1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Sertraline

Scared of Zoloft side effects

Posted , 2 users are following.

jodie4655
jodie4655

I've been prescribed 50mg of Zoloft for anxiety. I'm super paranoid about side effects, especially since I've never used antidepressants before. Does anyone have experience with this pill? I looked online and the general consensus is to start at 12.5mg and slowly increase. Would this help? Would taking it before bed lower side effects? Thank you

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • michelle71710
    michelle71710 jodie4655

    Posted

    Hi Jodie, I know what you mean about being scared of the side effects. I'm currently on 100mg. I started on 25mg for 6days, 19days on 50mg, 6days on 75mg and 5days so far on 100mg. My dr said to start 50mg for a week then up to 100mg but I was too scared as increased gradually. You could snap the tablet in half to get the 25mg. It's pointless taking 12.5mg as it would be the tiniest amount. The lowest dose to start it 50mg. My dr said it would get worse before it got better and that's true!! The worst was week 1-2 but I've had a few 'ok' days I'm just quite low and very tired. Do you work or are you off? It takes between 6-8weeks to full get into your system and with any increase you start again from that point so it's a long process but you'll get through it. I was on sertaline a few years ago for anxiety and panic attacks and it helped me so much. Due to personal circumstances anxiety has come back along with depression so I'm hoping it'll do the dark thing but I get thoughts thinking it won't work and I'll need feel better but need to stay positive. It's been a life saver this forum never used one before but people are great and very supportive. If you need to chat I'm here xxx

    • jodie4655
      jodie4655 michelle71710

      Posted

      Hi Michelle. Thanks for your advice! I'm still in high school which adds to the fear of side effects because I've already missed too much from the anxiety. I'll start from half a pill. Are the side effects just tiredness and feeling low for you?

    • michelle71710
      michelle71710 jodie4655

      Posted

      Hi Jodie, oh are you, are your school supportive? They know the reason for you being off? The side effects I got was heightened anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, tiredness, tingling through body, headache, night sweats but you may not get any of them you could be lucky. I would take the 25mg for a week see how you go then up it to 50mg then see your doctor again. Has the dr give you anything for any side effects that may happen? Xx
    • jodie4655
      jodie4655 michelle71710

      Posted

      Hi, yes they understand but I'm almost in my last year so missing a lot isn't great. Those side effects I could deal with, the ones I'm most scared of are dizziness and vomiting. Thank you so much for letting me know! GP has not given me anything for them.

    • michelle71710
      michelle71710 jodie4655

      Posted

      Yes I bet, can you not do some at home. I didn't really get dizziness, only when I got up quickly and I wasn't sick either just felt sick but dr give me some anti sickness tablets. Good luck, stay positive xx

    • jodie4655
      jodie4655 michelle71710

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your advice! I appreciate it, you definitely helped calm.my nerves. Good luck!
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.