What to expect starting Antidepressants (My Zoloft experience)

[@MarcusRideout]

I'd love to hear your story - share a comment below! :-)

[@jimmorrison4ever529]

I'm supposed to start taking Zoloft but avoided it because everyone I know who is on Zoloft acts like they're on speed.

[@MarcusRideout]

@@jimmorrison4ever529 that's odd. I'm not any more jacked up than before I was on it if that means anything lol.

[@jimmorrison4ever529]

@@MarcusRideout For me, Lexapro messed with my flight or fight response after 2 weeks. It was horrible, and I was paranoid and couldn't stay anywhere longer than 20 minutes. Then I went to Paxil which was good for me mentally, but put pressure on my stomach and it became hard to breathe at just 10mg. Now we're giving Zoloft a go but I haven't started it yet.

[@MarcusRideout]

@@jimmorrison4ever529 ah, that's gotta be rough + frustrating. Best of luck on the new experiment with this one!

[@shayla4777]

Taking Zoloft has been the best thing in my life so far. Getting up to brush my teeth or showering was so hard, and I always thought that I was just lazy despite knowing I wanted to do shower etc. But now I feel I can do absolutely anything, and I can also focus for such long periods when I study without feeling tired? It's odd but I'm happy about it. I really just love the medication.

[@Neuro-Nate]

Started Sertraline 5 days ago and I can honestly say that my anxiety has drastically reduced, I'm less anxious, irritable and just feel calm and calmer in general.

[@MarcusRideout]

That's great to hear! Best of luck with the on-boarding stage :-)

[@valovalmieni8929]

Are you still feeling good? Did you have any weird side effects?

[@dakotacastro7596]

My experience with Zoloft (Sertraline) has been a mostly positive one. Prior to being prescribed, I had a large amount of social anxiety that was crippling to my career aspirations. I stopped drinking alcohol and started taking 50 mg of Zoloft; after a week or so I remember noticing a significant difference. It really helped to increase my quality of life. Therapy in coordination with proper medication is the real winning solution. Another excellent video Marcus!

[@MarcusRideout]

Ah man! Thank you for chiming in and sharing your experience with Zoloft! It definitely took a bit to 'kick in', and I still experience 'down phases' with my condition (Persistent Depressive Disorder - there's a video on it on my channel too), but holy smokes it doesn't feel nearly as 'drastic' or unescapable when in those 'lows'. Been working with a counsellor for 2+ years as well. Also cut out alcohol this past Feb, and hopping on the medication gave me one more reason not to add it to my diet.

[@holyshit604]

@@MarcusRideout how MG were you taking i am afraid to start

[@MarcusRideout]

@@holyshit604 my doctor prescribed 50mg for 6 weeks + a followup at that point. He increased my dosage to 75mg at the followup after chatting with me and asking questions related to the experience. Kicked in about two weeks after that.

[@Edgar_777.]

How long have you been taking it

[@JaX-cu7hb]

Did you start with 25 mg the first few days?

[@arik3974]

You know, I've been postponing taking meds for years. Always believing it is like giving up instead of doing something about it. But I've noticed that in every KZbin video where someone explains their experience I immediately think: this person would be my friend. Everyone is so open and nice and supportive, regardless of age or gender or whatever. It really helps realizing my favorite kind of people all took the leap and that it was the opposite of giving up that made em take it. Starting Zoloft next monday! Thank you for sharing.

[@MarcusRideout]

Arik, wow. Thank you for sharing this comment. First things first: There's nothing wrong with you for starting the medication. :-) To me I view it the exact same as I would with a diabetic needing insulin. Their body just doesn't produce it the same way most people do, and it's not cause they 'gave up'. As someone who feels like I've lucked out (ie: the first medicine my doctor started on me worked for me - took 58 days to 'kick in' and be noticeable), I can't imagine going back to life without it. I still have down phases, however I find it doesn't last nearly as long as it used to (only 2-3 hours or so now, which feels a lot more 'manageable' and less intense of a 'wave to ride'), however honestly for me this has been the best thing that's happened for me. Best of luck with your journey - make sure to keep a journal or document your mood each day (even a simple app on your phone can work). It's one of those things that you don't realize is working until one day you just notice you feel good, and that you felt good the day before too.

[@stevewilds567]

How has your experience been

[@arik3974]

@@stevewilds567 It's been really great man. It makes it so much easier to let negative thoughts go. I still have the same issues but for some reason it just matters very little to me. Although I also had weekly therapy so that helped. Now on 100mg Zoloft/Sertraline daily. Together with therapy it truly did change my life. 8 months ago I thought about killing myself and felt anxious even seeing other people on the street or supermarket with constant negative thoughts. Now I am dating a girl and we've just spent our 6th date together this weekend plus I had the best summer.. For me the numbing down of emotions was beneficial, I had so goddamn much of it 24/7..

[@teepot4539]

8 weeks in and feeling great! Fearless, positive. Loving it.

[@MarcusRideout]

Awesome :D

[@liezeldeleon8352]

Did u have a weight gaine since ur taking the medication ?

[@MarcusRideout]

@@liezeldeleon8352 I was almost 250lbs before taking meds, and I worked to drop down to 230 prior to starting them... still hover around there

[@kvr6869]

I can only stress this part - don’t base your expectations regarding antidepressants on what someone writes on the internet. Of course every person‘s experience is legitimate, but often times the reviews that stick are those who paint a really awful and frightening picture. Every medication I have benefited from has someone vilifying it if you look it up. But every body reacts differently and there are safe ways to try for one that helps, if you wish to take meds.

[@MarcusRideout]

You can find negative reviews for anything. This is why it's important to work with your doctor if you decide to try medication. If you find it's not helping, or if the side effects are too intense, you need to keep your doctor in the loop. They will work with you (if a good doctor) to find what works best for your body.

[@IrishKingzz]

Thanks for sharing. I started a week ago, and something that was stressing me was the numbness of downstairs side effects, and no one on KZbin seemed to be talking about it.

[@MarcusRideout]

Yea it’s a weird topic for a KZbin video, too. My doc added Wellbutrin to help counter some of the Zoloft side effects, specifically on that end. Had helped with “finishing” things, though def found Zoloft has decreased my sex drive and sensitivity. I’m chatting with my family doctor on the regular too, and he has me doing some more tests to check testosterone levels too.

