terrrible SSRI side effects

Posted by kristie on June 03, 1999 at 18:46:46
I have a question concerning SSRI inhibitors.  I have been diagnosed with OCD and put on Zoloft, 25 mg for one week and then 50 mg for the next upcoming year.  I have taken Zoloft 25mg for the past 3 days and suffered terrible side effects. The worst is nervousness, that wakes me up in the middle of the night, along with tremor.  Sometimes, I get hot flashes but it has been better lately.  I have no appetite, therefore it is very difficult to eat.  I also suffer dry mouth at the same time of nervousness and tremor. The first night I took Zoloft I woke up after 1 hour of sleeping and couldn't get back to sleep. Will these side effects subside, or should I call the doctor for a change in prescription?
Kristie

Posted by HFHS.MD-D.E. on June 09, 1999 at 16:56:23
Dear Kristie;
The symptoms you described: tremors, jitteriness, decrease apetite,etc., are side-effects that are common to all the SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Selexa). You mentioned you were on Zoloft 25 mg.  for 1 week then you increased the dose to 50 mg. after that.  Usually, the side-effects go away as your body gets used to the medication.  Since SSRI's are the drug-of-choice for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, patients are usually advised to monitor the side-effects and stay on the medications for as long as they can tolerate.  Sometimes, all that is needed is to slowly increase the medications to minimize the side-effects.  I advice you to discuss this with your psychiatrist in order to explore some other options. In addition, behavior  and group therapy have also been found to be helpful. Information contained within The Forum is intended solely for general educational purposes. The information contained in this service is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. ALWAYS seek the advice of your physician or other health provider for any questions you may
have regarding your medical condition. Information provided in this forum DOES NOT constitute a doctor-patient relationship between you and any physicians affiliated with Henry Ford Health System. You may call Henry Ford Behavioral Health at [phone] for evaluation.
Key words:SSRI