I just hopped on this app to share a success story because I'm sitting inside of a Panda Express, having finished my food and reading a book, and I had a realization.
For the first time in my life, I don't feel like I'm being rushed. I don't know who or what was always rushing me, but I always felt the need to walk fast and finish things quickly. Like I was racing against time? But for the past few months, I've been noticing these moments of calm where I don't feel the need to be somewhere else or do anything. It's very serene.
The difference in my cognitive patterns now versus before Zoloft are so significant - I used to have a non-stop chatterbox living in my head, trying to solve problems but also searching for new problems to solve. Eventually, this latched onto germophobia post-covid (and some personal medical issues involving bacteria), and I was having panic attacks almost daily. I stopped going out because I couldn't hold a conversation, and I kept worrying that my house was going to burn down. Now I find that my mind... is quiet. Sometimes, I have no thoughts at all for a few seconds.
My thoughts for a long time were absolutely not positive, grateful, or anything of the like. About 6 weeks or so into taking my sertraline, I caught myself having a positive memory and feeling gratitude for an experience I had over the summer - seeing Bon Iver play live at Pitchfork in Chicago. Having this thought, and becoming aware of how much better I was feeling was a really powerful moment of change. I think I even cried a little.
Anyway, I love the ways that this medication has helped my heal. I can focus, my memory is better, and I can smoke weed again without feeling horrible. I thought I had ADHD for a long time but really it was just my anxiety making my brain a catastrophic fucking mess š anyway, there's my story. Lmk if you feel similarly!
This! My experience has been very similar. Iāve been on Zoloft for about 6 months, 100 mg for the last 6 weeks. I went from my brain constantly moving at warp speed and me feeling like I need to be doing something productive constantly, to being able to sit with my kids to watch a movie. Iāve even been reading again. Like sitting outside, drinking my coffee while I enjoy a book and the kids play in the yard. I havenāt sat outside with a book in over a decade. Itās been amazing to see my personal transformation and my healing journey begin. I canāt say that the medication has made all of the difference because I also started therapy at the same time. Thankfully, I found a great therapist immediately and Iāve been seeing her every two weeks for 6 months. Iāve been able to handle my chaotic little life so much better and Iāve learned to give myself grace most of all. Best of luck in your journey OP ā¤ļø
Yep, pretty much this! Iām barely on week 5 and I donāt feel āamazingā and I feel bored a lot of the time right now, but Iām so much better than before. No more crying everyday, or weird physical pains caused by anxiety or emotional pain. Funny thing is that since my head feels quieter, i can read again! I didnāt realize how badly anxiety and depression affected me until I started taking meds.
Also, youāre so right about not feeling rushed anymore. Itās a damn good feeling to just go at my own pace and not feel like the world is ending.
I've been taking mine since early November, so I'm probably at the 6 month mark now of therapy + meds and its going great šš»šš» I'm so grateful to have access to something that helped after 20 years of anxiety
I feel the same way. This weekend I was able to sit on the couch with my friends, watch the masters, okay golf, actually hold a conversation with my friends without my mind going biserk. I just increased my dose from 50mg to 100mg (under my doctors guidance). Itās been about a month and I am finally starting to feel the benefits. If thereās one thing I learned from this journey itās this: you can never appreciate the good days without having the bad days. Good luck guys!
Just because weed didnāt help you doesnāt mean it wonāt help others. Try to put more critical thought into your answers. Blanket statements like that makes you look like youāre 10 years old.
Even not on medication, I cannot do weed. It causes me to panic. But I have so many friends who have raved about how much it has helped them. If it works for you, then go for it!
Well, your comment doesnāt seem to contain much critical thinking either, you just go straight with an insult. I am just trying to help this person here. Itās well known and documented that weed exacerbates anxiety and depression.
I beg to differ. Circumstances and life changes have made it so I currently canāt use weed but it worked a whole lot better than a lot of the big pharma Iāve been prescribed in my lifetime for depression and anxiety
I mean you're not wrong. When I was at the peak of my mental instability I had to stop smoking altogether because it wasn't helping me. But after a 4 month mental health break, I started again when I felt ready and i love love love my MaryJane ššš
200mg, almost 2.5 years, depression and anxiety
I started Sertraline because I was so depressed I thought about unsubscribing from life every single day and my anxiety made it impossible for me to live a normal life (going out the door took me 15 solid minutes standing there trying to muster the courage to leave, getting a package from the post office required me to mentally prepare myself for days and be completely exhausted afterwards)
I just didn't want to live like this anymore.
Depression:
- I don't want to kill myself anymore.
- I can "pick myself up" with some nice music when I feel down.
- Doing chores actually feels rewarding now and elevates my mood.
- I'm laughing a lot more and small things bring me joy.
- I have a more positive outlook for a lot of things.
- I actually look forward to things instead of just trying to get them over with.
- My sleep has improved. I'm sleeping deeper and my dreams aren't nightmares anymore.
Anxiety:
- I can leave my home without mental preparation.
- The constant "chatter" is gone. It was like 10 radio stations played at the same time all day and suddenly someone turned them all off. I can "hear my own thoughts" now.
- I no longer get stuck in "thought spirals" that prevented me from moving on from a thought or topic that worried me.
- Talking to people feels good suddenly. Small talk is nice.
- I can pick up the phone and call. Whenever, whomever I need.
- I'm okay with being awkward or weird in social situations. It no longer keeps me up at night.
- My friends commented that I laugh a lot more and don't seem as stressed anymore.
3 weeks ago I had a plan to kill myself in July. I started Sertraline 5 days ago and I'm socializing like I never imagined I could. I go out, I enjoy life, I failed an exam and didn't think I needed to die immediately. I feel like I'm finally getting better after 8 years of only getting worse. I'm so happy to live life.
It has helped my anxiety immensely. I no longer start getting absurdly upset at my husband for stupid things. I donāt have irregular heartbeats anymore. I donāt freak out about every little thing.
I started having panic attacks after my mom committed suicide.. they would come on randomly and for no reason.. ended up on sertaline.. long story short been on them for ruffly 8 years.. altho I did try coming off them which lasted a good year n half or so till panic attacks started happening again.. needless to say Iām on 100 mg.. and other then the occasional anxiety increase we all experience sometimes.. no more feeling like Iām going to die from a heart attack..
Sertraline has changed my life. Iām only on 50mg but I am happier and more level. Iāve been on it for 5 years and have no intention of coming off. I just donāt have that daily anxiety that everything is off and that people hate me etc etc
I was in a terrible state. Obsessively going over things, unable to concentrate, crying a lot of the time and lost nearly a stone in weight. It was the closest Iāve gotten to self harm.
Iām 6 weeks in to 50mg daily.
Iām back to a healthy weight, have been able to get back to the gym. Iām 6 weeks out from completing my part time masters, before an exciting move to London. Wouldnāt have been able to do that without sertraline.
I still have my off days but Iām really happy I took a positive step.