[@itsapplelove]

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience, I'm on day 4 of Sertraline and have had some trouble with sleep and anxious thoughts. Also clenching my jaw! It's reassuring to hear you talk about when the symptoms pass and to hear about that day when you suddenly realised you were feeling better. Must have felt a huge achievement 👍

[@MarcusRideout]

Ah I don't miss that early adjustment phase. I thankfully didn't have the jaw clenching side effect, but def have read it's a very common one for folks. Good luck on the journey - make sure to just take it day at a time. If you have a day where you just dont do anything, try not to beat yourself up. I was quite sleepy for the first couple weeks, and not very productive.

[@thefauph5952]

Thanks for sharing! As someone who has battled ADHD and different challenges, it's great seeing people normalize getting help!

[@justinveenema]

Totally agree! This stuff needs to be talked about more.

[@MarcusRideout]

Thanks dude. 🙂 It's something worth shining a light on!

[@MarcusRideout]

@@justinveenema 100% 🙂

[@AP-nx6xo]

You’re very articulate. Thank you. I’ve been on Zoloft for 4 weeks and I’m just starting to feel better. I went through a depressed mood for the last 4?weeks. Kind of disoriented but I read reviews where people in it said to persevere and get through the first 2 months . I’m finding my ocd intrusive thoughts are less severe and I’m hoping next month will lift my spirits. Great presentation 👍🏻

[@MarcusRideout]

Thanks for the feedback. I def found it got a bit worse before it got better - glad to hear you’re starting to feel more balanced!

[@djkelley6920]

How are you now man? Would love to know.

[@AP-nx6xo]

@@djkelley6920 hey, I stopped Zoloft/sertraline. My mood was flat. Waited for the improvement that never happened. So back on Wellbutrin 300XL. Good enough I guess. Better than Zoloft

[@djkelley6920]

@@AP-nx6xo sorry to hear it didnt work, I wish you the best!

[@AP-nx6xo]

@@djkelley6920 👍🏻

[@hendrxfn]

Dude....I nodded my head in agreement the whole time. Been there done that. Thanks for sharing....very encouraging to hear.

[@MarcusRideout]

Not a problem on the share :D Make sure you speak with a trained professional if you are wondering if you have depression or something like dysthymia. There's no shame in talking about what you are experiencing and there are plenty of professionals who can help you navigate this :D

[@darren4179]

Dude, amazing overview, going through this right now, day 5. Thanks for the knowledge that this won’t last.

[@MarcusRideout]

You're welcome, Darren! If it doesn't get better make sure to keep open communication with your doctor too. Sadly it's not a one size fits all, yet as someone on the other side of it, I'm glad I got it dialled in. Best of luck with the transition :D

[@justinveenema]

I freaking *_love_* hearing about your exploration into this side of your life.

[@MarcusRideout]

Thanks Justin! Been interesting to explore all that I've gone though this year in a way that can be articulated on camera 😅

[@GingerScruggs]

i am so thankful for this video. everything you said was spot on (except the dude issues im not a dude). i started a month ago and am gradually increasing the dose. i have the nausea, extreme tiredness, and jaw clenching. i have been laying on the couch for months and my couch is taking on the shape of my body. but im going to stick with this because i hear it can take a while to see a difference. i needed to see some positive videos about starting anti-depressants so thank you very much. bless you.

[@hfud11]

Google "PSSD"

[@Darksoulsnoob]

Hey, how are you doing now? Did the tiredness go away?

[@r24m61]

Thank you for making this video. I'm really scared to start Zoloft and I'm still not sure if I will, but I appreciate your honesty and taking the time to help others who might be going through the same or thinking about trying it. If I start taking it I'll probably rewatch this a few times to feel less scared. Bless you man.

[@caracadotte1705]

I have recently started taking zoloft, 50 mg to start. I'm 6 months pregnant. My doctor said that it has been extensively been researched and is safe for pregnancy. Everything has been fine physically thus far. I used to self medicate with marijuana, as I live in Canada where it is legal. When I found out about my pregnancy, I stopped smoking cold turkey. I tried self help, meditation and other ways to try and deal with my anxiety, low mood and depression. I talked to my doctor and told her the past week and a half has been so low, and the past 2 days I couldnt stop crying. I really hope this helps. Im thankful that people such as yourself have made videos and talk about your experience to speak to the journey of anti depressants and how its not immediately ok. Today is day 2 and I have been nauseous, light headed and had some low points. I hope as my journey goes on, it will get better. I see my doctor in 4 weeks where we will check in on how things are going.

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey Cara! First off, thanks for sharing your experience! As a fellow Canuck I understand the 'let's try the self-medicating' side of things 😂 I hope things get better for you along the way. I def found the side effects started to chill out around day 9 or 10, so fingers crossed it's similar! Lastly - thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it :-) Hearing stories from other people fuels me to create videos.

[@mehmetozkaraaslan6376]

How is it going now?

[@Thatdevonagain]

Hey! I am on my fifth day, feeling a little better, just my sleep and thoughts have been messed up, I feel just like you! I hope it’s gets better, tomorrow will be day 6

[@MarcusRideout]

Heya Devon! How’s it going since then? Been a while since I’ve caught up on YT comments 😀

[@mirandahendricks4901]

Thank you so much for this. I'm waiting for my prescription to come in and I'm very nervous about starting this journey. I'm already in a bad place mentally and I'm worried that it getting worse from where I'm at now is going to be bad. I really appreciated how straight to the point you were while also being gentle and warm. I have my own personal stigmas about me needing medication but I'm trying to be positive and see it as I'm doing what I can to take care of me instead of being ashamed. Thank you for sharing this high quality and relatable video

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey Miranda! I'm glad you found this video to be helpful as you're navigating this situation in your life! I know I was looking for videos like this when I was first diagnosed with depression. Antidepressants made a noticeable world of difference change in my day-to-day experience, and I hope you find the right one for you with ease, too! Stick through it - it may take 8 weeks to start working (57 days for me).

[@AP-nx6xo]

Just look after YOU. As far as I’m concerned , this is my private journey and I only share with a couple trustworthy people👍🏻

[@MikeVirts]



[@r24m61]

Do you mind telling a little about how your experience went? I've been prescribed Zoloft too but I'm really scared to start... If you'd rather not it's okay I wouldn't want to be intrusive, I'm just reluctant to start due to a lot of fear

[@amandatomasi9351]

I just went to the doc today. I have been suffering for what seems like forever and I finally took some initiative to go to the doctor. This was a huge step for me. I got prescribed Zoloft and ever since I got home, I have been researching Zoloft, the side effects, the pros and cons, the different journeys. I am terrified, to say the least, but this video was so extremely helpful. Like almost everyone in this comment section, I am scared but I know my journey and experimentation with SSRIs is to help me. I can't help but think these next few weeks are going to be extremely hard but I am more motivated to get better than I am nervous about the medication. Seriously thank you for this video, it is a huge help and a good kick start to my recovery.

