Aa
anyone take zoloft for anxiety?
dr just gave me an RX for zoloft but i havent filled it yet.....its for 50mg but he said just take half of a pill so it would be 25mg
the past few days i have had good days but today blows.......im scared to be on meds but i dont want to feel like this anymore
anyone take zoloft?.....any advise?.......stories are a great help
the past few days i have had good days but today blows.......im scared to be on meds but i dont want to feel like this anymore
anyone take zoloft?.....any advise?.......stories are a great help
Best Answer
your my girlfriend! your always there for me and im so thankful for you doll!!
im jus down cause i was feeling like i had it under control for the past few days. and today,well, not so much
will give it a few days, going back to therapy tuesday and will talk to her about it too.
nice to hear it helped you
im jus down cause i was feeling like i had it under control for the past few days. and today,well, not so much
will give it a few days, going back to therapy tuesday and will talk to her about it too.
nice to hear it helped you
i still havent filled it yet because im nervous about taking meds, i dont want to be on them for forever, i just want to feel better
i was having a few good days, im thinking the therapy is helping, i been trying hard to use the CBT tools she is giving me and i been forcing myself to go out of the house to the park,the mall where ever it doesnt matter i just go and it does calm me down, and then yesterday was horrible. and today is so so
all the stories online are horror stories and i was kinda hoping for lexapro cause alot of post on here give good feedback for that one. but it is what it is.
i just wanna know if anyone else took zoloft ? how long till u noticed a difference? side effects? long time use?.....any feedback is great, would just like to hear some GOOD stories about this stuff instead of ALL the bad ones i googled.....
i was having a few good days, im thinking the therapy is helping, i been trying hard to use the CBT tools she is giving me and i been forcing myself to go out of the house to the park,the mall where ever it doesnt matter i just go and it does calm me down, and then yesterday was horrible. and today is so so
all the stories online are horror stories and i was kinda hoping for lexapro cause alot of post on here give good feedback for that one. but it is what it is.
i just wanna know if anyone else took zoloft ? how long till u noticed a difference? side effects? long time use?.....any feedback is great, would just like to hear some GOOD stories about this stuff instead of ALL the bad ones i googled.....
You need to just go and fill the prescription and give it a try. Nursegirl gave you a wonderful story about her experience with Zoloft. None of us knows which medication is best for us. You could take Lexapro and it may not even work for you. So take the next step, fill the prescription, and go from there...only time will tell.
Good luck.
Good luck.
I agree Turkee...just go for it! I've taken Lexapro and had worse side effects with it....you just never know...we're all going to have slightly different experiences. Zoloft remains one of the most common first line meds for anxiety and panic.
Dive in girl! The water is fine! :0)
Dive in girl! The water is fine! :0)
I was like ... fighting the concept of taking meds until my doc said to me.... if you had allergies would you not consider taking antihistamines to combat the symptoms? These are no different...im taking my meds to "stabilize" the physical effects of my anxiety so I can work on my therapy in peace and end the cycle that constant anxiety puts you in and makes it very difficult to achieve results in therapy. I just started CBT and already I can see it will help... so sounds like you are pursuing therapy... no reason you can't use the meds to make that process easier for you....eventually you will come off the meds and with therapy you can make sure you know how to never get back to what you got you here in the first place..... thats what I'm shootin for and I'm ok to get a little help from modern science....
ty you.....
yea i understand. i guess i will talk about it with therapist on tuesday and see what she sats
jus makes me feel so weak to resort to this. but yes i see the CBT does help
yea i understand. i guess i will talk about it with therapist on tuesday and see what she sats
jus makes me feel so weak to resort to this. but yes i see the CBT does help
If it is "weak" to resort to medication then pretty much everyone on this forum is "weak." The bottom line is as CanuckGuy42 said, none of us asked for this. If someone came up to me and said "do you want to feel anxious and like you are jumping out of your skin 24/7?" I would say absolutely not. It is not a sign of weakness to take the medication. For myself I could not have broken the viscious cycle I was in without it. I spent time years ago learning CBT and yes it does help but it only goes so far. I used it for years without benefit of medication because my anxiety was at a very low level. When a trigger comes along and the anxiety comes back with a vengence, then the medication may be needed again. I think that you probably have not felt good for so long that you don't trust the medications to help you. YOU want to be in control of getting better but if you read these posts, you will see that for a lot of us, the medications have given us our lives back. Will we be on them forever, hopefully not but I would rather take a pill than suffer through anxiety hell even if that means for the rest of my life.