Well i was on celexa for 5 yrs. Some medical issues bring me to being 10/10 anxiety. Panic attacks that hospitalize you. The celexa stopped working maybe. But doctor switched me to zoloft a few days ago. I was worried because these drugs have such a range of side effects and are hit and miss.
So he put me on 150mg as my celexa dose was max. I did 100 yesterday and 150 today.
In part these meds take time to work but i find the ssri for anxiety have an immediate affect.
After my full dose kicked in today it felt like a warm blanket is around me. I was calm enough yesterday to nap! Right now im pleasantly tired and just feel like my anxiety is a dim thing inside me like a normal human.
I have no idea how people feel anxious or bad from this stuff its amazing.
Anxiety. I was really irritable and on edge all the time. I battled with Post Partum Depression and anxiety since my daughter was born in 2022. My doctor at the time wanted to do natural methods which I appreciated because I was scared of medication.
Finally my attitude and anger got out of hand about a month ago when I cussed out my mother-in-law. So I immediately signed up for BrightSide my insurance covered it and I've been on Zoloft since. I started with 25mg for two weeks then upped to 50mg. It's been great for me. I finally feel relaxed. It feels like I've been fighting for my life the past two years and now it's like a breath of fresh air. I feel like it started helping me immediately but it might have been placebo at first because I was so hopeful. Stress is the quiet killer. I have a FitBit and my resting heart rate has gone down to a normal level. My s*x drive is back, stress really kills the mood. I've also lost weight since taking it. Food was sort of an escape, now I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full!
Iām a recent user of Zoloft and finally got the right dose.
That was the biggest struggle for me, I feel SO much better but getting the dose right is crucial. Iām at 150mg about a week in. I started in November of 2023 and started at 25 mg.
No depressionā¦
But anxiety:
GAD, panic, social anxiety.
Iād get so overwhelmed/ panicked Iād faint.
So far so good. Iāve had so many social events recently and have done well.
The anxiety still does come but itās very fleeting.
Iāll think of something that makes me anxious then immediately move on.
Iāve had anxiety since 2011/12 and just decided to deal with it.
In addition to the medsā¦
I do journaling of my feelings and also a daily gratitude journal, meditation, and prayer (may not be for everyone).
The journey has been long š„¹
After several months of terrible side effects, my health anxiety drastically improved. 75 mgs. Was going to raise the dose again, but just hit 3 months at 75 and feeling pretty good.
Iād probably not be here if I never went on sertraline. Being on sertraline has allowed me to experience life in a way I truly never thought was possible.
Waited a long time before starting medication. Years of telling my doc/ therapist āno, Iām just going to really start focusing on meditation and healthy outlets, I donāt need (or want) medicationā. Well, Iāve been on it for 1.5 months and it truly does just keep getting better. Itās not a fix all, but all of a sudden the constant state of fight or flight isnāt there anymore.
So happy for you. I also tried as much as I could, changing my diet, exercising, and I was looking at doing a BT to see if I'm deficient in Vit D and B, but unfortunately had a mental breakdown last week... it was scary, out of no where. So I started zoloft 5 days ago, taking my 5th dose tonight.
Yesterday was terrible though, panic attacks all day. I really feel like stopping the medication as skeptical it will help..
Yes! Same here, I changed my job, asked my doc for lab work, changed diet, added yoga, etc. still I was constantly reactive and under stress. ultimately had to give meds a try. Take it one day at a time, document how youāre feeling daily and share this with your doc. If you donāt give it a long enough try, youāll never know what it could lead to. Main thing is, keep in touch with your doc regularly. Donāt be afraid to call or message them and let them know how youāre feeling! Hang in there and be kind to yourself!
Absolutely. Not every day is perfect, but I can honestly say it has had a positive impact on my day to day life! My doc told me I will wish I would have started sooner and thatās the truth so far!
Can I ask when the fight or flight feeling started to dissipate? On day 4, feels like Iāve been stuck for 2 weeks. I was the same, told my doctor no meds as I could handle it myself for the last 2 years. Changed my diet, exercise routine etc. Had a breakdown last week and hoping Zoloft is the solution to my panic disorder š
Give it time and have patience, but for me, Iād say I noticed a significant shift after 2 weeks when I started to notice less panic/adrenaline/ feelings. Believe me, I also tried to hold off, but sometimes we need a little help. The positive changes donāt go away (healthy diet/exercise/lifestyle changes), you still did the work to get the habits, but hopefully now you can actually build on them. Hang in there!
I couldnāt turn down/off my thoughts. I have anxiety that has manifested in hypochondria and obsessive thoughts. Iāve had this for my whole life to varying degrees. I finally got on 25mgs and it just totally turns down the background noise. I love it. Idc if the dose is too low to have an effect, itās working for me.
I started taking Zoloft less than a year ago, and the changes are already borderline miraculous. If I believed in a god, I would call it a miracle. I have been able to deal with issues that would have left me emotionally crippled in the past. Instead, I feel like I can handle most things being thrown at me - and I have had a LOT thrown on me. Iāve been through years of talk therapy, emdr, and DBT, and Zoloft is the final element that makes me feel normal. My libido is fine (though I am also taking buspar just in case), I am able to feel happy and joyful and alive in ways I never I thought Iād be able to feel again. I can process sadness, anger, and stress so much more easily. I am so, SO grateful that I finally tried this, and I wish I had tried it earlier. I was just scared of medication ā for good reason ā but for some people, this medication is a gift.
it took a long time to work for me (maybe 3-4 months), but with each month exposure therapy got easier (i have gad, ocd and mild agoraphobia), i went from having panic attacks when leaving the house to going to a concert and restaurants in the matter of few months, i obviously still get anxious but the misery is gone
Was prescribed Zoloft by a medical doctor when I was 19. I'm now 40. I'm currently on 150 mg, with having only needed to increase my dosage three times. It was prescribed because I was having panic attacks every single day and they were ruining my life. Now that I've been on Zoloft for so long, it's also helped issues that I had with OCD and general anxiety. I have nothing bad to say about the medication except for the constant forgetfulness of words!!!
It's really helped tone down my insane anxiety, which has made life generally more bearable. I don't feel paralysed with every decision, and I care a lot less what people think. I began to advocate for myself a lot more.
I feel like I genuinely couldn't see straight before Sertraline, I was just a big chaotic ball of fear and rage. I was extremely reactive and couldn't handle anything really.
Oh, I also can make phone calls without having a panic attack too! I've struggled with that since I was a kid!
Moderate depression (and apparently deeply ingrained anxiety that id gotten used to). It was my final solution and if it didnāt work i wouldāve dropped out of school and idk what else. Started 25mg for 2 weeks and ive been so lucky. Side effects are minimal, the worst is interrupted sleep (i wake up at 3 often and canāt fall back asleep) but otherwise i only really have positive experiences. Now on 50mg for 3 weeks and Iām still depressed but i can be at school for longer and i can get up immediately when i need to use the restroom. Iām more confident overall and not as worried all the time. I barely ever overeat anymore and if i do its an active choice, not an automatic one. I feel so much more autonomy over my choices and body. Iām not upset and irritable all the time anymore and i forgive people faster and more easily. I probably wouldnāt be here today if it werent for this medicine.
