Opinions of Zoloft

Updated on January 22, 2009
K.C. asks from Anson, TX
34 answers

My doctor is starting me on Zoloft, and I want to know how many of you mama's have taken it and what side effects you had from taking it. I appreciate any of you voicing your opinions of this medication.

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B.A.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft for less than 6 months to treat depression and it worked great for me. I didn't have any weird side effects and I was able to function normally.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.D.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft for the 1st 6 months after my daughter was born. I ended up taking half the prescribed dose (I took 25mg instead of 50mg) because it made me so tired. It helped me considerably and I was able to stop it pretty easily. It never seemed to have a negative effect on my daughter who I breastfeed either.

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

I know you've gotten lots of advice, but I just wanted to say that if it doesn't work for you, don't be afraid to ask for something else. I took anti-depressants in college and zoloft was the first one they gave me. It helped, but I hated it because I had no feelings. I couldn't cry, and sometimes, you just need a good, healthy cry for stress release. Point is, I stayed on Zoloft too long not knowing I could ask for something else. Wellbutrin ended up working best for me.

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A.M.

answers from Dallas on

No major side effects. TAKE IT!

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J.R.

answers from Abilene on

I was on zoloft for 2 years. It definetly does what it's suppose to do. I had no emotions what so ever on it. I never got too excited about anything, and i never cried. Never. It was also extremely hard to come off of. (that's when i did all my crying, made up for lost time) have you talked to your doctor about lexapro? I've taken it and it seems to be a bit milder. Good luck!!

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B.B.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft after my second child was born. It worked wonders for me. I completely agree with the post that stated Zoloft makes you neutral. It is very true. Things that would usually set me off didn't and I just went with the flow. It was exactly what I needed at the time. However, once the routine of two kids got under control, about a year later, I noticed I just really didn't care about anything. I was tired and unmotivated, especially at work. I have since weaned myself off of it and am doing fine with exercise, self time and pray.
I recommend it for those times you really need it, but do not see Zoloft as a long time solution. Just something to get you over the hump.

Good luck.

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K.L.

answers from Dallas on

I was very moody and had fuzzy feelings...so my doctor started me on Zoloft and I also tried Prozac...did not like either one. I felt so out of it. Then another doctor prescribed Lexapro. This was the one for me. I did not feel tired or like a zombie. I would suggest this one. Hope this helps you, take care!

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

I took it years ago for PMS and don't remember having any side affects. It worked, although today I would try more natural approaches. Again, I had no problems......until I decided to go off of it. I went off too quickly and got flu like symptoms. So, if you go on, be sure that if and when the day comes that you go off that you go off very slowly. I had to end up going back on and going off Again, but very slowly. Then i was okay.

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B.W.

answers from Dallas on

yes, I've previously used it--side effect--decreased libido.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I was put on it for Post natal depression & while it help 40% it also made me exhausted & put on 30 lbs... I got off it after 3 months.

I took 2 years for me to find the right doctor who realised I had a thyriod & hormone problem.. once these were taken care of I felt FANTASTIC.. but I went through a terrbile 3 years to find the right doctor. Let me knwo if you want to give him a try, he's at Tienahealth off 635 & MacArthur.

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L.P.

answers from Amarillo on

I took it years ago and took it for several years. The biggest problem I had was the initial period. It made me very tired and I could not stay awake. I called my doc about this and he decreased my dose for a couple weeks then we reuped it and I did fine. I will say that if you drink any alcohol with it the zoloft will inhance the effects of the alcohol by 3. Other then that I did great on it. I was severly paranoid and very obsessive compulsive. I used to stay up half the night scrubbing my house from top to bottom and that includes washing walls. The other half of the night I spent walking the house rechecking to be sure I locked all windows and doors. I slept on the floor outside the girls room. Now I clean my house on the weekend. I only lock the doors and check windows once. I do still lay awake half the night listening because I just know someone is waiting for me to let my guard down to break in and get the kids. But I am the worlds most overly protective mother. Anyway the point being I could not have made it through a very tough time in my life without it. My brother was the same as me except he would stop while traveling if a bug splatted his window to clean the entire car. His doc put him on it and it has helped him lighten up a bit. Just start taking it on a weekend when you have a couple days off and someone else there to help with the kids so you can see how it will effect you. Do not just quit taking it on your own you have to be withdrawn from it with lowering doses or you could crash right back to where you are before the med. If you miss one dose do not take 2 and one day will not hurt. Good Luck it does help.

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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft for a very short time. It gave me severe panic attacks. Then my doctor switched me to Prozac which was much better, just really hard to stop taking when it's time.

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J.B.

answers from Abilene on

Do not use any antidepressants, they are not proven to work. Next thing you know, you'll be trying another and then another and then another and all they do is mess your mind up even more. They have never been proven to help with depression. I, myself, have tried a variety of antidepressants, all with different, but horrible side effects. You might as well be eating poison. You need to turn to Christ, read the bible or find some way to talk to someone, or some way to stay out of that dark place. Antidepressants are not going to fix your problems. You really need a good fried around you and positivity. Good luck in this crazy world!