[@MarcusRideout]

Awesome, Amanda! I’m glad you found this video helpful in your researching! I definitely went through a similar stage after starting it and had to make a video on what I wish I found easier 😅

[@MarcusRideout]

Good luck - you’ve got this!!!

[@PCP-ov7nj]

How is it going?

[@shaheena.3803]

How are you doing now

[@amandatomasi9351]

@@shaheena.3803 really good actually!!! My side effects were not bad at all. I do feel a bit numbed out but it is not horrible!!

[@LaRusso]

Glad I found this channel. Only on day 2 of Zoloft but getting the nausea heavy. Weirdly get nauseous every time I yawn. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be back to normal.

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks for stopping by :-) I found the nausea part chilled out around day 9/10 - hope it's the same for you, too!

[@baybeecupid91]

How has the nausea been since day 2-til now? When did it ease up ?

[@cowboyjohnsontown]

I started taking antidepressants 23 years ago. They worked great until, they kinda stopped working. That's when, in 2018, my doctor doubled my dose which caused a horrible reaction in me (suicidal ideation, mania). By 2019, my body had adjusted to the larger dose. In 2020, I started meditating since the meds weren't making me feel good. In 2021, I read "Your Drug May Be Your Problem" and started tappering off my SSRI. 10 months later and I'm down to 10mg/day, down from 40mg/day. I'm finally facing my fears and dealing with the true reasons I was put on pills in the first place. Coming off this stuff is TOUGH. You deal with withdrawal PLUS your underlying issues. Sending strength to anyone struggling. I'm not pill-shaming, just sharing my story. Love to all.

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks for sharing your experience. I feel like the more open conversations we can have the better decisions folks can make. Antidepressants are definitely not a one-stop-shop for helping solve the issues folks face, and 100% adding self-care through therapy, meditation, exercise, and open communication with your core support peers is critical. Didn't read this as 'pill shaming' either - I feel you have a valid experience and it's worth sharing. :-)

[@cowboyjohnsontown]

@@MarcusRideout I appreciate that, Marcus. And I agree about the conversation around antidepressants. As I'm now tapering off of my SSRI, I've met quite a few people in the psych med withdrawal community. One term I keep hearing come up is "informed consent." It's the idea that the patient should be armed with as much objective information as possible in order to make their own informed decisions around mental health treatment.

[@cowboyjohnsontown]

@tyrel Yeah cool bro I'd love to "try" it

[@cowboyjohnsontown]

@tyrel Actually I get what you're saying. It sounds like you went thru Benzo withdrawal and probably want to be validated that it was tough. And that shit is tough, I've known many people who have gone thru it. What bothers me is you bring up your own pain in a way to dismiss mine. I haven't been thru what you've been thru but you haven't been thru what I've been thru. Coming off of paxil after 25 years is damn tough. Let's all lift each other up and use our pain as a way to connect and relate to each other, rather than further separate. I'm sorry for my first reactive comment.

[@cowboyjohnsontown]

@tyrel yeah benzos are nasty, I had a prescription for Ativan for many years. Luckily they didn't grip me like paxil did. But it's pointless to compare, they all suck. Longterm use of psych drugs is a bad idea.

[@augustb3531]

Appreciate the video dude, im glad your doing better!! I tried Lexapro and on day 2 found out im allergic and it was a horrible experience. Just started Zoloft instead and heard day 1 was the worst but not sure how accurate that is and so im seeking more information. So far its going well, just pretty nauseated. Really worrying about having a bad reaction on day 2, though I'll just have to be brave. Stay strong yall, have a great night!

[@irishgirl1753]

Hopefully your still doing ok I couldn’t take Zoloft insomia got worse ❤️🤗

[@MarcusRideout]

Heya sorry for delay in reply! How have things been going since then??

[@augustb3531]

@@MarcusRideout things have been great! 1000x better than lexipro was. Ive been sleeping better and less anxious/depressed. I am up to 50 now but might go back down because i am sleeping alot and seem to be zoning out a whole lot more. Otherwise, Zoloft seems to be going great! I have an appointment first week in april to reconvene with my doctor again :)

[@Yeahright1]

Thank you so much for this. I started also 50mg of Zoloft yesterday for the first time ever and am so nervous for the side effects but this gives me hope!

[@MarcusRideout]

You've got this! Just take it one day at a time, and remember to be kind to yourself and allow yourself the space to go through what you will experience without judgement or shame! :-)

[@gevans5446]

How have you been?

[@fenway2K4]

Thanks so much Marcus for this video!! I have been on Wellbutrin, Prozac and Lexapro. None of these meds have helped but my psychiatrist told me to go with Zoloft so I start this next week. Your video has calmed my nerves on having Zoloft be an antidepressant that may work for me!! Thanks for the video Marcus and you explained everything so well!! I really appreciate you sharing your experience with us!! 👍👍

[@MarcusRideout]

Best of luck with it, James! It can be super frustrating knowing it’s not a “one pill works for all” kind of experience. Keep me posted with how it goes after a couple months

[@mohammadkhadra2604]

Zoloft was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the USA in 2018 with over 38 million prescriptions.

[@MarcusRideout]

I did not know that.

[@simplyjescruz]

I start zoloft tomorrow. Thanks for sharing!

[@MarcusRideout]

You’re welcome- good luck with it. Just remember, “one day at a time”.

[@LearnTravelNita]

Thanks for this! I started Sertraline for the first time a couple days ago. I know I have a long road, but I've been watching videos to help manage my expectations and this video was the most thoughtful, simple, and logically laid out. I really appreciate it.

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks for sharing! I appreciate you taking the time to write that out - means a lot 😀

[@ashleighbrown7539]

Thank you for this video my partner has just started these tablets and this helps me navigate his experiences

[@MarcusRideout]

I'm so glad that you're diving into this to better understand what your partner is going through. My fiancee has been super supportive on my own journey and you may never understand just how special it is having your closest friend and partner in your corner this way :D

[@mikenoyola-izquierdo9081]

Thanks Marcus. I’m totally new to your channel just started today 1030 2022. I think I may have dysthymia. I was on Lexapro for over a year and the side effects turned out to be a bigger issue than the occasional low mood. After I went off I felt fairly normal a while but the low mood is back. I do have moments where sleeping for six months sounds great and even not waking up doesn’t sound terrible. I’ll talk with my doctor about other possible antidepressants and I have an appointment this week with a therapist.

[@MarcusRideout]

How did it go in follow up with your doc and therapist, Mike??