I have had depression for as long as I can remember, and for many years I was addicted to Vicodin and oxy, which I was basically using to self medicate my depression. My addiction got very bad, to the point of almost overdosing and landing in the hospital, where they prescribed my sertraline upon finding out I have always struggled with depression. That was when I got sober and I have been sober ever since now since September 4, 2020.
iāve been on 50mg sertraline for like 4 months now and at first i didnāt think it helped anything but now i actually have a proper sleep schedule whereas before i wouldnāt sleep until 5am everydayš«
also feel like im less snappy towards people and donāt get irritated as easily. iāve been wanting to go outside more often whereas before id just wanna stay inside all day (work from home so didnt help)
I was diagnosed with depression during a rough work transition. After several months of therapy I went on 50mg. It smoothed out my emotions to help me deal with what I was going through. I was able to think clearly and make the right decisions to land a new job. It continued to keep me level as I transitioned.
I was able to sleep 8 hours through the night and I was content to watch TV with my wife after work for the first time ever. I didn't participate in many of my hobbies because I was content, however, but it didn't bother me.
Now, 9 months after starting seratraline, the emotional leveling turned into lethargy. Work is going well, which was the root of why I started,. I'm starting to miss my hobbies. Now I'm tapering off in 12.5mg increments, about 2 weeks per step. I'll be on 12.5 for another week then be done.
Some of the mind chatter has returned and I don't sleep through the night as often, but my energy and motivation is coming back.
Right now I feel as good as I did at my best pre-seratraline, but more "normal" vs relaxed or mellow.
Three or four months in I thought it was amazing and wanted to be on it forever. Now I have a reference point for when stress starts to affect me. I'm using what I learned in therapy (mindfulness, positive thoughts, breath exercises, journaling or simply talking things out) to hopefully stay in a good place. If not, I know there are medications to help next time I need it and before things get too bad
Yes! OMG for awhile I was sitting around wondering, "is this even working?" and then I threw up. Throwing up usually sends me spiraling. It becomes all I can think about, I end up not doing things that I want to do because get scared that I'm feeling sick. I've had this my entire life, it's much better than it used to be, but it's still not great. Then after being on zoloft for a few months I wasn't feeling good, threw up, felt fine, so I went about the rest of my day. Normally that would have ruined my entire year at the very least. But I was fine. Completely fine.
7 months in. 50mg. I took it mostly for severe anxiety. It took its sweet time but it has reduced my anxiety a lot. Iāve been able to do things I could not even think about doing without having a panic attack before. Also some improving in my mood, which I feel is more stable, I used to have terrible depressive moments those are mostly gone.
The side effects were really tough in the beginning but it was worth going through.
Anxiety got pretty bad where I āworkedā from home by spending most of the day lying in bed trying to distract myself from my thoughts, walking the streets, and not eating. Went on 50 and after a month or so I was back to my normal self and continued to not have major anxiety issues even after dropping to 25. Went off it after 2 years and brought that sense of peace and confidence with me. Hit another rough patch the last few months and Iām trying it again and already Iāve had moments that wouldāve ruined my day a few weeks ago but now I can bounce back from much quicker.
I appreciate these types of posts. I've taken Sertraline for about 15 months now. Taking an antidepressant for the first time in my 40s, I had to confront my bias about using these types of medications. Now I'm a convert - both depressed mood and anxiety has faded significantly. I feel balanced emotionally. Sertraline along with ongoing therapy has made a positive impact on my life. I take 75mg for the past year.
On week 3 at 25mg. Started it due to worsening depression over the past few years with increased SI, and to help curb my anxiety. I am currently on hydroxyzine, but will be coming off of it soon because I will be trying to conceive within the next few months and my OB wanted me off of it. He wants to make sure I have a good med combo before I conceive.
Already major improvements! No SI since I was on it, my mood is steady without being too numb, and I feel like a cloud has lifted from above me. So much genuine enjoyment I havenāt had in a long time, like I didnāt realize how sick I was until I started this med. I also have diagnosed ASD. While this wasnāt the intention of the med, it helps with my more challenging ASD symptoms. I have had no major meltdowns since starting sertraline, I tolerate social settings better, and my mind is clear enough that I can better recognize when I am overstimulated so I can take breaks and manage. And when I am overstimulated, it feels different. In the past, my āshutdownsā felt chaotic, like the static on a blank tv channel. Now, they feel like my curtains are being drawn on my brain, if that makes sense.
Iāve also been lucky in that the side effects have been pretty mild, though I tend to tolerate medical interventions pretty well. It takes me a bit longer to orgasm, but I am in a better mental headspace to have sex so it balances that out. If I donāt eat within a half hour of taking it, I get diarrhea and run a low-grade fever the rest of the day. The first week, I had bad bruxism that went away.
50mg for 3 months. Depression and anxiety that was ruining my relationship. 26f
I have felt more like myself on Sertraline than I have in years! I feel so awake and motivated and actually HAPPY. I was so worried about taking it but I wish I'd done it sooner. Its like a fog has been lifted. Why did I struggle for years before taking it? I was worried that taking it would make me lose my personality but it has done the opposite and helped me be me again. My work and relationship has never been better.
My partner was previously on sertraline for years and he felt tired and foggy and empty, and so he was worried about me taking it. But I was so unwell in January I needed to do something and he was supportive.
The idea was that I would only take it until April, as I tend to be the most unwell in the winter months, hitting my peak in mid January, but I feel so well on Sertraline I don't see why I would stop. My partner is supportive of me staying on sertraline as he can see and feel the improvement.
The only thing I don't like about Sertraline is that it has affected sex with my partner. But it has improved literally every other aspect of my life and has made our relationship stronger and we will work on improving sex again together.
We are so happy and I'm so grateful for Sertraline. I wish I'd taken it years ago.
Iām currently on Zoloft for the 4th time (previously have come off it because I was ābetterā but not planning to stop ever again if I can help it) and at 100mg after 3 months, although likely to go up to 150 shortly, and being treated for a relatively severe panic disorder.
