have been getting agitated and angry lately so i wanted to confirm if it was the pills.

I am currently off Zoloft almost two months. The withdrawals were horrible as they always are when I try to get off - dizziness, brain zaps , irritable, emotional.

What I find helps when planning to go off this drug:

Have an established work out routine before tapering and do your absolute best to keep it up as the withdrawals kick in.

Keep Advil with u for the brain zaps and headaches. And they do eventually go away. Took about 1 Month for me.

The nutrional aspect is key, I took a lot of fish oils and multivitamins the first month .

Remind yourself that if u have to take the pill to feel better u can. What I am mean is u need to remove the stressful notion in your mind that u will never take this drug again because, why? Because u don't want to set yourself up for failure and stress out if u need to reup the med to get over withdrawal.
Keep your mindset about getting off the drug lighthearted. " I am going to do my best and if it works it works, if not I will take it again." this will avoid stress when u realize u may have tapered too fast and u need to re-up for a short time.

Taper in very small increments. For me it took About 6 months to come off as the withdrawal side effects were just too devastating when trying to taper faster.

Tapering:

Jumping from 50-25 was pretty painless, did it in like 3 weeks.

Stayed on 25 for 3 months, then alternated day on 25 day on 12.5 for 1 month. I stayed 12.5 for 3 weeks then altered day on with 12.5 day on with 6.25 for one week then I took 6.25 for two weeks and stopped. I did all this by cutting up a 50mg pill, so the mg were not as precise as stated about but u get the idea of what your aiming for.

I feel ok right now but I feel different towards my wife as I feel like a different person off the meds. Not as fun loving, creative, passionate, no labido. On the plus side my cognitive abilities are stronger, clearer . For example memories we coming back, I can think deeper on subjects. But the irritability and anger are still there, maybe I am just getting old.

Well good luck everyone and sorry if ism all over the place with my comment.

MJ

kokob leake is a good boy

I started taking zoloft for my first time 25 mg in july, I took myself off of it a week later bc it made me have headaches everyday all day then suicidal thoughts really bad I did not notify my dr bc im scared to take anything else again. But ever since I stopped taking it ive been feeling weird head feelings&pressure on my head here and there. I have had thoughts of harming people and its made me have depression. I called my dr yesterday he said I should go back to taking it but wtf it makes me suicidal idk what to do and I can't tell anyone bc it's bad/: I don't have money to see a therapist, idk what to do but it's serious:(

How many dosseg is posion in my body.

I had sore chest discomfort all day yesterday which I get from time to time but usually goes. Im on Setraline and have been for 5 weeks now.I have been told my heart is ok. Isd this a normal side effect of the drug.