Reviews On Zoloft Dosage
Most online Zoloft reviewers report being on an initial dose of 50 mg, which is the standard Zoloft dose.
The initial therapeutic dosage of Zoloft is 25 to 50 mg. It can be upped to 200 mg over time depending on tolerance.
The most common issue reported by Zoloft reviewers regarding dosage is that their reaction to the drug plateaus over time, requiring their doctor to increase their dosage in order to be effective. Some reviewers even report having to switch medications eventually once they increased their Zoloft dosage as much as possible.
For example, one Drugs.com Zoloft reviewer, MaryKrazy1, writes:
Zoloft worked AWESOME for my extreme anxiety and major depression. It worked for many years but eventually , it stopped working as well and once my dosage couldnt go any higher, I had to start the whole process of finding the right medication and the right cocktail for me.
Other Zoloft reviewers warn against starting with a high dose of Zoloft, noting that it can increase negative side effects, such as weight gain and a loss of libido. Ricardo7171, a WebMD Zoloft reviewer, says that he switched to a lower dose of Zoloft for this very reason:
The one negative was the sexual side effects at the higher dose. Fortunately, at 25 mg, I have none of these issues.
Zoloft For Anxiety: What You Need To Know
If your anxiety is starting to have a serious negative impact on your everyday life, you might want to start looking into medication options.
Zoloft is one anxiety medication that you may have heard of, and it can have impressive effects on mood.
Weve gathered together everything you need to know about Zoloft to help you make the best decision for your mental health.
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How Long Has Sertraline Been Available
Sertraline was developed throughout the 1970s and 80s. The medication was approved by the FDA in 1991 to treat major depressive disorder and has since been used as a common treatment for depression and other mental health and mood disorders.
Although sertraline was originally sold exclusively by Pfizer, today its commonly available as a generic medication from a range of different companies.
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How Long Does Diarrhea From Sertraline Last
Diarrhea is a common side effect of sertraline. In fact, research shows that sertraline is slightly more likely to cause this side effect than other commonly used antidepressants.
As with many other sertraline side effects, diarrhea may develop during your first few weeks of using sertraline. If you have persistent diarrhea from sertraline, make sure that you drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated.
Contact your healthcare provider for help if you have persistent diarrhea that doesnt improve on its own.
Does Zoloft Help With Anxiety
Aside from its ability to improve the symptoms of depression, studies have shown that Zoloft significantly reduces¹ anxiety symptoms.
Importantly, this research also showed that Zoloft is still an effective treatment for depression and anxiety regardless of any other psychiatric conditions. This means that Zoloft provides clinical benefits² for patients with depressive symptoms in primary care.
The anxiety-reducing properties of Zoloft
One study³ investigated the effectiveness of Zoloft in the treatment of anxiety disorders in older adults. The study compared the effects of Zoloft to cognitive behavior therapy and a waitlist control group.
All patients in the study were 60 years of age or older and had a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or social phobia.
The study found that patients who received both Zoloft and cognitive behavior therapy saw a significant improvement in their anxiety, worry, and depressive symptoms immediately after treatment and at a three-month check-up.
When used with cognitive behavior therapy, Zoloft can generate significant results.
An option for hard-to-treat anxiety
Zolofts anxiety-reducing properties also seem to work for people with hard-to-treat anxiety, like panic disorder.
Around 50% of people with a generalized anxiety disorder will not respond to standard treatments, meaning that medication options that help these hard-to-treat conditions are desperately needed.
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When To See A Doctor For Zoloft Side Effects
Zoloft can be a great medication to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression if its taken properly. Being prepared to experience potential side effects is an important part of taking any medication, and knowing what to expect can remove some of the anxiety that often comes from taking a new medication.
If you start taking Zoloft and have some mild side effects its important to remember that thats normal. Its also important to remember at what point you should see your doctor because of the side effects youre having. As mentioned throughout this article, more serious side effects like confusion, hallucinations, allergic reactions, seizures, and vomiting require medical attention. If you start to experience worsening depression or anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, severe irritability or aggression, then you should seek immediate medical help.
What Drug Class Does Sertraline Belong To
Sertraline belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. It works by increasing levels of serotonin, a hormone thats involved in regulating certain aspects of your moods and behavior, in your brain and body.
Like other SSRIs, sertraline is used for a variety of purposes. Its approved by the FDA to treat major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and social anxiety disorder.
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Should I Stop Taking Zoloft
Be careful deciding to quit Zoloft, and use your prescriber as a guide. Consult with them about minimizing and avoiding withdrawal symptoms once you stop the medication. Usually, tapering dosage under supervision reduces withdrawal symptoms after weeks of relying on it to manage serotonin.