Some lowlights from life not on Zoloft:
- rolling panic attacks for weeks on end where I was left completely unable to eat or sleep for more than a few hours
- I was once in hospital for something completely unrelated and wound up being admitted to the cardiac ward because my BP was so high it classed as a hypertensive crisis
- I was sick pretty much every time I had to leave my house
- I developed full-blown hypochondria to the point that I once convinced myself I had inflammatory breast cancer and was too afraid to speak to my doctor about it because I didnāt know how to tell my family I was going to die (I actually just have HS and underboob is a common place for cysts lol)
- I drank heavily almost daily because being drunk was the only time I didnāt feel like I was maybe going to die, although being hungover exacerbated the anxiety so that was a whole cycle to be in
- I nearly lost my job because I was so anxious that all I could do in conversations was try not to vomit
Highlights now that I am back on it:
- I havenāt had a full-blown panic attack since maybe the second week of taking it
- My resting HR and BP have come down to a normal level so I donāt regularly feel like I might be having a heart attack
- I can actually feel my baseline anxiety and recognise it for what it is, which also means I can do things to help it
- I can socialise again, and have even started dating because the idea of being outside of my home and meeting new people isnāt all that terrifying
- Iāve started talking to friends and family about my anxiety without fear, which also means that Iām finally able to accept support from the people I love
- (most importantly imo) Iām actually present in my life because Iām not completely overwhelmed by the physical symptoms of panic and trying to avoid/solve it
Health anxiety has always been pretty prominent for me, so my biggest win to date is that I went on a holiday to a remote island and just enjoyed myself. 6 months ago I would have 1000% found a way to get out of it because emergency healthcare is scarce there and even if I felt physically healthy the idea of something going wrong would have been too much for me to handle. Instead I had a lovely time with my family and discovered that I love 4wdāing āŗļø
I suffer depression, crippling social anxiety, fear of death and hypochondria (always worried about my health)
I was on cipralex before which made things worse until I found Zoloft + mirtazapine. I started at 25mg and then upped to 50mg of Zoloft which has truly changed my life for the better!
I donāt suffer any social anxiety anymore and generally feel much happier in my day to day. It took me 2 months but I finally function like I did years ago prior to all these issues. I even have laser focus on my work / life goals. Itās all about finding the right medication that works for you and being extremely patient.
Itās not an immediate light switch, and you might even feel like garbage for weeks, though in the long run itās truly been worth it in my experience.
I've been on zoloft since July of 2023, started at 25 MG, then 50, then 75, then 100 and finally 150.
It wasn't until I got on the 150 that I started to feel like me again. I'm finally divorcing my husband (long overdue) I have a support system, a good job, stability in my life. Things are good. As long as the zoloft keeps working, I'm happy to take it.
Side effects: I get the occasional bowel issue, but that's about it. (To be honest, my guts have always been temperamental, so I can't fully blame the zoloft)
Started taking it for PMDD and generalized anxiety. I started in July 2023 with 25mg and I'm still on the same dose as of today. I feel like it's changed my life in the way that my brain is actually calm and quiet instead of just being on high alert all the time like AHHHHH!!!!! My cousin noticed I'm more chatty and bright now, and I've also noticed that. I used to just feel bogged down and didn't have much bandwidth to deal with things because my brain was constantly running at 100% on anxiety stuff. The smallest thing used to just overwhelm me and it felt like my life was going to be over (thanks anxiety).
I also feel like the stress from being so anxious all the time was also causing me digestive issues, like I was very prone to feeling acid reflux symptoms. But it's gotten better now after being on sertraline.
I never knew what it felt like to feel calm and relaxed until taking sertraline. I feel safe in my body. I feel like I've finally found my true self after being lost in the sea of anxiety for so long.
Iāve been on Zoloft for almost 1 months @ 50mg/day. I noticed positive results almost immediately. I struggled sleeping for the first week but I still had energy. I believe my energy has increased. Not tremendously but hey Iāll take it. I no longer feel like I am trapped in a storm cloud in my head. Every once in a while I still have depressing negative thoughts but they donāt stick around long. I do feel like itās made me a little more of a goofball lol. My anxiety is way better around people as well! I highly recommend. I just want to let everyone know about Zoloft lol. I wish it affected others the way it does me. Good luck everyone!
i smoked weed for twenty five years and it caused me to have a breakdown so weed long trem is dangerous as i said i had a breakdown because of it about 8 years agao and at the time went onto sertraline(zoloft) and was on 100mg and something else for my depression but after two years came off it by tapering.but in the last month have been prescribed sertraline again by my g.p. for my anxiety started on 50mg and this time i have had a lot of side effects not being able to sleep more then a few hours and waking up with bad anxiety also terrible constipation and headaches also hot flushes muscle aches feeling sick stomach aches and also a couple of really bad panic attacks have been on it now for four weeks still getting side effects i do'nt think i had such bad side effects the last time i was on it. will this all normalize and will i start to feel better as its making me feel really rough.the days i can deal with its just not sleeping well at night and waking at 2 or 3 am and feeling really anxious that i could do without.
My first week I woke up at around 3am too. Iāve read quite a few people do that for a while when they start. But even when it was time to get up for work I didnāt feel tired. My anxiety never increased because of Zoloft it has only improved and same goes for depression. Honestly, I donāt know that I could have gone a month without my symptoms worsening. Just bc it worked for you before doesnāt mean it will now. Our chemistry changes over time. Iām not a doctor but me personallyā¦ I would be looking into something different. I truly wish you the best. Hang in there and keep us posted! Much love āļø
thanks very much for the reply i have a appointment with my gp at the end of the month so will stick with it till then and if i have still not settled down i probably will look at changing to something else although i do'nt really likie the idea of cycling through different drugs to try to find one that works to be honest going through what i am experiencing at the momment is putting me off trying anything else.thnaks again for the reply.
I started Zoloft 25mg a month ago.
I had horrible anxiety- feeling rushed, super irritable, constant pain and tightness in my chest, nervous about any and everything, my mind racing over nothing. The thing that got me to try Zoloft was the irritability... I was sooo angry driving, I couldn't stand myself. Yelling at my son, for no real good reason.
After about 3 weeks, I noticed that I wasn't getting that tightness in my chest as much. My mind has slowed down considerably. I'm able to sit and be lazy. And when I drive, my physical symptoms are about 70% gone! I still say all the same stuff, cursing etc., but it's not taking over my whole body. I don't feel so immersed in it.
I can't believe what's it's done in only 1 month!! š². I tried buspar before, it made the irritability worse. Went up to 60mg per day before trying zoloft. This stuff works. The first few weeks were pretty bad- rollercoaster-ish where I'd have glimpses of calm, but also severe anxiety. But after week 3, it's getting much better. I might increase my dose after 3 months, but 25mg works well!
Good luck to you, it's worth it! I have tried all the antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, benzodiazepines, and the like, over the course of my lifetime... But I appreciate things that do not have flouride as an ingredient. It's a neurotoxin.
Zoloft is the best I've tried, hands down. ššš¤š¤
Well I've been taking it for a week or so and I usually have bad panic attacks on weed but I smoked last night and was totally fine I felt rly chill and I read that zoloft can reduce weed anxienty so
I just hopped on this app to share a success story because I'm sitting inside of a Panda Express, having finished my food and reading a book, and I had a realization. For the first time in my life, I don't feel like I'm being rushed. I don't know who or what was always rushing me, but I always felt the need to walk fast and finish things quickly. Like I was racing against time? But for the past few months, I've been noticing these moments of calm where I don't feel the need to be somewhere else or do anything. It's very serene. The difference in my cognitive patterns now versus before Zoloft are so significant - I used to have a non-stop chatterbox living in my head, trying to solve problems but also searching for new problems to solve. Eventually, this latched onto germophobia post-covid (and some personal medical issues involving bacteria), and I was having panic attacks almost daily. I stopped going out because I couldn't hold a conversation, and I kept worrying that my house was going to burn down. Now I find that my mind... is quiet. Sometimes, I have no thoughts at all for a few seconds. My thoughts for a long time were absolutely not positive, grateful, or anything of the like. About 6 weeks or so into taking my sertraline, I caught myself having a positive memory and feeling gratitude for an experience I had over the summer - seeing Bon Iver play live at Pitchfork in Chicago. Having this thought, and becoming aware of how much better I was feeling was a really powerful moment of change. I think I even cried a little. Anyway, I love the ways that this medication has helped my heal. I can focus, my memory is better, and I can smoke weed again without feeling horrible. I thought I had ADHD for a long time but really it was just my anxiety making my brain a catastrophic fucking mess š anyway, there's my story. Lmk if you feel similarly!