[@sathoshinakamoto3427]

Was using marijuana for depression and anxiety for more than a decade and suddenly day before yesterday, started using Zoloft. Seeing some results. Im less angry and can focus on one thing for a bit longer. Having a bad headache but hope it'll go away sooner. Looking forward

[@MarcusRideout]

Takes a bit for it to kick in, and there is a bit of an adjustment phase from my experience and what I've read from others.

[@sathoshinakamoto3427]

@@MarcusRideout thank you marcus. Lets all grow old together.

[@MarcusRideout]

@@sathoshinakamoto3427 I can support that :D

[@sonamtipotas8564]

Thanks man! Currently taking zoloft and trying to get used to it for second time.Your video is hopefull.

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks for sharing! Best of luck on your journey with it.

[@ansr8859]

How did it go?

[@sonamtipotas8564]

@@ansr8859 Well it helps a lot with my anger issues. Some side effects occur, but it;s better than being angry as fuck all the time and getting very depressed. I am on a low dose.

[@ansr8859]

@@sonamtipotas8564 did it spike your anxiety/depression initially? I really just want to combat that. I can handle the other side effects short term, but honestly can’t handle any more anxiety or depression these days

[@sonamtipotas8564]

@@ansr8859 It did increase nervousness, but mostly on the outside,not the inside. Physicaly , Or the way I talked. So I can't say it increased anxiety depression noticeably. Although the second time I took zoloft I began with doses 4 times smaller than what my doctors suggested.I increased the dose very,very VERY, slowly. At 25 mg things had improved.Despite doctors saying such a low dose doesn't work. Highly suggest a slow dose increase.And patience. If this drug is really for you because everyone is different.But it kind of works for most people .Very popular drug.

[@stephenfirth936]

All 5 side effects happened to me too. Im on 200mg now, but i dont regret it. Brilliant advice given in this video.

[@MarcusRideout]

Oh wow - you started right at 200 or worked up to it?

[@stephenfirth936]

@@MarcusRideout I began at 50mg, then had to work my way up to 200mg, but 200mg has worked wonders for me. It was all trying out what worked for me.

[@MarcusRideout]

@@stephenfirth936 right on! I have a follow up with my doctor on Tuesday (4 week check in after raising from 75mg). It’s been super helpful so far - likely going to film some videos this week to talk about increasing dosage + “my experience being on antidepressants for a year”

[@stephenfirth936]

Like you said, its always good to visit the doc's, even if its for a chat about how they are working or if you feel they dont work or to even get things off your chest. I know of so many people who keep everything inside and put themselves in a worse state. I always advise them to go to the docs, it helped me so much.

[@themortician3186]

I'm struggling right now with depression, not quite sure if it's MDD or PDD with major depressive episodes,I honestly can't remember how long I've felt bad for or when I've felt good. There are weird rules around allowing young people to take antidepressants in the UK due to the possible side effects. Luckily I'm now receiving therapy and I'm on a waiting list for antidepressants. I've heard that Zoloft is one of the most common for young people and I'm hoping that'll help. I just wanted to say thanks for all these videos you do, it's really useful to get another perspective on stuff like this.

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks for sharing your comment. I hope your journey goes as smooth as it can - it's never fun being in a major depressive state or in a PDD slump. It's no joke - I've been in a really bad one recently and there were a few days where I just wanted to sleep my day away. The medication has definitely helped, and I'm thinking of making an update video on my journey with it since my first one was posted. Good luck!

[@kynguyen5688]

Dude your last sentence hit me hard. I have been a successful worker for years and now anxiety hits that I have to take a long leave that I feel like a loser, a wuss getting held by the hand by my mom and friends. I should stop feeling like that.

[@francesca9294]

Thank you for this honest and informative video!

[@MarcusRideout]

You’re welcome, Francesca!

[@inderjitsingh7024]

Hello, Sir, What u r talking is absolutely right. What a concise observation?. It's eye opener for me. I stoped taking medince for depression on & off due to side effects I had experienced. In short, Thank u very much, for sharing. Please, I want acknowledgement from you for my comment so that I know u had read this.

[@MarcusRideout]

yea, side effects can be tough. make sure to keep talking with your doctor along the journey as you try things.

[@josethegameplaya7775]

Thanks for making this video. Thanks for giving me hope of taking care of my mental health!

[@MarcusRideout]

You're welcome - there's no shame in dealing with it, if you've been born with something to navigate. You got this :D

[@gswella3294]

Just started this medication, only on day 2 and having trouble sleeping and staying asleep. I am now changing the time of day to take it from evening to mid day to see if that helps. Thanks for the video, I really hope this one works for me too.

[@MarcusRideout]

Heya! Sorry to hear you're navigating the insomnia stuff. Hope you are able to power through it to the other side 🙂 ~M

[@stardustring]

Really yes your family should support you, unfortunately ive been trying to reach out to my sister in law . She doesn't answer my text or phone calls at all not even to say hi. Its so disheartening. Im so messed up. I actually never needed medication. Unfortunately i took one that messed me up then another then Benzo, i so messed up. Im thinking of trying Zoloft . I guess i have nothing to lose.

[@oldyoutubechannel1978]

❤ Just started my Antidepressant journey 8 days ago with Zoloft already it’s been interesting personally I can relate to the sleep issues even though I have already had sleep problems but it was noticeable also even though it’s early actually been feeling less attached to my deep end it all thoughts and they are becoming way less in general 👍🏻 I have a very sensitive body so maybe that’s why I feel something different so early on but I’m excited to continue over all thoughhh I will say on I believe night 3 I took the pill before bed because I was hoping it would help with sleep instead of the morning because some people online said that’s what they did and it helped omg it was scary I feel asleep fast but then I woke up in complete panic pain in my chest and just so much fear I have panic attack issues already but this just felt so much worse some how and then I became super cold and really sweaty I have spoken to my prescriber about this and they said it’s safe to continue but it was very intense

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks for sharing your story so far with it, Rachael! It's definitely a ride the first little while getting used to it - it's kinda wild how different it is for each person who tries it. Took a couple months for it to fully kick-in for me, but holy smokes, it's made my life so much more enjoyable. PS: I'm going to put together a video on "1 year later" as it's been a year since I started this month.

[@timsina84]

thanks for the video, starting my zoloft journey today

[@MarcusRideout]

Best of luck with it, Tim!

[@francesca9294]

Hey Tim, how is it going? Side effects? Is it working? I'm considering it.

[@cm2208]

love ya man. needed this. many need this.

[@MarcusRideout]

thanks :-) glad you found it helpful.