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S.R.

answers from Dallas on

FYI, effexor should NOT be taken during pregnancy!

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E.R.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K.!! I took Zoloft for anxiety while I was pregnant because I couldn't take Lexapro, which is what I am normally on. Zoloft made my anxiety somewhat subside but as far as side effects go, I had no sex drive what so ever. I didnt even want to hug anyone. To hold my husband's hand felt akward to me. I hated feeling that way and even though I've been off of it since September I'm still working on getting back to being affectionate again. So for me, the fact that it didnt COMPLETELY control my anxiety was enough for me to stop taking it, it just wasnt worth it. I have anxiety every time I nurse and I still wont get back on it. I have a friend that is also taking Zoloft though and she has no side effects at all from it! I hope this helped :) I dont know if this would matter much but im 24, maybe age makes a difference

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J.B.

answers from Tyler on

I took Zoloft for several years throughout menopause. No side effects. My doctor changed it to Cymbalta because of the added pain relief. I zoomed up 25 pounds, so I had to get off of that! I felt I was through the worst, so I opted for natural methods instead of the drugs. My granddaughter takes Zoloft for her depression and has no side effects. They tried Effexor, Lexapro, and one other one, but all had negative effects, so the doctor put her back on Zoloft. She's doing well. Hope this helps.

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C.D.

answers from Dallas on

I take 25 mg. a day, it seems to help the frustration level. I've had no side effects, & have been taking it for 2 years. There are other similar drugs if Zoloft isn't effective.
Good luck!

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

My sister-in-law took Zoloft for a few months. It helped her depression and anxiety, but it also made her not care about anything. Nothing bothered her to the point that she stopped being productive. Her husband wasn't happy with that and neither was her employer or her kids. She had to VERY gradually get off of it. Be very careful of what you take to change the chemistry of your brain.

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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft two times in my life for a year a piece for PPD. I loved it! I truly thought it was a miracle drug for me and referred to it as my "happy pill." The only side effect I had was anxiety during the first 2-3 weeks. My doctor gave me a prescription of xanax until the anxiety subsided. I only had to use the xanax for about 2 weeks. Good luck, I know going on an antidepressant is a hard decision and you want to research it as much as possible before making a choice. If you need any more advice please do not hesitate to PM me.

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R.M.

answers from Dallas on

I was put on Zoloft during my second pregnancy because I had become depressed. I tried it once and about 3 hrs later I foud myslef on my front porch not knowing what had been going on or what my 4 year old son had even bee doing during that time. I was so spaced out I dont rememeber anything durig that 3 hrs. I refused to even take it after that.

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G.S.

answers from Dallas on

I take Zoloft for anxiety. I have been on it for about 2 years. In the beginning my sex drive was lower, but all was back to normal after a few months of my body adjusting. I love it! I feel so much better when I'm on it. I never had a problem with depression, bt is wonderful for anxiety disorder.

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C.H.

answers from Dallas on

I started on zoloft after I had my third child. When I was on it, it did seem to help me feel better. It also made me lose my appetitite. I lost weight fast because I wasnt really hungry. Thats about the only side effect that I had from taking zoloft.

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K.G.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K.,
I took it for ppd after my second child was born (should have had it after my 1st - but didn't realize there was something I could take and thought I just had to suffer through it!) It worked great for me with no side effects. The first week was rough getting adjusted - I was so tired! But as soon as it leveled out I was fine and able to stay off of the mood roller coaster! I took it for a few years, weened myself off after 2 and went right back on it! I think I stayed on it for another year. I'm not sure what the lady was talking about that said you could only be on it for up to 16 weeks, It's my understanding you need to at least be on it for a year once you start it. Be sure to give it some time and if you do decide to go off it, talk to your doctor - you have to ween off and cannot go cold turkey for medical reasons! Best wishes!

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S.H.

answers from Dallas on

My husband and I split up in September on top of a mess load of other stressors and I became extremely depressed. My doctor put me on zoloft and it was the best thing I have ever done. The side effects I had were loose stools and I had some headaches I think were associated with it. It was WELL worth the side effects!!! I can tell you that it was the difference in me crying myself to sleep and night and sitting at my desk and breaking down and having really good days. It made a significant positive difference in me that everyone noticed.

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L.M.

answers from Dallas on

K.,
I have been taking Zoloft for almost 5 years and I absolutely have had NO side effects from taking them. They really work, they keep you from having the real high highs and the low lows. It does what it is made for, it keeps you on a normal level...

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J.T.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft for a short while. I had no side effects, but it didn't work for me either. I am now on Lexapro. I'm not sure if this is your first medication to try, but be patient and be honest with your doctor about how it makes you feel. It may take some trial and error to find the proper medication and dosage for you. Good luck!!

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E.T.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft for about 4 months after my son was born in 2007. I do not remember experiencing any side effects from the medication -though I was very tired and did not have much of a sex drive, but I attribute that more to having a newborn to care for. I am due with my 2nd child in April, and I will go back on Zoloft if I feel I need it. I found that it did a good job at evening me out -things that overwhelmed me before I took it became easier to deal with.

