CinnamonSugar wrote:
When I started taking Zoloft, I had a HUGE case of the jitters. It wasn't hyperactivity, but my body shook for some reason, though it wore off after a month or so. Other side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and in extreme cases, serotonin syndrome, which is when there's too much serotonin in your body, and you get sickness-like symptoms. For me, Zoloft worked very well up until recently, at which point I needed a med check and have switched to Prozac, another SSRI. I fully recommend trying Zoloft and seeing how it goes from there, as SSRIs are a very effective form of antidepressants and anti anxiety medication.
One thing worth noting, though- if or when you start Zoloft or any other SSRI, do not eat grapefruit or consume St. John's Wort (found in some teas) while taking the medication, as both of those heavily interfere with SSRIs, and many other types of medication. Regardless of what medications you may end up taking, always check out drug interactions for that drug to ensure you won't eat something and unintentionally damage your health.
This is a fairly long response; I felt it was necessary since information about SSRIs is good to know and because I myself have been on SSRIs and have taken college Psychology classes that talked about what SSRIs actually do. This can help you decide on whether or not Zoloft is right for you!
cowgirl wrote:For more information, SSRI stands for "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor." They work by decreasing the amount of serotonin reuptake, therefore increasing the amount of serotonin that stays in your brain and helps you out. Serotonin is one of the "happy chemicals," which is why increased serotonin levels can make you feel better. As CinnamonSugar said, effectiveness and side-effects vary from person-to-person.i was wondering if anyone itt has experience with zoloft?I have been on it & many other medications. What Ive learned is medication effectiveness & side effects really vary from person to person.
That said, here is some information. Zoloft is part of a class of drugs callled SSRIs. There are other types of meds that can treat anxiety, too, like benzodiazepines. Zoloft is less addictive than benzodiazepines, but it is also slower-acting. It can take weeks or months to feel better. Some other less addictive options include Buspar, Gabapentin, and Vistaril. Vistaril can be taken "as needed". One psychiatrist told me to take Gabapentin only "as needed" but another told me it could be taken daily. If you have severe anxiety & want faster relief or you get panic attacks & want something to take when you have them, you may want to ask your psychiatrist for something to take "as needed" (at least temporarily until the Zoloft kicks in).
I wish you the best.
When I started taking Zoloft, I had a HUGE case of the jitters. It wasn't hyperactivity, but my body shook for some reason, though it wore off after a month or so. Other side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and in extreme cases, serotonin syndrome, which is when there's too much serotonin in your body, and you get sickness-like symptoms. For me, Zoloft worked very well up until recently, at which point I needed a med check and have switched to Prozac, another SSRI. I fully recommend trying Zoloft and seeing how it goes from there, as SSRIs are a very effective form of antidepressants and anti anxiety medication.
One thing worth noting, though- if or when you start Zoloft or any other SSRI, do not eat grapefruit or consume St. John's Wort (found in some teas) while taking the medication, as both of those heavily interfere with SSRIs, and many other types of medication. Regardless of what medications you may end up taking, always check out drug interactions for that drug to ensure you won't eat something and unintentionally damage your health.
This is a fairly long response; I felt it was necessary since information about SSRIs is good to know and because I myself have been on SSRIs and have taken college Psychology classes that talked about what SSRIs actually do. This can help you decide on whether or not Zoloft is right for you!