[@Isabelle-ki1tj]

For the first time I am feeling like I really need some help in the form of antidepressants with my mental health. Here in the Netherlands it seems like every therapist I've seen has been trying to solve things without the use of medications, and that's not a bad thing. But dealing with PTSS, I had emdr therapy which worked, but I still have this feeling for years now. I feel really anxious, low, have anger management issues. I only get advice on how to breathe and how to regulate these emotions, talking about what I can do to make things better. But even now, when my life is going allright (decent job, family, friends, going to the gym etc) I still feel very anxious and sad, very hopeless. So, especially since I became a mom (my son is 4 years old) I really think it's important for me to feel calm and in control of my emotions. It's not going well and I feel like my therapist wants to do whatever it costs to prevent me from taking meds. I had a really tough childhood with abuse and sometimes I feel like it's just something that' s a part of me and how I cope. I will make an appointment with my doctor to discuss the options but I feel like it's difficult to convince them that I really want to try these meds because it's been very hard on a daily basis... they also didn't want to diagnose me, for some reason. They only said (after multiple tests) that I did need help but that they would just focus on the symptoms and not the diagnosis.

[@Dive_Diva_RedSea]

This video is so on time for me, thank you so much 💙

[@MarcusRideout]

You’re welcome!

[@JosephCymrank]

I take maximum dose sertraline every day for past 15 years. I find this essential to counter my depression.I use several other 'natural' techniques every day which reverse my depression greatly, however these techniques only worked after I took antidepressants. In taking sertraline and with each increase in dosage I found after 8 days I would feel much worse like all my depression rose up to the surface and I was fully suffering it. After a few hours to a few weeks of suffering these awful depressive symptoms quickly faded out after which I felt much less depressed and consistently persistently good. For me, medication is the answer.

[@MarcusRideout]

@@JosephCymrank thanks for sharing!

[@Asylus]

I started zoloft about a week and a half ago alongside geodon which is an antipsychotic. So far I've experienced splitting headaches and nausea. When I'm trying to sleep is when it gets weird, my mental state is put into a place where I'm super aware of everything around me which is a big change considering I've spent 5 years in a numb and disconnected state of running on autopilot. When I try to sleep I can feel everything touching me and when I close my eyes I have very vivid image filled thoughts and very vivid auditory hallucinations.

[@MarcusRideout]

That sounds like an intense experience. I've read stories from folks who've had intense dreams when on Zoloft. Never happened for me - but I've heard it's pretty wild :O

[@sathoshinakamoto3427]

Hey man how u feeling now? Still on Zoloft?

[@Asylus]

@@sathoshinakamoto3427 my body doesn't seem to want to adjust, so I get brain shivers regularly. Other than that I seem to function better than I ever have.

[@sathoshinakamoto3427]

@@Asylus good for you. Im happy for you. Going through the same shitty journey i. Hope will be back to my normal self, the way ive been when i was 16

[@joelebron311]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information. Appreciate you 🙏🏼

[@MarcusRideout]

you're welcome.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

I have used Zoloft for over 10 years. 💊 👌

[@MarcusRideout]

Still swinging! 😀 Also, thank you for helping cats - if you’re doing what your KZbin bio says still! They’re the best.

[@jamescalifornia2964]

@@MarcusRideout / 10 abandoned cats now own my home 🏡 🐈

[@Cdawg1871980]

The first time I took an SSRI was 22 years ago . I have nasty anxiety and panic disorder. I remember feeling better almost instantly but after a few months I gained a decent amount of weight so the doc added Wellbutrin on top ended up losing a good amount of weight . Stayed on for about 3 years which was by far my best 3 years of my life . Then I ran out of refills and the doc wouldn’t fill without seeing me so I basically quit cold turkey with no choice . Stayed off and anxiety free for 8 years or maybe a bit longer. Then I tried trt testosterone and within 24 hours of my first shot I had a full blown anxiety attack. Went on lexipro for a year and had no anxiety but nasty brain zaps . Came off trt and lexipro and been 4 years feeling good but the last year I’ve been anxious a lot and fighting off panic attacks. I’m in the hesitant phase now because I’m afraid Zoloft alone will cause weight gain and I’m already binge eating because I’m anxious.. not sure if the doc would do Zoloft and Wellbutrin together right off the batt

[@marioathan99]

Boy oh boy I relate to that. I remember my Lexapro days when I was taking it for a month I had so many bad brain zaps.

[@InsightImagingPhoto]

57 days…. So glad to hear that, I’m about 6 weeks in and not feeling it yet. Thanks for sharing

[@MarcusRideout]

It definitely varies from person to person! Do you have a followup with your doctor to talk about it so far? What dosage were you started on? Also make sure you check out the Zoloft subreddit so you can connect with others on your journey - it was extremely helpful for me! 😊 Link here: www.reddit.com/r/zoloft/

[@momom7473]

I’m in it for six weeks till nothing how about you doing today

[@MarcusRideout]

@@momom7473 took 57 days for me (just over 8 weeks). Night and day difference for me once it started working, and still on it

[@InsightImagingPhoto]

@@momom7473 7 weeks going on 8. It just started working. I have a brain injury and everything I do comes with pain. For the last 3 months I had lost my will to fight and only endure. I’ve started doing things again knowing the pain is coming but more welcoming of it.

[@AP-nx6xo]

Week 5 now and just starting to worry less. Looking forward to another 4 weeks when it should really kick in 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@josedomingosteixeira1379]

Well, I started my Zoloft ride a month ago, and the doc raised the dose to 100 mg a week ago. I still feel pretty low. Have an appointment Friday. Let's see what we decide.

[@MarcusRideout]

Good luck with it!!!

[@josedomingosteixeira1379]

@@MarcusRideout I am waking up at 4 and can't go back to sleep...

[@leinadp322]

Thx for the informative video mate

[@MarcusRideout]

You’re welcome, Daniel!

[@TheDarknight7000]

Something that had really helped me was the meditation, im still on mirtazapine but the transcendental meditation has help me to get through the day whenever i didnt got the amount of sleep that i need it or if i notice that my mood was changing the meditation could help me with an extra calmness.

[@MarcusRideout]

That’s rad. Glad it helped. I’ve been a fan of float tanks too!

[@TheXboxlive360]

Good job on the vid man !

[@MarcusRideout]

Thanks 😀

[@84kjk]

First 2 weeks were rough on Zoloft but it’s been a lot better since then. Tried Prozac for 2 months and I hated it. This one seems to work better, been about a month.

[@MarcusRideout]

That's good to hear that you're finding one that works! Best of luck moving forward with it!