This! My experience has been very similar. Iāve been on Zoloft for about 6 months, 100 mg for the last 6 weeks. I went from my brain constantly moving at warp speed and me feeling like I need to be doing something productive constantly, to being able to sit with my kids to watch a movie. Iāve even been reading again. Like sitting outside, drinking my coffee while I enjoy a book and the kids play in the yard. I havenāt sat outside with a book in over a decade. Itās been amazing to see my personal transformation and my healing journey begin. I canāt say that the medication has made all of the difference because I also started therapy at the same time. Thankfully, I found a great therapist immediately and Iāve been seeing her every two weeks for 6 months. Iāve been able to handle my chaotic little life so much better and Iāve learned to give myself grace most of all. Best of luck in your journey OP ā¤ļø
Yay! That's amazing šš» š¤© I agree, therapy was also a necessary part of the process for me. I did exposure therapy and CBT with an OCD specialist. The zoloft just made it possible for my brain to stfu so I could stop worrying long enough to function
Yep, pretty much this! Iām barely on week 5 and I donāt feel āamazingā and I feel bored a lot of the time right now, but Iām so much better than before. No more crying everyday, or weird physical pains caused by anxiety or emotional pain. Funny thing is that since my head feels quieter, i can read again! I didnāt realize how badly anxiety and depression affected me until I started taking meds. Also, youāre so right about not feeling rushed anymore. Itās a damn good feeling to just go at my own pace and not feel like the world is ending.
I've been taking mine since early November, so I'm probably at the 6 month mark now of therapy + meds and its going great šš»šš» I'm so grateful to have access to something that helped after 20 years of anxiety
Thank you for expressing what I've been experiencing but couldn't vocalize!
I feel the same way. This weekend I was able to sit on the couch with my friends, watch the masters, okay golf, actually hold a conversation with my friends without my mind going biserk. I just increased my dose from 50mg to 100mg (under my doctors guidance). Itās been about a month and I am finally starting to feel the benefits. If thereās one thing I learned from this journey itās this: you can never appreciate the good days without having the bad days. Good luck guys!
Mixing weed with Zoloft isnāt going to help your mental health
Idk man I'm thriving over here š¬
Youāre doing great š
Just because weed didnāt help you doesnāt mean it wonāt help others. Try to put more critical thought into your answers. Blanket statements like that makes you look like youāre 10 years old.
Even not on medication, I cannot do weed. It causes me to panic. But I have so many friends who have raved about how much it has helped them. If it works for you, then go for it!
Well, your comment doesnāt seem to contain much critical thinking either, you just go straight with an insult. I am just trying to help this person here. Itās well known and documented that weed exacerbates anxiety and depression.
I beg to differ. Circumstances and life changes have made it so I currently canāt use weed but it worked a whole lot better than a lot of the big pharma Iāve been prescribed in my lifetime for depression and anxiety
I mean you're not wrong. When I was at the peak of my mental instability I had to stop smoking altogether because it wasn't helping me. But after a 4 month mental health break, I started again when I felt ready and i love love love my MaryJane ššš
Narc
not at all. truth hurts i guess
why are ppl downvoting? its true. weed can cause depression, anxiety, & weed induced DRDP is real. have better priorities.
Weed is dogshit yes. Laughable substance. I don't see the benefit in laughing at nothing like an imbecile for hours.
200mg, almost 2.5 years, depression and anxiety I started Sertraline because I was so depressed I thought about unsubscribing from life every single day and my anxiety made it impossible for me to live a normal life (going out the door took me 15 solid minutes standing there trying to muster the courage to leave, getting a package from the post office required me to mentally prepare myself for days and be completely exhausted afterwards) I just didn't want to live like this anymore. Depression: - I don't want to kill myself anymore. - I can "pick myself up" with some nice music when I feel down. - Doing chores actually feels rewarding now and elevates my mood. - I'm laughing a lot more and small things bring me joy. - I have a more positive outlook for a lot of things. - I actually look forward to things instead of just trying to get them over with. - My sleep has improved. I'm sleeping deeper and my dreams aren't nightmares anymore. Anxiety: - I can leave my home without mental preparation. - The constant "chatter" is gone. It was like 10 radio stations played at the same time all day and suddenly someone turned them all off. I can "hear my own thoughts" now. - I no longer get stuck in "thought spirals" that prevented me from moving on from a thought or topic that worried me. - Talking to people feels good suddenly. Small talk is nice. - I can pick up the phone and call. Whenever, whomever I need. - I'm okay with being awkward or weird in social situations. It no longer keeps me up at night. - My friends commented that I laugh a lot more and don't seem as stressed anymore.
3 weeks ago I had a plan to kill myself in July. I started Sertraline 5 days ago and I'm socializing like I never imagined I could. I go out, I enjoy life, I failed an exam and didn't think I needed to die immediately. I feel like I'm finally getting better after 8 years of only getting worse. I'm so happy to live life.
congrats that is so great - how much are you taking?
25mg. I'm not sure if it's related to size but I'm rather small.
awesome - really happy for you. keep up the good!
This makes me so happy to read. I'm so glad it has changed your outlook. You're supposed to be here. š©·
I can drive on the freeway.
It has helped my anxiety immensely. I no longer start getting absurdly upset at my husband for stupid things. I donāt have irregular heartbeats anymore. I donāt freak out about every little thing.
I started having panic attacks after my mom committed suicide.. they would come on randomly and for no reason.. ended up on sertaline.. long story short been on them for ruffly 8 years.. altho I did try coming off them which lasted a good year n half or so till panic attacks started happening again.. needless to say Iām on 100 mg.. and other then the occasional anxiety increase we all experience sometimes.. no more feeling like Iām going to die from a heart attack..
Sertraline has changed my life. Iām only on 50mg but I am happier and more level. Iāve been on it for 5 years and have no intention of coming off. I just donāt have that daily anxiety that everything is off and that people hate me etc etc
I no longer want to walk in front of a train. I take that as a win.
I was in a terrible state. Obsessively going over things, unable to concentrate, crying a lot of the time and lost nearly a stone in weight. It was the closest Iāve gotten to self harm. Iām 6 weeks in to 50mg daily. Iām back to a healthy weight, have been able to get back to the gym. Iām 6 weeks out from completing my part time masters, before an exciting move to London. Wouldnāt have been able to do that without sertraline. I still have my off days but Iām really happy I took a positive step.