Severe withdrawal symptoms can mimic depression, and many others create discomfort and difficulty:
- Tremors, restlessness, or difficulty speaking or chewing
- Insomnia, nightmares, and other sleep changes
- Lightheadedness and sensitivity to sound
- Nausea, cramping, and diarrhea
Cost Availability And Insurance
Both medications are available in most pharmacies. At the time this article was written, a 30-day supply of Prozac was about $100 more than a similar supply of Zoloft. To check the most current pricing, though, you can visit GoodRx.com.
Most health insurance plans likely wont cover brand-name Prozac or Zoloft. This is because both drugs are also available as generic medications, and generics tend to cost less than their brand-name counterparts. Before covering the brand-name product, your health insurance company may need prior authorization from your doctor.
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Zoloft Reviews For Anxiety
Overall, Zoloft fares slightly better with online reviewers who use the medication for anxiety-related issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
WebMD Zoloft reviewers who use Zoloft for panic disorder have given it an average of 3.87 out of 5 stars, and patients who use Zoloft for anxiety have given it an average rating of 7.7/10 on Drugs.com.
Many Zoloft reviewers report that Zoloft was helpful in curbing their panic attacks and overall sense of nervousness.
One WebMD reviewer, who gives Zoloft five stars on all counts, says, Zoloft has helped me with my panic attacks and my everyday uneasiness and anxiety.
One common problem reported by Zoloft reviewers is the medications tendency to increase anxiety before it begins to treat it, or to eventually stop working in curbing anxiety after initially working very well.
One Drugs.com Zoloft review describes this rollercoaster:
Im a 29 year old female. Ive been suffering from horrible social anxiety disorder and panic attacks for over 2 years. Ive been on Zoloft for 4 monthsI had little to no social anxiety anymore and almost felt like I had my life back. After 2 months I felt I plateaued. I started getting the anxiety/panicky feelings back. So I upped my dosage to 50 mg. For now it is still doing the trick but its nowhere near what it was in the beginning.
Zoloft Reviews For Depression
Many users take Zoloft for depression and report it to be effective.
Zoloft has a 7.2/10 average rating from patients using it to treat depression on Drugs.com. On WebMD, reviewers have given Zoloft an average of 3.5/5 stars for treatment of depression.Most users who didnt like Zoloft report side effects that outweighed the positives .
Some Zoloft reviewers, like Kitten.666 from Drugs.com, who reports that she is a 20-year-old female, claim that the medication saved their life:
I love Zoloft! I can live again! Im laughing and going out with friends, not laying in bed all day. I can finally breathe, my surroundings seem so much brighter, I dont harbor hate anymore, Im me againMore ambitious and creative like I was before I fell into this self destructive path of depression two years ago.
Many reviewers echo this sentiment, saying that Zoloft was enough to lift them out of their depression.
While most Zoloft users report a strong positive or negative reaction to the medication, a few dont experience much of a reaction at all, or report that it is mildly helpful in treating their depression. User cisuggs from Drugs.com offers one such Zoloft review, reporting a more manageable state of mind overall on the drug:
Overall I definitely experienced less crying and general hopelessness on Zoloft. I still had my bad days but in general its manageable.
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How Will Zoloft Make You Feel
Zoloft can help reduce anxiety, but how will it make you feel?
Once youve been taking Zoloft for long enough to feel its effects, you should start to experience feelings of relief, relaxation, and calm as the weight of your anxiety begins to lift.
Some other changes that you might notice are an increase in your energy levels and appetite. You may also find that you start to get a better nights sleep.
You might also notice an improvement in your motivation levels and overall quality of life. Some people even find that the medication completely fixes their anxiety symptoms.
Its important to note that not all people experience Zoloft in the same way. While some may find their anxiety stops, others may only experience some lessening of symptoms.
Be sure to discuss how the medication is working for you with your doctor so that they can help to tailor your dosing and treatment plan to get you the best results.
How Quickly Does Zoloft Work
Zoloft does not work overnight, so a little patience is required.
Similar to other antidepressants, Zoloft slowly increases the amount of serotonin available in the brain.
You cannot expect your brain chemistry to change overnight, but the good news is that you may notice a change within a couple of weeks.
Many patients report an improvement in their symptoms within the first two weeks, however, most do not report a complete difference until at least four to six weeks.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, many patients first report an improvement in their energy levels, sleep, and appetite. These improvements eventually lead to a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Those with more severe depression may not notice a significant change until six weeks or longer.
You should remain hopeful that Zoloft will work, but if you notice little change after six weeks, then you should speak to your healthcare provider.
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A Closer Look At Zoloft
Zoloft is the brand name of the generic drug sertraline. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 and is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder , panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder , social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder . One reason to know this is that depression is frequently accompanied by anxiety .
Zoloft sometimes also is prescribed for âoff-labelâ uses. âOff-labelâ use means taking a medication for a condition that it has not been approved by the FDA to treat, a common and acceptable medical practice. Zoloft may be used âoff-labelâ to help treat binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and generalized anxiety disorder .