[@lanascribe]

I'm on day two of Zoloft and am still unsure if I actually need it. I meditate every morning and go rock climbing a few times a week. I just started a really stressful job 3 months ago after being let go from a job I thought I was doing really well at. My confidence has been a little shattered by that experience. This new job involves a large volume of complaints and a corporation that obviously wants to avoid compensation at all costs. It's an awful tug of war to be in the middle of. I started Zoloft to make the job tolerable but today I quit this new job and now I don't know what lies ahead. I'm thinking of staying on it until I'm settled into a secure position again but I hate not being able to just stop taking it when I want to. Any supportive thoughts from the great people of earth would be super.

[@Noct343]

My experience was me going numb, losing empathy, sex drive, emotions. A study was done on rats they were given zoloft, the rats didn't care and didn't help the other rats while on zoloft. It's true look it up. It almost ruined my marriage and I'm afraid to speak out on the negatives since there's some people who defend the stuff with their lives, you may like experiencing these negatives but not everyone does. I think it should be used in extreme cases of depression, and not just for minor issues because the negatives outweigh the positives most of the time. SSRIs can be dangerous, im often bashed and ridiculed for saying this, they can also be potentially life saving, but my anxiety was minor and not life threatening not to the point where losing emotions was worth it, or even a good trade off.

[@MarcusRideout]

No shame in sharing your experience. Zoloft has been extremely impactful in my life experience. It definitely has some side effects, which you shouldn't take lightly, and can impact some folks more intensely than others..

[@Noct343]

@@MarcusRideout Thanks, this is my own personal experience. Obviously, not everyone will feel this way, as i said i do believe it can be potentially life saving for people with severe anxiety and depression. But theres a good amount of people, who don't do well on it. My point with mentioning this rat study is that for some people it can reduce feelings of empathy and affection. And also sex drive, this is how my marriage was effected. We are all different and can have different reactions to these drugs, and everyone will have a different opinion, thanks for letting me share mine without thinking that I'm against Zoloft, because I'm not, I just happened to have a terrible reaction to it and I'm not the only one. People should be aware of these side effects.

[@MarcusRideout]

@@Noct343 yep, I agree with you on these points. I was diagnosed with Dysthymia which is a m'fer, so it makes a lot of sense for me. As for the sexual side effects (not as easy to 'finish', lower sex drive), my doc also put me on Wellbutrin to help counter those effects. Def got the mojo back, so that's a plus.

[@kathylyndsey316]

Hi did your sensitibity, sex drive come back?

[@nataliaflorencio5431]

Thanks for sharing, I’m on day 2 and I have lots of the same 😪

[@MarcusRideout]

You’ve got this, Natalia!🙂

[@victoriawilson7292]

I had all of the side effects you've described for six months until I totally levelled. There's a FB group dedicated to this where the majority of people have had the exact same experience. ADs saved my life - would I recommend them to others? Absolutely not!!

[@MarcusRideout]

What do you mean, “totally levelled”?

[@djpaulhannon]

Ah balls to that then! This sounds likes it going to effect my work and really can’t afford that, even it’s for a short time.

[@MarcusRideout]

Sorry to hear that. It does affect people differently, and is def something to be aware of. Hopefully you can see some light at the end of the tunnel if it’s not an option! Best of luck!

[@nerdbamarich2063]

Very happy to have found your channel my friend. Are you still on the zoloft? I was just prescribed this medication by my doctor but I'm a bit apprehensive to take it especially because of the sexual side effects and I don't like anything to make me feel drugged especially since I have insomnia and if I try to go to sleep my adrenaline and cortisol will kick in and wake me up. What are your thoughts?

[@MarcusRideout]

Heya! So first off anything I share is an opinion of a stranger on the internet. I'm not qualified to give medical advice. I was on Zoloft for 1 year prior to talking with my doc about ways to alleviate the sexual side effects. I've since had Wellbutrin added to the combo and it has helped me in that area, but I can't say it's a one-size fit's all solution. Knowing how my life feels, even when I was strictly on Zoloft, I would have been on it way earlier if I knew the significant difference it made for me. Again, it's just my experience, and SSRI's impact every person differently. What works for me may not work for you. Really, the only sexual side effect I've had, as a guy, was in regards to finishing things that were started and a lower libido (ie: less frequent desires to connect sexually with my partner). Wellbutrin added brought things back to a more sense of normal. Hope that helps - if your doctor prescribed it you should work with your doctor and follow their advice, and ALSO be very open with them during your follow up sessions too!

[@YolandaVera-zk3hj]

I was given this med today i suffer from bad panic attacks and im afraid of having bad health so it scares me to take this medication im not to good with side effects im the type of person that runs to the hospital right away because of the attacks im so scared i do seek counseling and it was helping me very good until it got triggered again and now its hard to control it all over again thank you for this video on what to expect from this medication.

[@MarcusRideout]

How have things been going since you left this comment? Sorry for the late response!

[@mdalton5303]

Hi Marcus, been on Sertraline 50mg since nov 22. Can’t tell any positive effect. Have had horrible dreams and talking in sleep. Very lethargic worse than ever! Any thoughts?

[@MarcusRideout]

That sounds rough. It took me almost 2 months for anything noticeable to kick in, so I wouldn't say "give up just yet". The lethargy part sucks, for sure. I'd recommend challenging yourself to doing something each day, even if it's as simple as "go for a 20 minute walk" so that you can change your surroundings. Easier said than done, especially if ya just wanna stay in a bed all day.

[@kirakeynow]

thank you for this video !!!

[@MarcusRideout]

you're welcome :-)

[@JoshuaDHarvey]

Great video

[@MarcusRideout]

Thanks, Joshua!

[@cesar_145]

You just now have a nuew subscriber

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey that's rad! Welcome to the channel, César :-)

[@browneyedgirlFL67]

I am having the insomnia side effect now and it’s horrible. How did you treat your insomnia when going through the side effects? Did the insomnia get better?

[@MarcusRideout]

Naps. Lots of naps. It took a while for my brain to accept the insomnia stuff without beating myself up, so I just tried to be more kind and sleep when I could. It def went away - 9-10 days of side effects when starting, and almost 2 weeks when dose increased. There’s a “lightness” to my life that I never knew existed before Antidepressants now. Been on them since June 2021.

[@AP-nx6xo]

Ya I went through that stage. I take 1 mg melatonin before bed I’m going into week 5 and Zoloft is just starting to work. My constant terrifying worrying has settled down. Thank God Wish you the best🇨🇦

[@MarcusRideout]

@@AP-nx6xo glad to hear it’s helped with that!!!

