Feedback on Zoloft Side Effects and Usage, page 22
About Zoloft
If you use Zoloft, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.
Subj: Noticeable side effects
Date: 5/2/2009
I have been on Zoloft 100mg for 1.5 months for grief, anxiety, and insomnia over having an abortion at 13 weeks (didn’t know I was pregnant) and my bf breaking up w/ me at the same time. I was having breakdowns; and had suicidal thoughts – these thoughts would keep me up all night leading to my insomnia. My doctor immediately prescribed Zoloft 100 mg and Trazodone 100mg (at night for insomnia) and I feel better each day. Along with the medicines, I see a therapist weekly, work out 5x week, eat a healthy diet, and get at least 8 hrs of sleep. During the 1st 2 weeks, I stopped the Zoloft because I felt better and thought I could handle my emotions without the meds. However, I had subsequent breakdowns (crying spells, suicidal thoughts, anxiety) so I went back on Zoloft.
Noticeable side effects are occasional night sweats, decrease libido (I’m female), and vivid dreams. The dreams are powerful but not nightmares. My sleeping pattern is under control, I’m happier, more positive-thinking, and more productive at work. Those feelings of emptiness, withdrawals, and getting to that dark place are gone. I understand that I will not be addicted to Zoloft and will need it to help me cope through life’s experiences. I believe if you educate yourself about the medicines, understand that you’re not alone, and believe you will get better, this medicine and other anti-depressants can work for you. Stay close to the positive ppl in your life – they will keep you on track – and learn how to be selfish and take care of yourself first. Hope this helps others.
Be
Subj: Sexual side affects
Date: 5/3/2009
After taking Zoloft for about a year I tried to taper myself off by decreasing dosage and frequency. I have been off of it completely for almost 2 months now. I am still experiencing sexual side affects that did not exist prior to use. Unable to maintain erection, difficulty reaching ejaculation. I have also experienced withdrawal side effects. The best description I can give is that of a shockwave through my mind and body. It is quick and feels like a pulse through the body. I have read others comments about “tremors” but this doesn’t go to my extremities as I’ve read in some feedback. They have become less frequent but have not ended. Will either of these problems ever fully disappear and will I return to the normal feelings of before use of Zoloft?
Joe
AskDocWeb: Sorry Joe, there is not enough data to give you an answer to that one way or the other. It is important to note that some people do report a return to normal after discontinuing so you can at least hope for the best.
Subj: Nightmares
Date: 5/2/2009
I’ve been on Zoloft for about 4 months now. I started at 25mg and now the docs have me on 100mg as of about two weeks ago. I haven’t had nightmares except for the past two weeks. Last week I had two but they weren’t bad enough to wake me up. I could feel the drain from not sleeping good though. This week I’ve had four nights of nightmares in a row. Two have woke me up crying and unable to get back to sleep. All of the dreams have the semblance of what caused my PTSD in them but some don’t. Could this be a side effect of the Zoloft or could it be the PTSD?
Stephanie
AskDocWeb: There have been a number of reports of nightmares by Zoloft users. That is listed as one of the infrequent side effects of Zoloft. Recurring nightmares are a common symptom of post traumatic stress disorder so it could be either one.
Subj: Hair loss and FATIGUE!
Date: 5/10/2009
I have been on zoloft or equivilant for 12 years since I was 40. I was told it would be temporary but instead they just keep changing the med & dosage. I now have hair loss too but even worse is the FATIGUE! I now have NO energy and the least little activity is overwhelming. I have had cardiac, gyn, and endocrinology complete work up and I am learning that it is VERY possible that the Zoloft 100mg is the cause of my fatigue. Is this possible? I want to go off but the side effects are horrendous even with weaning. I never bargained for this debilitating fatigue. I warn anyone reading here…. DO NOT take anti-depressants for any length of time if at all possible. I am just a shell of who I once was due to this fatigue.
Sandy
Subj: Crazy dreams
Date: 5/11/2009
I have been taking 50mg of zoloft for the past owhh 2 months and have been extremely happy with it all though I have had crazy dreams.
Joanna
Subj: Stroke-like episodes
Date: 5/25/2009
I have been taking Zoloft for over ten years and have tried to go off of it twice in that amount of time. I was unable to stay off of it (obviously, it is quite effective for my depression). In the past 1 1/2 years I have had several “episodes” that appear to be stroke-like. At first they were diagnosed as migraine variants and were quite severe. In the past several months they happen quite often throughout the day and are quite mild. The symptoms include: right-side (esp. the arm/hand) tremor, loss of speech and/or stuttering and slurred speech, head and jaw tremor, severe dizziness and loss of balance. After being on Zoloft for such a long time, is it possible to develop symptoms like this? I have had a severe reaction to Welbutrin XR that was quite similar to this about 4-5 years ago, but nothing for over two years after quitting that and getting back on Zoloft. Yes, I am seeing my doctor, but I thought some additional input would be helpful.
Andrea
AskDocWeb: Not all side effects show up at the beginning of treatment. In some cases they may show up years later. Note that seizures, tremors, dizziness, and loss of balance are listed as possible side effects from Zoloft.