JGF said it very well. For some reason, we've decided that it is a sign of weakness to have an anxiety disorder, and need help for it. While it's becoming more acceptable as people realize how many other people are affected with anxiety, we have a long way to go.
We wouldn't allow ourselves to suffer with pain, diabetes, high blood pressure....so why is it okay that we should suffer with unbearable life altering anxiety? Or, think we have to "get over it" ourselves? If that was possible for a great majority of us, we would have gotten "over it" a long time ago, all on our own.
You're misearable and suffering and there are things out there that could change that! Don't be a hero.....accept that you need some help to get this under control. It's okay that you do. We've all been there...and we're all perfectly normal people...we've all needed help at some point. You have to get to the point where you have to acccept that having anxiety is no fault of your own, and while it stinks....treatment options are vast. It's normal to be apprehensive about starting a new med, nothing wrong with that...but don't overthink it SO much where you end up convincing yourself ahead of time that you will have a bad experience. You're just setting yourself up for failure by doing that.
You are NOT weak...ok? You're actually very brave...confronting anxiety head on for the first time is far from easy. Give yourself a little credit...and cut yourself some slack woman! :0)
(((((Hugs)))))
We wouldn't allow ourselves to suffer with pain, diabetes, high blood pressure....so why is it okay that we should suffer with unbearable life altering anxiety? Or, think we have to "get over it" ourselves? If that was possible for a great majority of us, we would have gotten "over it" a long time ago, all on our own.
You're misearable and suffering and there are things out there that could change that! Don't be a hero.....accept that you need some help to get this under control. It's okay that you do. We've all been there...and we're all perfectly normal people...we've all needed help at some point. You have to get to the point where you have to acccept that having anxiety is no fault of your own, and while it stinks....treatment options are vast. It's normal to be apprehensive about starting a new med, nothing wrong with that...but don't overthink it SO much where you end up convincing yourself ahead of time that you will have a bad experience. You're just setting yourself up for failure by doing that.
You are NOT weak...ok? You're actually very brave...confronting anxiety head on for the first time is far from easy. Give yourself a little credit...and cut yourself some slack woman! :0)
(((((Hugs)))))
Oh, and I really like what JGF said here...it's very much how I feel....
"Will we be on them forever, hopefully not but I would rather take a pill than suffer through anxiety hell even if that means for the rest of my life. "
Amen!
"Will we be on them forever, hopefully not but I would rather take a pill than suffer through anxiety hell even if that means for the rest of my life. "
Amen!
thank you.........
i need to get that RX filled.....i got it thursday and didnt take it to pharmacy
maybe i wont have any side effects right??......25mg of zoloft
i need to get that RX filled.....i got it thursday and didnt take it to pharmacy
maybe i wont have any side effects right??......25mg of zoloft
i just went to try and fill it but its closed....so i guess tomorrow will be the day
Tomorrow is the start of your recovery. If you have any problems then you know you can post them and we will respond so know that you are not alone. It is just so important that you give it a fair shake...4-6 weeks...If you experience any symptoms from taking it, post a question and you know you will get some answers especially from the people taking the same medication.
thank you....i am for sure nervous about all of this.
i was going to wait till tuesday to take it, cause thats when i will see my therapist and would like to talk to her about it, i dunno just cause it would make me feel better
but i thought about it today and just decided i want to feel better, i decided that before thats why i started going to therapy. but i guess i need some help with the meds.
i just really hope its worth it.
i was going to wait till tuesday to take it, cause thats when i will see my therapist and would like to talk to her about it, i dunno just cause it would make me feel better
but i thought about it today and just decided i want to feel better, i decided that before thats why i started going to therapy. but i guess i need some help with the meds.
i just really hope its worth it.
You have gotten so much really excellent advice and I'm glad to read that you're going to give the Zoloft a try.
If you want yet another Zoloft success story, add mine to the list!