[@jordynneeikleberry3314]

All my anxiety symptoms came out of no where, I’ve never experienced anxiety before and I just have low energy, tired all the time, chest tightness, feeling like I have thoughts I can’t control, and derealization. I’ve been dealing with this since October and in November I decided I wanted some help and started Paxil and had terrible side effects only 3 days in so I quit the medicine. I’ve been thinking about possibly start Zoloft but I’m so worried about the side effects, and worried if it will make me feel worse because I’m just at that point where I want to be back to normal so bad

[@MarcusRideout]

I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with that, Jordynne... that doesn't sound pleasant at all. I hope you are able to find a solution that works for you - keep exploring. As someone who's found one that works for me, life is so much noticeably different now that it's working.

[@jordynneeikleberry3314]

@@MarcusRideout I started Zoloft! I decided to start it at night around 9pm, and was woken up from my heart racing super bad and shaking. The side effects like this make me wanna stop so bad but I know it will get better 😫

[@MarcusRideout]

@@jordynneeikleberry3314 oof! yea the first 9-10 days were SUPER noticeable for me, and then it started to chill out. Had another batch of side effects when my doctor increased my dose 6 weeks later, and then it kicked in fully and life's been very different since :D

[@AP-nx6xo]

My constant worrying and anxiety over it was too much so I started Zoloft 25 mg. I’m going into my 5 th week and it’s just starting to work. People say you kinda feel weird before it kicks in. So true I’m looking forward to week 8 when it should really take full effect Give it a try. It’s worth it👍🏻🇨🇦

[@PCP-ov7nj]

@@AP-nx6xo with 25mg did you feel any side effects?

[@mardikabelapati650]

This is very truly valuable information, thank you. But I’d like to ask, how long have you suffered from dhysthymia? Now I have been Suffering it since 2015 until now. At first I experienced Insomnia for a year, after that my mood started to decline. I have never been feeling happiness anymore since that time. I lost of interest of things that I ever enjoyed before like hearing music, playing games and etc. I felt just like gloomy everyday, my life was not happy but not sad either, it just flat. In 2023 I started to get to Psychiatrist, he prescribed medication a Setraline but not Zoloft Brand. He said if nothing change in a month after taking the setraline, he will change to another medicine. After a month has passed, there is no change of my mood, no progress of my Medication on my treatment, then I returned and take another kind of medicine. My question is should I take setraline for two months for the real result as you said, you felt better on day 57? Should I tell him to prescribe medication to me again a straline for 2 months? Or Zoloft is the best brand?

[@MarcusRideout]

I don't believe there's a "best brand" - from what I've read everyone responds differently to medications. I'm not a psychiatrist, so I can't talk to his prescription logic. I just know it took me about 2 months to 'not notice' my brain was as messy. In order to get a diagnosis for Dysthymia you have to show symptoms for a minimum of two years. As for how long I've had it, man I don't know when it started, but when I received the diagnosis I felt like all of my 20s made so much more sense. I'm 38 now. Hope that helps.

[@Thailova]

The key is to find a good doctor and try different medications that works for you

[@MarcusRideout]

Yea, having a good doctor and you being willing to be open and vulnerable about what you're feeling is key.

[@xhiiopeach5323]

Very helpfull😊

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@RandomBlake]

Thank you for this video. I just started Zoloft two days ago for anxiety/depression and today is day 3 and I’ve just been worried about the side effects right now I just have dizziness but I don’t know if it’s from the Zoloft or if it’s from the stuff I’ve already been going through because I’ve had so many physical symptoms from anxiety itself

[@MarcusRideout]

You're welcome for the video :-) Hope your onboarding process goes smooth - keep an open conversation going with your doctor through the process. Usually a couple weeks of noticeable side-effects for most folks, based on what I've read online. You got this!

[@RandomBlake]

@@MarcusRideout Yeah today has kinda sucked cause of nausea so i dont feel very well but im gonna power through it

[@MarcusRideout]

@@RandomBlake yea, I had that nauseous feeling too. Hopefully you can make some time to take it easy. Don't beat yourself up if you're snoozing a lot either 🙂

[@thetruthchannel7073]

I don't live I just exist I... hear a ticking of a clock night and day night and day all just seem to roll into one... the time seems to go so fast but goes so slow ..with my horrific upbringing I ruminate around in my brain around again and again... it's a mad world... used to have friends they come and go they've all gone now.. no one around me anymore just me ruminating around my brain again and again.. I wish I could go out once again like the good old days...and I find it kind of funny i find it kind of sad the dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had... all I see now now is worn out faces in many places... everything is like a circle keeps going round and around same old thing same old sound...You and me we used to be together every day together when we meet so young...I can't belive I lost my wife and my best friend...it's hurts I can't belive this is the end...will we ever meet again to explain myself the pain inside...I know I was blind...no were to go no were to wonder... only too ponder... always wonder if my depression has become my friend... and I sit here hear rambling so much time on my hands... how can anyone sit in the same position for 18 to 20 hours a day just thinking just existing ruminating around the brain again and again... thinking again will anything change... the outside world is moving around me moving forward changing shaping... this is not living this is just existing... hoping crying that one day I could have someone to talk to once again... I scream and shout from the mountain tops it all falls on deaf ears no one can hear me... I dream I've been in a crowd of a million people but still feel lonely and isolated... surely one only one person might want to talk... or walk a mile or two... knowing that you have someone by your side once again......I feel trapped by invisible barriers... so much energy just to get up in the morning... so much energy just to think about doing something... I remember life wasn't like this... now just a mere existence... I always wonder had time can go so fast but time doesn't exist it's just a human concept... as we know time I'm looking at a clock how the hours days and weeks and years can go so fast... like the life of an exotic insect or a beautiful dream with a blink of an eye it's all gone... what's it's all for what's it all about... will we find a sense of direction once again... then just sitting here hear existing... is there a life if again is there a purpose are you wanted will you love again will someone love you again will someone care again.. will someone share again... will we have someone by our side again... someone to support and be supported.. here we go once again ruminating in our brain over and over again.... how much more suffering how much more pain are we going to love ever again... well time out once again anyone suffering or in pain mentally physically I wish them peace more life more strength blessings to one and all..

[@sathoshinakamoto3427]

Hey how u feeling now?

[@nataliayurrita9561]

Thank you❤

[@MarcusRideout]

You're welcome!

[@carterblanc7856]

What about getting off the medication? I just got my first prescription for Zoloft yesterday and haven't started yet. My biggest fear is that I will be dependent on it for the rest of my life. If it works and then one day I feel I don't need it anymore and am able to taper off would be ideal. Do you know much about this?

[@daydreamer426]

It’s definitely best to talk to your doctor, but with any anti depressant you’re exactly right - you want to slowly taper and wean off. First thing your doctor can do is lower the dosage, and then you will start taking every other day, then every three days, and then eventually to none. Hope that helps!