Subj: STUPID DOCTOR
Date: 5/27/2009
My doctor prescribed zoloft to me with elaval I was supposed to take these two meds at night together to help me with my insomnia. Well less than 6 months later they are testing me for all kinds of cancer. The two drugs being mixed together has caused my white blood cells to drop to 1.3 when the normal is 4.6 they are so worried I now go every two weeks for blood work I don’t have cancer. I HAVE A STUPID DOCTOR WHO PUT ME ON THESE MEDS….
Arlene
Subj: Zoloft helped me alot
Date: 5/27/2009
I use Zoloft(100mg) each night before I go to bed. I feel as though its helped me alot; I have tried everything and nothing else would work. However, if I miss one dose I totally go over the edge. You wouldn’t think that it would be possible but its happened a few times to me when I’ve run out. I have to be real careful not to forget.
Amy
Subj: I don’t want to get sick
Date: 5/28/2009
Hi there, My doctor just perscribed Zoloft to me and I am scared to take it because I don’t want to get really sick. I took lexapro once and it made me extremely sick. The doctor perscribed this for my anxiety, is it likely to get really sick off of this and be miserable?
Saunja
AskDocWeb: It is important for you to know that before prescribing your doctor compares the risks and benefits of Zoloft. There has to be more to gain in benefits or your doctor would not prescribe it.
Subj: Getting bad anxiety attacks, and social anxiety
Date: 5/29/2009
I started taking zoloft when my baby was 4 months old. I started getting bad anxiety attacks, and social anxiety, it was hard to go out in public. I’m on 50 mg, and still feel like I have attacks, even though they are not as bad. Do you think I should consider trying to upgrade my dose to 100mg??
Brittney
AskDocWeb: Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider who is familiar with your medical history. If you think that changing your dosage would help then discuss it with your doctor.
Subj: Effect of teas on Zoloft
Date: 5/29/2009
Hi, I’ve been taken Zoloft for about 4 weeks now. I’m currently on 50mg and I haven’t been having any problems. I just have a slight question. My mother told me I should stay away from some teas – while taking an Anti-D…I also take 6mg of Invega. I’m just not sure which teas are safe. I drink Teavana’s teas..which I just love. Please give me some insight someone!
G
AskDocWeb: The effect of teas on medication can be inconsistent. We suggest you avoid using any tea until you can get a specific okay by your health care provider.
Subj: Switching back to brand name
Date: 5/30/2009
Hi, Hope someone can shed light on my situation. Was switched to generic zoloft and wasn’t feeling well on it (very tired and feeling down) so my I switched back to the brand name Zoloft. Ever since I switched I am no longer feeling tired or feeling depressed, but I am having crying jags, feeling very agitated and even some suicidal ideations. Has anyone ever experienced these symptoms when switching back to brand name and how long did these symptoms last. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Genna
Subj: Short term and long term memory loss
Date: 6/8/2009
I have been taking 50 mg daily of Zoloft daily for 15 years. My memory is so bad, I cant remember names, people I have worked with for years. I have short term and long term loss. Would this medication be part of the reason? I am now 50 years old.
Julie
AskDocWeb: Memory loss is listed as an infrequent side effect of Zoloft and there are a number of reports that suggest others share this problem. Sometimes it is NOT just because you are getting older.
Subj: Extreme nausea, zero appetite
Date: 6/14/2009
Prescribed Zoloft 50mg per day. Really do not like taking pills. Took one on the Friday felt very spaced out and lost appetite, some night sweats didn’t think much of it so didn’t take another until encouraged to do so until the following Tuesday. Felt very sick few hours later next day felt like I was about to die extreme nausea, zero appetite, extreme unwell feeling ended up seeing GP who thought I must have a stomach bug. Two days later ended up in hospital due to continuing awful ill feeling lack of appetite and nausea. All blood tests were normal they decided I must have a virus as at the time I didn’t even think to mention the zoloft I couldn’t believe one/two tablets could do this. However reading some comments I’m not so sure. Two days later I feel a little more human but still feel sweaty/hot with no actual temperature. Appetite returned somewhat and sickness abated. Anyone else had such experience on such a small dose?
Jay
Subj: Suicidal thoughts, nightmares, loss of appetite
Date: 6/14/2009
Tried Prozac a few years and am lucky to still be here today. Seriously didn’t agree with me. Took for 2.5 months as my Dr prescribed. Would lie wide awake at night, angry, in tears, up and down walking around the house with seriously disturbed thoughts in my head, restless and frustrated and wanted to ‘end it all’ – whereas previously I had no suicidal thoughts. Nightmares, loss of appetite, seriously disturbed thoughts and glad my Mother was there for me, we went to the GP together and I was taken off Prozac. GP confirmed the drug wasn’t for me. Zoloft, I’ve taken for 2 years now and feel great. Stabilised and with counselling combined am doing much better. Some drugs just don’t agree with some people.
Zoe
Subj: Headaches and nightmares
Date: 6/15/2009
I just quit zoloft after about 3 years on 100mg. I didn’t talk to a doctor or anything. I just quit cold turkey. I have been getting headaches and some nightmares…but the biggest thing is that I’ve been sleeping alot more then usual and havent been able to wake up in the morning in time for school…is that because of quitting?
Jess
AskDocWeb: Quitting your medication on your own is a bad idea. We encourage you to talk to your doctor about this as soon as possible. Read more feedback. Zoloft Report – 20 – 21 – Page 22 – 23 – 24 – Last Page 34
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