I've been on Zoloft for almost 2 years now. I also began at 25mg and now take 150mg. I was nervous about taking it, too, which many of us are because we hear all the bad stories, seldom the good ones.
The worst side effect I had from the Zoloft was a very dry mouth for about 2 weeks. That was it! My anxiety didn't spike, I didn't feel weird in any way at all. We gradually upped my dose every three weeks and around the 75mg mark, I noticed a very difinite lifting of my mood. I wouldn't say it was like day and night, but inside, where you know these things, I knew I was getting better.
This past year I have felt totally back to my old self and my therapist and I are thinking about doing a taper and see how I do. If the depression begins to return, I will immediately go back on the Zoloft and if I need it the rest of my life, so be it........I will need my heart medications the rest of my life. All I can think is "thank God those medicines are there for me!" I really wasn't too keen on the option.
It will be SO worth it and you'll probably be a little angry at yourself for having put it off. And if the Zoloft doesn't work for you, please don't give! I can't emphasize that enough. Most of us have had to try several AD's before the right fit. And you will too. But I'm betting the Zoloft will work. It's one of the most prescribed antidepressants for a damn good reason!
We all wish you the best and we'll be here for you, every step of the way while you get on the Zoloft. Consider us your very own "peanut gallery!"
Now.........go put your big girl knickers on and let's get you out of that mental dumpster.
Peace
Greenlydia
If you want yet another Zoloft success story, add mine to the list!
I've been on Zoloft for almost 2 years now. I also began at 25mg and now take 150mg. I was nervous about taking it, too, which many of us are because we hear all the bad stories, seldom the good ones.
The worst side effect I had from the Zoloft was a very dry mouth for about 2 weeks. That was it! My anxiety didn't spike, I didn't feel weird in any way at all. We gradually upped my dose every three weeks and around the 75mg mark, I noticed a very difinite lifting of my mood. I wouldn't say it was like day and night, but inside, where you know these things, I knew I was getting better.
This past year I have felt totally back to my old self and my therapist and I are thinking about doing a taper and see how I do. If the depression begins to return, I will immediately go back on the Zoloft and if I need it the rest of my life, so be it........I will need my heart medications the rest of my life. All I can think is "thank God those medicines are there for me!" I really wasn't too keen on the option.
It will be SO worth it and you'll probably be a little angry at yourself for having put it off. And if the Zoloft doesn't work for you, please don't give! I can't emphasize that enough. Most of us have had to try several AD's before the right fit. And you will too. But I'm betting the Zoloft will work. It's one of the most prescribed antidepressants for a damn good reason!
We all wish you the best and we'll be here for you, every step of the way while you get on the Zoloft. Consider us your very own "peanut gallery!"
Now.........go put your big girl knickers on and let's get you out of that mental dumpster.
Peace
Greenlydia
I would also throw my 'pro-Zoloft' experience into the mix here as well. Like greenlydia, I have been on and off of it for some time and like many others I was initially skeptical and a little worried about taking it, but it has really helped me in the long run. I do notice some side effects whenever I start, stop, or adjust dosage, however they did go away within a couple of weeks. I also believe that some of the side effects may have also been due to my anxiety as well. For example, when I started it, I would link every little feeling that was out of the ordinary whether it was related to the Zoloft or not.
I would also have to stress patience. It does take a bit for it to 'kick in,' however, I have had a really positive experience with it overall...keep us posted!
I would also have to stress patience. It does take a bit for it to 'kick in,' however, I have had a really positive experience with it overall...keep us posted!
thank you for answering....
going to see therapist tomorrow, and will talk to her about it and then make up my mind about taking the meds.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
going to see therapist tomorrow, and will talk to her about it and then make up my mind about taking the meds.
AHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I fear that we have not convinced you of the efficacy of Zoloft. But it is your life and you need to do what you think is best. I hope your therapist gives you some good coping strategies to try. Also, I'm not going to go back through these posts, but if I did not mention it before, there is a good book you can read called Self-Communication by Joseph Luciani.
All my best to you.