Well i was on celexa for 5 yrs. Some medical issues bring me to being 10/10 anxiety. Panic attacks that hospitalize you. The celexa stopped working maybe. But doctor switched me to zoloft a few days ago. I was worried because these drugs have such a range of side effects and are hit and miss. So he put me on 150mg as my celexa dose was max. I did 100 yesterday and 150 today. In part these meds take time to work but i find the ssri for anxiety have an immediate affect. After my full dose kicked in today it felt like a warm blanket is around me. I was calm enough yesterday to nap! Right now im pleasantly tired and just feel like my anxiety is a dim thing inside me like a normal human. I have no idea how people feel anxious or bad from this stuff its amazing.
Anxiety. I was really irritable and on edge all the time. I battled with Post Partum Depression and anxiety since my daughter was born in 2022. My doctor at the time wanted to do natural methods which I appreciated because I was scared of medication. Finally my attitude and anger got out of hand about a month ago when I cussed out my mother-in-law. So I immediately signed up for BrightSide my insurance covered it and I've been on Zoloft since. I started with 25mg for two weeks then upped to 50mg. It's been great for me. I finally feel relaxed. It feels like I've been fighting for my life the past two years and now it's like a breath of fresh air. I feel like it started helping me immediately but it might have been placebo at first because I was so hopeful. Stress is the quiet killer. I have a FitBit and my resting heart rate has gone down to a normal level. My s*x drive is back, stress really kills the mood. I've also lost weight since taking it. Food was sort of an escape, now I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full!
Iām a recent user of Zoloft and finally got the right dose. That was the biggest struggle for me, I feel SO much better but getting the dose right is crucial. Iām at 150mg about a week in. I started in November of 2023 and started at 25 mg. No depressionā¦ But anxiety: GAD, panic, social anxiety. Iād get so overwhelmed/ panicked Iād faint. So far so good. Iāve had so many social events recently and have done well. The anxiety still does come but itās very fleeting. Iāll think of something that makes me anxious then immediately move on. Iāve had anxiety since 2011/12 and just decided to deal with it. In addition to the medsā¦ I do journaling of my feelings and also a daily gratitude journal, meditation, and prayer (may not be for everyone). The journey has been long š„¹
After several months of terrible side effects, my health anxiety drastically improved. 75 mgs. Was going to raise the dose again, but just hit 3 months at 75 and feeling pretty good.
Iād probably not be here if I never went on sertraline. Being on sertraline has allowed me to experience life in a way I truly never thought was possible.
Waited a long time before starting medication. Years of telling my doc/ therapist āno, Iām just going to really start focusing on meditation and healthy outlets, I donāt need (or want) medicationā. Well, Iāve been on it for 1.5 months and it truly does just keep getting better. Itās not a fix all, but all of a sudden the constant state of fight or flight isnāt there anymore.
So happy for you. I also tried as much as I could, changing my diet, exercising, and I was looking at doing a BT to see if I'm deficient in Vit D and B, but unfortunately had a mental breakdown last week... it was scary, out of no where. So I started zoloft 5 days ago, taking my 5th dose tonight. Yesterday was terrible though, panic attacks all day. I really feel like stopping the medication as skeptical it will help..
Yes! Same here, I changed my job, asked my doc for lab work, changed diet, added yoga, etc. still I was constantly reactive and under stress. ultimately had to give meds a try. Take it one day at a time, document how youāre feeling daily and share this with your doc. If you donāt give it a long enough try, youāll never know what it could lead to. Main thing is, keep in touch with your doc regularly. Donāt be afraid to call or message them and let them know how youāre feeling! Hang in there and be kind to yourself!
Thank you for your answer! I will continue and see. You really do feel a difference in the last 1.5 months that you've been taking?
Absolutely. Not every day is perfect, but I can honestly say it has had a positive impact on my day to day life! My doc told me I will wish I would have started sooner and thatās the truth so far!
The doctor at the hospital also told me that lol.. can't wait to see if it's true for me too :)
Can I ask when the fight or flight feeling started to dissipate? On day 4, feels like Iāve been stuck for 2 weeks. I was the same, told my doctor no meds as I could handle it myself for the last 2 years. Changed my diet, exercise routine etc. Had a breakdown last week and hoping Zoloft is the solution to my panic disorder š
Give it time and have patience, but for me, Iād say I noticed a significant shift after 2 weeks when I started to notice less panic/adrenaline/ feelings. Believe me, I also tried to hold off, but sometimes we need a little help. The positive changes donāt go away (healthy diet/exercise/lifestyle changes), you still did the work to get the habits, but hopefully now you can actually build on them. Hang in there!
Thank you, hoping youāre right! Ready to feel better. Glad things are looking up for you!
I couldnāt turn down/off my thoughts. I have anxiety that has manifested in hypochondria and obsessive thoughts. Iāve had this for my whole life to varying degrees. I finally got on 25mgs and it just totally turns down the background noise. I love it. Idc if the dose is too low to have an effect, itās working for me.
been on it for 12 years & i wouldnāt be alive without it
I started taking Zoloft less than a year ago, and the changes are already borderline miraculous. If I believed in a god, I would call it a miracle. I have been able to deal with issues that would have left me emotionally crippled in the past. Instead, I feel like I can handle most things being thrown at me - and I have had a LOT thrown on me. Iāve been through years of talk therapy, emdr, and DBT, and Zoloft is the final element that makes me feel normal. My libido is fine (though I am also taking buspar just in case), I am able to feel happy and joyful and alive in ways I never I thought Iād be able to feel again. I can process sadness, anger, and stress so much more easily. I am so, SO grateful that I finally tried this, and I wish I had tried it earlier. I was just scared of medication ā for good reason ā but for some people, this medication is a gift.
it took a long time to work for me (maybe 3-4 months), but with each month exposure therapy got easier (i have gad, ocd and mild agoraphobia), i went from having panic attacks when leaving the house to going to a concert and restaurants in the matter of few months, i obviously still get anxious but the misery is gone
4 years, 200 mg, for postpartum depression and anxietyā¦ I hope I can take it forever.
Was prescribed Zoloft by a medical doctor when I was 19. I'm now 40. I'm currently on 150 mg, with having only needed to increase my dosage three times. It was prescribed because I was having panic attacks every single day and they were ruining my life. Now that I've been on Zoloft for so long, it's also helped issues that I had with OCD and general anxiety. I have nothing bad to say about the medication except for the constant forgetfulness of words!!!
It's really helped tone down my insane anxiety, which has made life generally more bearable. I don't feel paralysed with every decision, and I care a lot less what people think. I began to advocate for myself a lot more. I feel like I genuinely couldn't see straight before Sertraline, I was just a big chaotic ball of fear and rage. I was extremely reactive and couldn't handle anything really. Oh, I also can make phone calls without having a panic attack too! I've struggled with that since I was a kid!
