Zoloft side effects: I’ve been on... - Anxiety and Depre...

Anxiety and Depression Support

88,191 members82,728 posts

Zoloft side effects

Starrlight profile image
26 Replies

I’ve been on Zoloft for 5 days. Has anyone experienced pressure in your head while taking Zoloft? What other side effects have you had and isn’t it likely they will go away?

Written by
Starrlight profile image
Starrlight
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
26 Replies
Call1 profile image
Call1

I was on Zoloft for a long time. Side effects are different for everyone. Yes that can be a side effect. You usually will experience 4 of the side effects and they will eventually go away over time.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to Call1

Thanks Call1! What was helpful to you? I know it’s used for anxiety depression and ocd.

Call1 profile image
Call1 in reply to Starrlight

It's used for depression. Anxiety. Ocd and panic disorders. I had to quit taking it because of diarrhea this time. It will take time to really feel the effects of it. Some side effects your doctor can help you with. Just let them know.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to Call1

Ok thanks!

Ddorne profile image
Ddorne

Starrlight, my sister has been taking Zoloft for a while and it’s working well. No side effects that I know.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to Ddorne

My sister is too! What a coincidence. Thanks Ddorne

Ive been on zoloft maybe 21/2 yr. Initially had a little nausea. My biggest issue with Zoloft( and most antidepressants) are the sexual side effects. That by itself is depressing.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

I see, thank you.

mvillarreal profile image
mvillarreal

I wouldn't stop just yet. You might be experiencing some weird symptoms the first couple weeks or so. I've never had the head pressure, but I had really runny stools, some muscle/nerve tension, and dry-heaving. It does go away, though, at least in my experience, when your body gets used to it. Also, be sure to take it with food. Even now, I often get nauseous if I take it without eating something first.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to mvillarreal

Thanks Mvillarreal! Are you still on Zoloft? How is it helpful to you? I’m not planning on going off of it.

mvillarreal profile image
mvillarreal in reply to Starrlight

Yes, and in fact, I take a much higher dose than when I first started. It helps with my depression a ton. I feel much less tired during the day than I used to, and when I go through a depressive episode, I still struggle, but the suicidal feelings aren't as intense. I have also found that I cope with my traveling anxiety much better than I used to and have now been on 3 international trips! It's good stuff, but be sure to check in with your therapist regularly. It sometimes loses its effect, and you may need to add some more to your dose eventually.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to mvillarreal

Thanks for the tips and I’m glad it has helped you. It’s already helping me like when I go out I don’t even think about it as I used to struggle with anticipation anxiety before outings and social anxiety. The pressure in my head is gone now I’m nauseous but could be worse so... I’m happy that it’s starting to work already as I just started on May 20th

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to mvillarreal

I’m on 50 mg to start with

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight

This is day 5 on Zoloft. I feel like my mind gets ‘foggy ‘ but I am able to focus. Less intrusive obsessive scary thoughts focused on and I am getting good sensations in my body instead of uncomfortable cortisol rushing through.

in reply to Starrlight

That's great news star! Build on that. I've been on zoloft for a while its helped me tremendously.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

Awww that’s so awesome I’m happy for you Slush! I have some hope. Do you recall when it started really making a difference for you?

in reply to Starrlight

It was a long process for me because at the time i started zoloft, I didnt know my thyroid wasnt working correctly. When I combined the zoloft and thyroid medicine I felt about 100 times better the next day. It was like a night and day difference. From what I've heard it takes 2-3 months for most people to get the full effect so it's a great sign that you feel a difference on day 5. I think everyone who takes antidepressants should have their thyroids tested because it can make all the difference.

JL74 profile image
JL74

I experienced sleep disorders. As in hard to go to sleep. I started taking an additional anti anxiety. At about 30 days everything started to work. Sleep went back to normal.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to JL74

What additional ant anxiety did you take? Thanks!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to JL74

On night four I woke up at 2:00 am and never went back to sleep.. hmmm hope this doesn’t become a thing. I’ll hand in there though because I already feel a bit better.

XoxoFaith profile image
XoxoFaith in reply to Starrlight

Glad to know it's working for you let me know if you continues to improve maybe I can try that antidepressant

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to XoxoFaith

Sure I’ll keep you updated (((((((hug))))))

in reply to Starrlight

That's great you are feeling better. I find going to bed as late as I can helps sleep. Heard some of these drugs including yours can take up to six weeks and can make some feel rock bottom, but may be you have found the right one for you. Its surprising each drug and compound is slightly different and may react differently. Drinking water in sips may helping hydration and preventing with dizziness or a feeling you have a pressure sound in your head. If the symptoms are noticeable get a change of prescription. It sounds like a winner so far!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

Oh hi Hawaii! How are ya? Thanks for that; it’s encouraging and I appreciate your input. I’m so stressed out there was an emergency situation and then I heard disturbing things on the news, I’m twitching which happens when I’m really stressed. But anyway yes I still feel that this med is doing some good already and it’s been 3 weeks tomorrow. Take care and nice to ‘read’ you.

in reply to Starrlight

Really pleased it is agreeing with you. Read a post of some one who was on Citalopram and wanted to come off it as she felt so happy and could cope, and it unnerved her. I say don't knock it if I works and you can feel happy and be yourself and get on with your life. What's the difference anyway if you feel depressed with pain and ill health, or going through misery with the virus. At least you are feeling stronger and those nasty low, continual fears have gone. Have a look at Square251 post he cannot get to the doctor but needs to change drugs, and come off some. Perhaps you could let him know at that you have found one which actually helping and tell him how you had help in changing meds. He says he doesn't know how to change and cut down the meds and is stuck in limbo. May be you could him advice you had and how to cut them down without feeling rotten.

PopcornLover1971 profile image
PopcornLover1971

I took 25 mg last night and woke up after three hours of sleep with burning body parts. After two hours got myself back to sleep but woke up again two hours later feeling dizzy and burning and tingling.These side effects feel pretty significant after one small dose.

Should I keep taking it or try another?

You may also like...

Zoloft (Sertraline) side effects

thinking of taking some Dramamine for the nausea but I’ve never taken it before. Has anyone had a...

Paxil side effects or zoloft withdrawal

I've been on Zoloft over 10 years and recently my anxiety and depression has been worse so I started

Sertraline/ Zoloft side effects

ending up with even more severe side effects. Should I wait these side effects out before upping to...

Zoloft?

Anyone take zoloft? If so does it help you with anxiety? I'm currently taking fluoxetine and it...

Zoloft and added depression

of mine has been on Zoloft for close to 6 months. She has said that though her anxiety has improved