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Advice for unpleasant side effects from zoloft

Posted , 6 users are following.

morgan61231
morgan61231

I just started taking Zoloft about two weeks ago for depression and anxiety. I started at 50 mg and just began taking 100 mg two days ago. I've been having trouble sleeping at night which I know is a side effect. I feel exhausted all day from not getting adequate sleep, but by night time I feel wired. Also I've been having indigestion and heartburn after taking it in the morning. Has anyone else experienced these side effects and if so, did it subside after some time? Before starting zoloft I was taking lexapro so I'm not sure if that could tie into  the insomnia. 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • sarah74740
    sarah74740 morgan61231

    Posted

    I get terrible indigestion if I don't take my Sertraline with plenty of fluid, just a thought.

    Wishing you all the best

  • tammy1234
    tammy1234 morgan61231

    Posted

    Hi Morgan,

    It might be a bit fast to jump to 100mg after just 2 weeks at 50mg.  I increased by adding 25mg doses and stayed at each dose for minimum 4 weeks.   From patient reports this drug does a good job treating anxiety and depression but it takes time.  With each increase the side effects surface again but are less intense than when initially starting the drug.  It seems to take a good 3-4 months before best effects are experienced and then it’s just a matter of tweaking the dose based on individual symptoms.

    You likely will need at least 100mg since there’s a depressive component to your illness.

    Definitely insomnia is a side effect.  I take 10mg amitriptyline at bedtime but even with that it took about 3 months before the insomnia resolved.  For me I had no issue falling asleep, but I’d wake frequently for long periods.  Some patients take a antihistamine like Benadryl at bedtime instead of using benzos.  It’s a good idea to take something though while you’re adjusting to the Med.

    I still have a fair bit of fatigue and I’m almost at 4 months on treatment.

    I started treatment for anxiety related to work stress.  I found 100mg too much l.  I’m taking 75mg but may go down to 50mg hoping that’s enough and helps relieve that fatigue.

    When I initially started I also had some stomach issues- I make sure to take it with a good breakfast to help absorption and adequate fluid throughout the day too.

    All the best to you!

  • deborah_24308
    deborah_24308 morgan61231

    Posted

    I am on 50mg and have been on it for 8 weeks and am just now feeling good. It takes a while. I was on Lexapro for 4 weeks and had bad anxiety the whole time. Zoloft is so much better.

    I too believe that you increased really fast. 

    Hope you feel better soon.

    Blessings.

  • jammyc1973
    jammyc1973 morgan61231

    Posted

    I'm into my fourth week on 50mg. My sleeping is much better but waking up earlier than I normally would but reason being I'm so tired I'm going to bed much earlier than before I was taking. But still getting at least 7 hours in. Most other side effects gone but now have a raging gum infection but can't see sertraline as being the cause.

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