All my best to you.
you guys have been a HUGE help.....your the only ones that i really found that had success stories, and i thank you very much for that. im sure you were nervous before starting meds too.
i was also wondering in the generic zoloft going to have the same effect as the regular?....he gave me RX for the generic i dunno why but he did
i was also wondering in the generic zoloft going to have the same effect as the regular?....he gave me RX for the generic i dunno why but he did
25mg of zoloft is a very low dose, if you are worried of immediate side effects, can't say for certain but highly unlikely. I too am "weak" I am grateful for anything to help with the suffering. If my eyes itch I use eye drops, if my iron is low I take a vitamin I try not to view mental health as some big stigma that I should be ashamed or embarassed about, it is what it is. I use zoloft combined with CBT and I like to think I am on the right track but part of that is acceptance that this moment is as it is and to wish it different is to invite misery. So I hope you give it a shot and come to peace with the idea that you need guidance thru this journey both chemically and cognitively. It really is OK and does not mean you are weak, in fact to venture into the unknown with trust of healing is actually quite strong and brave :)
The generic will be fine....can't wait to see your update after tomorrow's therapy session. Perhaps print this thread out and show it to her, it will kind of explain your worries and what kind of guidance we've given you. She can then add to anything we had to say, and share her experience treating patients who have taken it, which would be very valuable!
i cant wait to go to therapy tomorrow, wish i could see her alot more then once a week, it feel like i have to wait a month before the next visit.
i have been so worried about this today that i have worked myself up into a headache,dizziness, and nausea....just a CONSTANT worry.
did you guys go through this before taking the meds? im not alone with that right?
i have been so worried about this today that i have worked myself up into a headache,dizziness, and nausea....just a CONSTANT worry.
did you guys go through this before taking the meds? im not alone with that right?
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Keep in mind that when you ask for input on meds, some of it may be less than favorable. That's fine as everyone has their own experiences, but don't get a preconceived notion about it either way...let yourself have your own unique experience.
I can tell you about MY experience with Zoloft. First, it is actually one of the the most commonly Rx'd SSRI's for anxiety and panic with a great record of success. Zoloft was the first med I ever took for my panic disorder and I'll tell you, it gave me my life back. I went from literally housebound to "back to me" in a matter of months. I am a huge Zoloft supporter. I tolerated it pretty well too, a few initial (mild) side effects, slightly increased anxiety being one for which I took an occasional Ativan while I was waiting for the Zoloft to start working.
Generally speaking, these meds take about 4-6 weeks to really start noticing improvements. Many people report a subtle change for the better after about 2-3 weeks, but the dramatic changes take a little longer. For some, it may take even a bit longer than 6 weeks. That's especially true if your doc is going to gradually increase your dose (ie 25 mg for a few weeks, then up to 50)...which may be necessary. Some people require a higher dose and some do great on the low dose, it just depends. It's very important to take it every day and to allow it ample time before making a determination that it does or doesn't work. People that experience side effects are often inclined to throw in the towel before giving it a fair shake. Which brings me to the side effects....
Zoloft can come with some initial side effects. Again, it varies, some people don't ever have one side effect, and others have an harder time adjusting. One of the most commonly reported side effect is an initial increase in anxiety, which stinks, because that's what the med is Rx'd for! I've had this with other SSRI meds and would describe it more of a "jittery" feeling, like I drank too much coffee. Other common side effects can be GI upset (nausea, diarrhea), sleep disturbances (either insomnia or drowsiness), headaches. When I have experienced side effects with these kinds of meds, they have started improving between the first and second week, and resolving all together by the third or fourth week of treatment. Again, this varies...so don't go into this thinking the worst. If you do have some side effects...work with your doctor...try to stick it out. The benefits are worth it. I cannot stress enough that deciding early on that it either isn;t working or is making you feel worse is not giving it a chance. Also, 25mg is a great starting dose...it will minimize any side effects. Some docs will start people out on 50mg. I feel that less is better, and if dosage adjustments need made later, that's fine.
One day at a time...keep in contact with your doc. If side effects are bothersome, call your doc. There are usually different things you can do to help ease those effects, if you happen to get them...before they start going away. Go into this with an open mind...and be patient.
Of course, we're here for you as well. This is really a great step....I can't say enough good things about Zoloft. I was amazed at how it worked for me. The more positive you feel about you taking your life back, I believe the more successful this will be for you. Don't be scared...be relieved!
All the best!