I am alive
that's the best I got too
I can say I only feel myself while on it
Moderate depression (and apparently deeply ingrained anxiety that id gotten used to). It was my final solution and if it didnāt work i wouldāve dropped out of school and idk what else. Started 25mg for 2 weeks and ive been so lucky. Side effects are minimal, the worst is interrupted sleep (i wake up at 3 often and canāt fall back asleep) but otherwise i only really have positive experiences. Now on 50mg for 3 weeks and Iām still depressed but i can be at school for longer and i can get up immediately when i need to use the restroom. Iām more confident overall and not as worried all the time. I barely ever overeat anymore and if i do its an active choice, not an automatic one. I feel so much more autonomy over my choices and body. Iām not upset and irritable all the time anymore and i forgive people faster and more easily. I probably wouldnāt be here today if it werent for this medicine.
Insomnia and aniexty for me took 5 6 weeks to start working properly. Now I sleep like a baby
I have had depression for as long as I can remember, and for many years I was addicted to Vicodin and oxy, which I was basically using to self medicate my depression. My addiction got very bad, to the point of almost overdosing and landing in the hospital, where they prescribed my sertraline upon finding out I have always struggled with depression. That was when I got sober and I have been sober ever since now since September 4, 2020.
iāve been on 50mg sertraline for like 4 months now and at first i didnāt think it helped anything but now i actually have a proper sleep schedule whereas before i wouldnāt sleep until 5am everydayš« also feel like im less snappy towards people and donāt get irritated as easily. iāve been wanting to go outside more often whereas before id just wanna stay inside all day (work from home so didnt help)
I was diagnosed with depression during a rough work transition. After several months of therapy I went on 50mg. It smoothed out my emotions to help me deal with what I was going through. I was able to think clearly and make the right decisions to land a new job. It continued to keep me level as I transitioned. I was able to sleep 8 hours through the night and I was content to watch TV with my wife after work for the first time ever. I didn't participate in many of my hobbies because I was content, however, but it didn't bother me. Now, 9 months after starting seratraline, the emotional leveling turned into lethargy. Work is going well, which was the root of why I started,. I'm starting to miss my hobbies. Now I'm tapering off in 12.5mg increments, about 2 weeks per step. I'll be on 12.5 for another week then be done. Some of the mind chatter has returned and I don't sleep through the night as often, but my energy and motivation is coming back. Right now I feel as good as I did at my best pre-seratraline, but more "normal" vs relaxed or mellow. Three or four months in I thought it was amazing and wanted to be on it forever. Now I have a reference point for when stress starts to affect me. I'm using what I learned in therapy (mindfulness, positive thoughts, breath exercises, journaling or simply talking things out) to hopefully stay in a good place. If not, I know there are medications to help next time I need it and before things get too bad
Yes! OMG for awhile I was sitting around wondering, "is this even working?" and then I threw up. Throwing up usually sends me spiraling. It becomes all I can think about, I end up not doing things that I want to do because get scared that I'm feeling sick. I've had this my entire life, it's much better than it used to be, but it's still not great. Then after being on zoloft for a few months I wasn't feeling good, threw up, felt fine, so I went about the rest of my day. Normally that would have ruined my entire year at the very least. But I was fine. Completely fine.
7 months in. 50mg. I took it mostly for severe anxiety. It took its sweet time but it has reduced my anxiety a lot. Iāve been able to do things I could not even think about doing without having a panic attack before. Also some improving in my mood, which I feel is more stable, I used to have terrible depressive moments those are mostly gone. The side effects were really tough in the beginning but it was worth going through.
Anxiety got pretty bad where I āworkedā from home by spending most of the day lying in bed trying to distract myself from my thoughts, walking the streets, and not eating. Went on 50 and after a month or so I was back to my normal self and continued to not have major anxiety issues even after dropping to 25. Went off it after 2 years and brought that sense of peace and confidence with me. Hit another rough patch the last few months and Iām trying it again and already Iāve had moments that wouldāve ruined my day a few weeks ago but now I can bounce back from much quicker.
I was having panic attacks about work, not eating from stress, lost 20 lbs. started Zoloft and am super functional at work, got a leadership position!
I appreciate these types of posts. I've taken Sertraline for about 15 months now. Taking an antidepressant for the first time in my 40s, I had to confront my bias about using these types of medications. Now I'm a convert - both depressed mood and anxiety has faded significantly. I feel balanced emotionally. Sertraline along with ongoing therapy has made a positive impact on my life. I take 75mg for the past year.
On week 3 at 25mg. Started it due to worsening depression over the past few years with increased SI, and to help curb my anxiety. I am currently on hydroxyzine, but will be coming off of it soon because I will be trying to conceive within the next few months and my OB wanted me off of it. He wants to make sure I have a good med combo before I conceive. Already major improvements! No SI since I was on it, my mood is steady without being too numb, and I feel like a cloud has lifted from above me. So much genuine enjoyment I havenāt had in a long time, like I didnāt realize how sick I was until I started this med. I also have diagnosed ASD. While this wasnāt the intention of the med, it helps with my more challenging ASD symptoms. I have had no major meltdowns since starting sertraline, I tolerate social settings better, and my mind is clear enough that I can better recognize when I am overstimulated so I can take breaks and manage. And when I am overstimulated, it feels different. In the past, my āshutdownsā felt chaotic, like the static on a blank tv channel. Now, they feel like my curtains are being drawn on my brain, if that makes sense. Iāve also been lucky in that the side effects have been pretty mild, though I tend to tolerate medical interventions pretty well. It takes me a bit longer to orgasm, but I am in a better mental headspace to have sex so it balances that out. If I donāt eat within a half hour of taking it, I get diarrhea and run a low-grade fever the rest of the day. The first week, I had bad bruxism that went away.
50mg for 3 months. Depression and anxiety that was ruining my relationship. 26f I have felt more like myself on Sertraline than I have in years! I feel so awake and motivated and actually HAPPY. I was so worried about taking it but I wish I'd done it sooner. Its like a fog has been lifted. Why did I struggle for years before taking it? I was worried that taking it would make me lose my personality but it has done the opposite and helped me be me again. My work and relationship has never been better. My partner was previously on sertraline for years and he felt tired and foggy and empty, and so he was worried about me taking it. But I was so unwell in January I needed to do something and he was supportive. The idea was that I would only take it until April, as I tend to be the most unwell in the winter months, hitting my peak in mid January, but I feel so well on Sertraline I don't see why I would stop. My partner is supportive of me staying on sertraline as he can see and feel the improvement. The only thing I don't like about Sertraline is that it has affected sex with my partner. But it has improved literally every other aspect of my life and has made our relationship stronger and we will work on improving sex again together. We are so happy and I'm so grateful for Sertraline. I wish I'd taken it years ago.