As a licensed counselor, I want to say that an antidepressant is only supposed to even you out -it is not supposed to make you numb. If you feel numb, then talk to your doctor, because you may need a different med. Different meds work for different people, and sometimes there is a bit of trial and error to get one that works with your body. Also, it can take several weeks for you to feel the full effect of the drug, so give it some time before you make a decision on whether or not it is working for you.

Good luck to you and I hope you are feeling better soon!

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L.S.

answers from Dallas on

I took zoloft for severe ppd after my second child. While it did help with my anger and anxiety attcks, after I got off I realized what I zombie I was. I took 100 mg for a little over a year and that may have been too much. I didn't have side effects while on it, but the effects of getting off can be pretty bad. I had to very gradually wean myself - I'm talking shave the pill - over a 3 month period. So just be careful and pay attention to yourself. Have your husband or a friend help you monitor your behavior and if you seem like you're just sleep walking through life, try something else.
Take care and know you aren't alone in how you feel!!
L.

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B.W.

answers from Dallas on

I took Zoloft for about 2 years. My Dr. put me on it for my hot flashes when I first started menepause. It worked for me no more hot flashes. As for other side effects I didn't have any I felt great. If you are having depression and that is what you are taking it for, my brother took it for a long time and he did great on it no side effects. I have a girlfriend that has just started taking it and she is doing well with it. Hope this helped you .

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K.B.

answers from Dallas on

K.,
I've been taking it for several years. I am 64 years young now. I lost my mother in 2000,(we were extremely close),then my baby daughter, 34, Andrea, was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 weeks later.

Since that time I lost my daughter this last June at 42. Losing a child is every mother's worst nightmare, you never want to deal with in your lifetime. I'm glad I have some med.

It was my heart specialist that felt I needed medication to deal with all the trama and sadness.
After a year of resisting, I gave in, but she put me on prozac. It worked well, however, it gave me bad nightmares~a lot of the time. I expressed that to her and she changed it to zoloft. I was good to go!

My best friend of 50 years says I am so much better; more equally balanced, and not so quick to react, or anger!

Hope the information helps. I definitely am not afraid of it. You may feel a little tired/ or sleepish in the first days, but your body is simply adjusting. Then it is great!

Good luck, K.

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C.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K.. Zoloft will make you very neutral. Careful to watch for non-interest or no desire to react. Did your doctor recommend for post-partum depression? If so, then Zoloft is the best Temporary medicine out there.
Better to feel Neutral then to be so depressed that you could harm your children or your marriage.
Keep up with your doctor for regular check up and counseling too during this time.
Good for you for going to the doctors and helping yourself. Two little babies are handful. My very own mother went through the same thing, two babies at once and she did not fair as well.
Take care of your self and God bless you and your sweet family. C.

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S.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K.. I stuggled with a horrible post partum depression for 9 months after my first son was born. I tried zoloft at first and it didn't seem to really help. I switched to effexor (150mg) and piggy backed that with 10mg of lexapro. That helped a lot and I soon was able to drop the lexapro. My son is 28 months now and I've been on the effexor the whole time. I since had another son and took the effexor during pregnancy and was absolutely fine! I feel great now and I love my life. I hope the zoloft works for you but if it doesn't, ask your doc for a different pill. Some people love zoloft and hate effexor, so it's just whatever works for you, but let me tell you that whatever you're on, you should give it about 3-4 weeks before throwing in the towel on it because it does take some time to get in your system.
Good luck and God bless you

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T.L.

answers from Dallas on

I haven't read all of the comments, but wanted to let you know that I started it after my first was born for PPD. I was on it, while breast-feeding for about three years. I stopped for about another year and realized I needed to be back on it. I wasn't diagnosed as being depressed, but my moods were erratic and my temper had a short fuse, especially for dumb stuff that wouldn't bother an average person. It was worse around my cycles too. My dr. put me back on it and I've been on it ever since. When my DH and I started trying to conceive, I read up on it and realized it was safe to continue to be on it. I'm currently 6mo pregnant and take 50mg a day. It's a fairly lose dose, but works WONDERS for me. I didn't like how I was without it, and I feel the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.

Oh, I haven't suffered any side-effects and nothing abnormal while being on it. It doesn't make you feel numb (figuratively speaking) and your emotions are still there, just not out of control! Best of luck, I hope you get to feeling better soon!

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C.

answers from Dallas on

I was prescribed Zoloft several years ago while going through my divorce. I couldn't tell that it did anything for me except to cause extreme acid reflux - and I mean extreme, especially at night. I ended up not getting any sleep and being late for work and unproductive because I was exhausted. Of course, that only served to compound my problems. I'll also add that my best friend took it for a long time and liked it. But, you're supposed to take it for only a short time (like 12 to 16 weeks), so her insurance company put a stop to it (after a couple of years!), and she switched to something else. Lastly, you need to take your time and check out some recent studies. Many of them are saying that medications like Zoloft don't really work, and that your best bet is to talk about your situation with a wise and trusted counselor. Good luck and God bless and keep you!

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