Your doctor or prescribing nurse may initially start you on a lower dose, such as 50 mg, and then increase the dosage gradually over the course of several weeks, if needed. The highest dose of this medication usually is no more than 200 mg daily, though some people need higher doses to achieve symptom relief.
Zoloft is taken once a day. It can be taken in the morning or at night, with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Zoloft, you will want to either: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or if it is closer to the time when you would take your next dose, just take the next dose.
These side effects typically decrease during the first few weeks of taking Zoloft.
Rare or serious side effects of Zoloft include:
Zoloft Vs Prozac: Which Is More Effective
The good news is that both Zoloft and Prozac are comparable in terms of being able to effectively treat major depressive disorder , according to a study published in International Clinical Psychopharmacology. The study found that both people on Zoloft and people on Prozac showed measurable improvement in their symptomsâand this improvement was maintained for the duration of the study.
However, while both medications were found to be similarly effective, the study also found that around 10% of people stopped taking Zoloft because it was not working for them, compared to around 20% of people who stopped taking Prozac for the same reason. In other words, when they work, both work comparably well. But more people may find that Zoloft works for them compared to Prozac.
The study also found that the rate of adverse events was similar for both medications, meaning around the same percentage of people taking each medication experienced side effects. The people taking sertraline , however, rated the side effects as less severe compared to the people taking fluoxetine .
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Is It Possible To Lose Weight On Sertraline
Yes. Although sertraline and other SSRIs are usually linked to weight gain, monitoring your food intake and activity can allow you to either lose weight or maintain your current body weight while youre using sertraline.
Although experts arent yet fully aware of what causes weight gain on SSRIs, some researchers claim that SSRIs can interfere with peoples ability to switch off their urge to eat.
Despite this, theres no evidence that sertraline affects your bodys metabolism and causes you to use fewer calories than normal. This means that you may lose or gain weight as you normally would by adjusting your calorie intake or activity level.
If you notice weight gain after starting sertraline and feel worried, its best to let your healthcare provider know when you next see them.
What Causes Depression Medications To Stop Working
Multiple factors can change the way your body responds to an antidepressant, including:
- Drug or alcohol use. Illicit drug use and alcohol can cause strong mood changes, which can make antidepressants ineffective.
- Pregnancy. Your bodys weight and blood volume increase when youre pregnant. Talk to your doctor about taking antidepressants while pregnant, and about potentially adjusting your dosage to continue relieving symptoms.
- New stressors. A new stressful situation at home or work can result in a mood response for which the antidepressant cant compensate.
- Other medications. Interactions between antidepressants and medications for other health conditions can affect how well an antidepressant works.
Most often, though, antidepressants stop working for what seems to be no reason. Theres no good research that shows why a medication may stop working for someone, says Nestadt. I think its less an issue of building up tolerance and more likely constantly changing stressors and factors in the brain.
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Side Effects Of Stopping Zoloft
If it is determined by your healthcare professional that discontinuing Zoloft is best for you, you should do so gradually with dose tapering. This will decrease the likelihood of unwanted side effects of abrupt discontinuation such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, irritability, and agitation. If you abruptly stop Zoloft, it will be completely eliminated in a little over 5 days, even if you have taken it for a long time. Do not discontinue Zoloft without the direct advice of your prescriber. Long-term treatment with Zoloft is safe, but your prescriber may choose to reevaluate your drug choice if your symptomology changes or your side effects are bothersome. Sleep disturbances and weight gain are some of the most common adverse events associated with long-term therapy.
Zoloft Does Not Improve Depression Even In Severe Cases Study Finds
Despite their finding, the researchers suggest that SSRIs be given to people who do not meet criteria for depression or anxiety.
A new study published in Lancet Psychiatry found that sertraline was no better than placebo for the treatment of depression. The primary outcome of the study was whether sertraline led to reduced depressive symptoms after six weeks.
According to the researchers:
We found no evidence that sertraline led to a clinically meaningful reduction in depressive symptoms at 6 weeks.
The study recruited real-world participants who reported depressive symptoms to their general practitioners in the UK. This is different from the usual pharmaceutical industry-funded clinical trials, which carefully select participants to avoid common real-world complexities.
They also assessed whether the drug was more effective for people with more severe depression. However, the drug appeared ineffective even for severe depression: We observed no evidence that treatment response varied with depression severity or duration.
Another outcome was whether sertraline reduced depressive symptoms after 12 weeks. The researchers found weak evidence for this outcome. They found a statistically significant effect, barely better than placebo. As a result, the authors write that their study does not exclude the possibility of a clinically important effect.
Nonetheless, the researchers based their own conclusions solely on these switched, secondary outcomes .
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