another zoloft question

[RUNNER55]

Doctor Gould,
You have been helpful before with questions.  I have one more about Zoloft.  You have mentioned many times that these drugs are such powerful drugs.  Would you elaborate on this?  I have been thru so many years of therapy, and all very helpful, but the only thing that has allowed me to break the panic barrier is with the aid of Zoloft.  And at only 25 mgs.  The change in my mood and confidence is amazing.  It has pulled me out of such a funk and made me feel more alive and active than in years.  Not  euphoric  or anything like that,  just  a sense of contentment, and a leveling off of anxiety.  The only thing that bothers me is, I have extremely vivid nightmares.  Almost always something violent:  fires, explosions.  Scary.  That is my question to you, you say these are such powerful drugs, are these nightmares in some way indicative of the medication causing some kind of brain damage?  I know it sound ridiculous, but when it comes to drugs, well, you just never know.  But I never realized until this medicine finally kicked in, just how good I can feel. My doctor has tried for years to get me to try this, and I wouldn't give in.  Now I'm glad I finally  did.  I was so agoraphobic, I didn't want to leave the house.  And I'm only 38.  Not a good way to live.
Thank you,
R/55

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Zoloft is powerful because it effects the brain chemistry in many different ways, and sometimes causes side effects because of that.  There is no evidence, or even a suggestion, that Zoloft causes brain damage.  There is a definite effect on the serotonin system, so when going off zoloft, it has to be done carefully, but at the dose you are taking, that is not an important consideration.

[peacetrain]

so so good to hear it's helping u. My advise would be not to be scared of the med. but to be aware of your own depression and anxiety . So glad u take it , zoloft is safe, my son is taking it now and doing well. To see a young person depressed is terrible. You live life full now. Actually my son is only 21 and was started on 50 mgs. and will soon be raised to 100mgs, so don't worry about only 25. Take care and God bless.

[flipperjw]

I have been taking 50mg of zoloft for 1 year now. I have no sexual desire,, when I do,, I can not reach orgasm,,, and the sensitivity I once had(in all areas has been gone since on this medication.) Is there something to counteract this?? I hate the sexual side affects. I dont want to be off the med. because other than that, I feel better than Ive ever felt. Someone HELP!!
I just want to be sexually normal and experience natural body functions with my loving partner.