Starting Zoloft for the first time at 12.5? Advice please...
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi guys, if you've read my previous post you would know that my dad suffers from agoraphobia, ptsd, panic disorder and currently he is going through a very hard episode of depression. This is his 3rd or 4th major depression in last 20 years. He feels very weak and hopeless. He has been prescribed with Zoloft 50 mg. Due to the internet he has read many bad stories about the side effects of Antidepressants. He is very scared and thinks he could not handle any worse than this.
If you could share your experience with Zoloft, we would be very thankful. At what dose did you start and how long did it take for them to work. And is there any way to avoid side effects, perhaps would taking a small dose of 12.5 for a week, then slowly upping for 25, be possible to avoid side effects??? Thank you in advance...
0 likes, 4 replies
TurtleTom Musicdoughnut
Posted
Hi
I am currently on 100mg and will be upping to 150mg anyday.
I am sorry to hear about your father amd hopefully sertaline/zoloft will help relieve this I went straight on 50mg but haven't had no massive side effects I had a few nights where I woke up at 2/3/4am feeling rough but my dr also prescribed Diazepam/Valium which is a benzopaine and helps counter these side effects. Maybe it is something your dad can ask for this will help. I have now being on it 3 months and the only long term sode effect I have had is some weight gain.
I take mine at about 11pm before bed and have an apple with it religiously now. My doctor advised that some will suffer insomnia from it in which case take it in the morning. Also I was told that majority dont see massive improvements until 100/150mg the 50mg is more a stepping stone.
You can take less but I would go for the 50mg first off there is alot of horror stories but there are also so many success stories with it if you actually look for them. The rx website shows a 7.2/10 overall rating out of thousands of reviews. It is the same as most things people generally enjoy a moan rather than praising. But remember all an ssri is is a drug helping to add serotonin into oir bodies which we naturally have
Does your dad take any supplements? Coq10, magnesium, vitamin B and/or D, cold black seed oil are my go to supplements at the moment to help my anxiety/depression I also take turmeric to help with inflammation as I have chest pains which doctor has said is costochronditiis and on top of this I started an apple cider vinegar capsule to help combat the weight gain and take a pro biotic just to help the gut
pauline59158 Musicdoughnut
Posted
My daughter takes Sertraline, don't know the dose. It has certainly benefited her.
Neelie44567 Musicdoughnut
Posted
I am taking 25mg of Zoloft once/day every morning for panic attacks and depression. At first I experienced increased anxiety, intrusive thoughts, stomach upset (diarrhea), headache, slight trembling, dry mouth, insomnia, and a slight sore throat. After reading many reviews I decided to "wait out" the side effects, as many users report that these side effects subside over time. In about two weeks the above symptoms improved. I am not ready to increase my dose yet, as I believe my brain needs to level out on the current dose. I have had such bad anxiety all my life it would be a relief to feel normal again.
If your dad is wary of trying Zoloft maybe you could suggest to him the 12.5mg, because that is a child's dose. I am not sorry I tried it, as it has helped me, mostly putting the brakes on intrusive thoughts. Praying and reading the bible have a very calming effect as well. God bless you and your dad, and whatever he tries I will pray that it works for him.
Lsutiger1989 Musicdoughnut
Posted
I started out taking 25mg and it was awful. The first few days i had the worst anxiety ive ever had along with diarrhea, upset stomach. i didnt eat for days due to panic attacks. I quit after about 2 months but gave it another try about a year later. I take 75mg now. You have to try to take it at the same time everyday and stick with it for it to work best. my anxiety is so much better now, i feel like a normal person. i take it at night even though its recommended to take it in the morning, i havent had any sleep problems and thats when my schedule is most consistent