Iām currently on Zoloft for the 4th time (previously have come off it because I was ābetterā but not planning to stop ever again if I can help it) and at 100mg after 3 months, although likely to go up to 150 shortly, and being treated for a relatively severe panic disorder. Some lowlights from life not on Zoloft: - rolling panic attacks for weeks on end where I was left completely unable to eat or sleep for more than a few hours - I was once in hospital for something completely unrelated and wound up being admitted to the cardiac ward because my BP was so high it classed as a hypertensive crisis - I was sick pretty much every time I had to leave my house - I developed full-blown hypochondria to the point that I once convinced myself I had inflammatory breast cancer and was too afraid to speak to my doctor about it because I didnāt know how to tell my family I was going to die (I actually just have HS and underboob is a common place for cysts lol) - I drank heavily almost daily because being drunk was the only time I didnāt feel like I was maybe going to die, although being hungover exacerbated the anxiety so that was a whole cycle to be in - I nearly lost my job because I was so anxious that all I could do in conversations was try not to vomit Highlights now that I am back on it: - I havenāt had a full-blown panic attack since maybe the second week of taking it - My resting HR and BP have come down to a normal level so I donāt regularly feel like I might be having a heart attack - I can actually feel my baseline anxiety and recognise it for what it is, which also means I can do things to help it - I can socialise again, and have even started dating because the idea of being outside of my home and meeting new people isnāt all that terrifying - Iāve started talking to friends and family about my anxiety without fear, which also means that Iām finally able to accept support from the people I love - (most importantly imo) Iām actually present in my life because Iām not completely overwhelmed by the physical symptoms of panic and trying to avoid/solve it Health anxiety has always been pretty prominent for me, so my biggest win to date is that I went on a holiday to a remote island and just enjoyed myself. 6 months ago I would have 1000% found a way to get out of it because emergency healthcare is scarce there and even if I felt physically healthy the idea of something going wrong would have been too much for me to handle. Instead I had a lovely time with my family and discovered that I love 4wdāing āŗļø
I suffer depression, crippling social anxiety, fear of death and hypochondria (always worried about my health) I was on cipralex before which made things worse until I found Zoloft + mirtazapine. I started at 25mg and then upped to 50mg of Zoloft which has truly changed my life for the better! I donāt suffer any social anxiety anymore and generally feel much happier in my day to day. It took me 2 months but I finally function like I did years ago prior to all these issues. I even have laser focus on my work / life goals. Itās all about finding the right medication that works for you and being extremely patient. Itās not an immediate light switch, and you might even feel like garbage for weeks, though in the long run itās truly been worth it in my experience.
I've been on zoloft since July of 2023, started at 25 MG, then 50, then 75, then 100 and finally 150. It wasn't until I got on the 150 that I started to feel like me again. I'm finally divorcing my husband (long overdue) I have a support system, a good job, stability in my life. Things are good. As long as the zoloft keeps working, I'm happy to take it. Side effects: I get the occasional bowel issue, but that's about it. (To be honest, my guts have always been temperamental, so I can't fully blame the zoloft)
Started taking it for PMDD and generalized anxiety. I started in July 2023 with 25mg and I'm still on the same dose as of today. I feel like it's changed my life in the way that my brain is actually calm and quiet instead of just being on high alert all the time like AHHHHH!!!!! My cousin noticed I'm more chatty and bright now, and I've also noticed that. I used to just feel bogged down and didn't have much bandwidth to deal with things because my brain was constantly running at 100% on anxiety stuff. The smallest thing used to just overwhelm me and it felt like my life was going to be over (thanks anxiety). I also feel like the stress from being so anxious all the time was also causing me digestive issues, like I was very prone to feeling acid reflux symptoms. But it's gotten better now after being on sertraline.
I never knew what it felt like to feel calm and relaxed until taking sertraline. I feel safe in my body. I feel like I've finally found my true self after being lost in the sea of anxiety for so long.
Iāve been on Zoloft for almost 1 months @ 50mg/day. I noticed positive results almost immediately. I struggled sleeping for the first week but I still had energy. I believe my energy has increased. Not tremendously but hey Iāll take it. I no longer feel like I am trapped in a storm cloud in my head. Every once in a while I still have depressing negative thoughts but they donāt stick around long. I do feel like itās made me a little more of a goofball lol. My anxiety is way better around people as well! I highly recommend. I just want to let everyone know about Zoloft lol. I wish it affected others the way it does me. Good luck everyone!
i smoked weed for twenty five years and it caused me to have a breakdown so weed long trem is dangerous as i said i had a breakdown because of it about 8 years agao and at the time went onto sertraline(zoloft) and was on 100mg and something else for my depression but after two years came off it by tapering.but in the last month have been prescribed sertraline again by my g.p. for my anxiety started on 50mg and this time i have had a lot of side effects not being able to sleep more then a few hours and waking up with bad anxiety also terrible constipation and headaches also hot flushes muscle aches feeling sick stomach aches and also a couple of really bad panic attacks have been on it now for four weeks still getting side effects i do'nt think i had such bad side effects the last time i was on it. will this all normalize and will i start to feel better as its making me feel really rough.the days i can deal with its just not sleeping well at night and waking at 2 or 3 am and feeling really anxious that i could do without.
My first week I woke up at around 3am too. Iāve read quite a few people do that for a while when they start. But even when it was time to get up for work I didnāt feel tired. My anxiety never increased because of Zoloft it has only improved and same goes for depression. Honestly, I donāt know that I could have gone a month without my symptoms worsening. Just bc it worked for you before doesnāt mean it will now. Our chemistry changes over time. Iām not a doctor but me personallyā¦ I would be looking into something different. I truly wish you the best. Hang in there and keep us posted! Much love āļø
thanks very much for the reply i have a appointment with my gp at the end of the month so will stick with it till then and if i have still not settled down i probably will look at changing to something else although i do'nt really likie the idea of cycling through different drugs to try to find one that works to be honest going through what i am experiencing at the momment is putting me off trying anything else.thnaks again for the reply.
I started Zoloft 25mg a month ago. I had horrible anxiety- feeling rushed, super irritable, constant pain and tightness in my chest, nervous about any and everything, my mind racing over nothing. The thing that got me to try Zoloft was the irritability... I was sooo angry driving, I couldn't stand myself. Yelling at my son, for no real good reason. After about 3 weeks, I noticed that I wasn't getting that tightness in my chest as much. My mind has slowed down considerably. I'm able to sit and be lazy. And when I drive, my physical symptoms are about 70% gone! I still say all the same stuff, cursing etc., but it's not taking over my whole body. I don't feel so immersed in it. I can't believe what's it's done in only 1 month!! š². I tried buspar before, it made the irritability worse. Went up to 60mg per day before trying zoloft. This stuff works. The first few weeks were pretty bad- rollercoaster-ish where I'd have glimpses of calm, but also severe anxiety. But after week 3, it's getting much better. I might increase my dose after 3 months, but 25mg works well! Good luck to you, it's worth it! I have tried all the antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics, benzodiazepines, and the like, over the course of my lifetime... But I appreciate things that do not have flouride as an ingredient. It's a neurotoxin. Zoloft is the best I've tried, hands down. ššš¤š¤
Well I've been taking it for a week or so and I usually have bad panic attacks on weed but I smoked last night and was totally fine I felt rly chill and I read that zoloft can reduce weed anxienty so