[@MarcusRideout]

I haven't gone off of the medication, and honestly it may be a part of my life journey. From what I've read you have to make sure you work with your physician during the process as you can't just 'cold turkey' quit.

[@teepot4539]

I'm cool with staying on it. It's pretty much a cheat code for life/success.

[@drea2167]

I am on day 4...Ive been super anxious and cant sleep. I currently have a stiff jaw I think from clenching it with anxiety. I pray this goes away. I also felt spouts of despair...it was probably bad for me to start this on Easter weekend when I was so busy and had so much to do. But I managed to push through it 🙏🏽 I've also been having a bitter taste in my mouth almost metallic which has been making me thirsty too. I notice my symptoms are worse like half way through the day cause after taking the med I get a lil sedated and calm. Idk if that's just a placebo effect or the meds🤷🏽‍♀️ oh yes and been getting nausea and kinda loss of appetite

[@daydreamer426]

Oh my gosh this is me too! My anxiety went through the ROOF. Couldn’t eat, stomach easily upset. Have been on it for a little over two weeks. Have your symptoms gotten any better?

[@drea2167]

@@daydreamer426 yes I feel alot better rn Im on day 9. I was starting to feel kinda numb emotionally. Now I'm feeling pretty decent.

[@MarcusRideout]

I found the side effects were especially noticeable the first 2 weeks or so. Hang tight, focus on getting through it one day at a time :D Hopefully the meds you are on will help you with what you're looking for!

[@yadangonzalez5984]

Currently super worried man , I’ve always been a super happy person and I started to get anxiety from work and it’s been about 8 months and I would cry so often and I talked to a psychiatrist and he put me on an anxiety medication aswell as fluoxetine and today was my first day taking both I didn’t have a fun time dealing with how I was feeling kind of feels like I got my emotions numbed but I feel super low deep down like my brain knows this isn’t normal . Normally before i started the medication I would cry and then I would feel better after but now i just feel down please someone reply to me and tell me it gets better 😂 I need the hood right now this sucks ( thanks for the video man ! )

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey Yadan! Sorry to hear about what you are going through - it sounds really rough. Antidepressants can take a while to kick in, and the side-effects can be rough during the first couple of weeks, and it took almost 2 months for me to actually notice that the medication was working for me. Hang tight through these next 2-3 weeks, and if you're still struggling make sure to keep talking with your doctor/psychiatrist about it. Sometimes it takes trying a few different meds to dial it in. You've got this!!!

[@vernajewel91]

Strangely my libido has gone through the roof 🤣 I'm on week 3 and it's been extremely up and down. First week was awful, week 2 was bliss and week 3 back to feeling bad unfortunately. But hopefully I improve!

[@MarcusRideout]

The gods have smiled favourably upon you lol

[@vernajewel91]

@@MarcusRideout Il take a little less libido for a decrease in anxiety 🤣

[@MarcusRideout]

@@vernajewel91 😂 Hopefully things get back to feeling more normal. It was a weird adjustment, for sure.

[@vernajewel91]

@@MarcusRideout Apprciate that!

[@natechenry]

@@vernajewel91 any update friend?

[@carlorocky]

I have an appointment next week with a psychiatrist, I would like to try Zoloft but I’m not sure if the Dr. would prescribe it because I smoke pot. What do you think?

[@MarcusRideout]

I stopped drinking weekly and recreational cannabis (legal in Canada) when I started antidepressants. I didn't want to add anything that could skew the experience/help. I rarely drink now, maybe once every 6-8 months I'll have an IPA.

[@mechanicman8687]

Day 8 on 100mg Major change today.

[@MarcusRideout]

Oh? For the positive?

[@speedoflight3395]

I’m two weeks on sertraline now yet no side effects. What does this signify?

[@lindacostin5255]

Hello all.I started taking Zoloft about 5 months ago.I was give 50mg to start off with a half a pill for a week.I felt so depressed for the first week.I was so down that I was scared to take a whole pill.I just started a whole pill for the last week I find myself been very down.I don't want to stop taking it.I was wondering if anyone that take this pill if they feel like they are zoned out at times.I will say when I started it first it just felt like my brain just slowed down and everything went quiet inside my head.I suffer with terrible anxiety and always worried 24 hours a day.If anyone reads this please help me get better .Give me the positive things to do.Im from Ireland living in America.I am not ashamed to be this way.I just wish I got help when I was a child.So it wouldnt affect my life.It had it's ruined my life to be so scared all the time.If any of you wonderful people have any good ideas to help . Please let me know.Linda.

[@sathoshinakamoto3427]

Hey linda, how are you feeling now? I hope you are better

[@sproles88]

How is it coming off of antidepressants? Is there anything to be aware of?

[@MarcusRideout]

Yea, do it slowly and keep plugged in with your doctor! Don't cold-turkey it. I haven't come off of them; just lowered my dosage since being on them.

[@Tinaaxox1123]

2 weeks in and my head has a lot of pressure and my body is achy and agitated and I feel spacey …. Odd side effects lol :( but I’m still gonna stick with it tho

[@MarcusRideout]

It’s rough, eh? I hope it works for you - I can’t imagine not being on them again, now that I know what life is like ‘on the other side’. Are you plugged into any communities on Reddit around your meds? If you’re on Zoloft like me you should check out www.reddit.com/r/zoloft/ as I found it really helpful being able to connect with others who have gone on the journey before I started 🙂

[@lifeisblisswithshai4265]

Same. 2 weeks and i'm feeling these same effects

[@Tinaaxox1123]

@@lifeisblisswithshai4265 took about 3 to 4 weeks but feeling sooo much better now!!

[@MarcusRideout]

@@Tinaaxox1123 that’s good to hear!!! Thanks for sharing the update. 😃

[@larspikke2]

@@Tinaaxox1123 I needed this as my main side effect is feeling spacey. I'm on day 10

[@tango-bravo]

Any experience with detoxing from caffeine while on sertraline? I’m talking about a 200-400mg daily caffeine user who’s been drinking caffeine the entire time they have been on sertraline dropping the caffeine habit cold Turkey and how this might affect mood or withdrawal with sertraline in the picture. Thanks!

[@MarcusRideout]

I worked myself down to 1 cup a day before I started taking antidepressants, so I'm not sure what to say as it's a part of my morning ritual and brings me happiness. I'm already clinically depressed, I don't need to remove coffee from my life lol. 😂

[@SuperScottCrawford]

Nice to hear it took nearly 2 months. I read comments saying people felt better in a couple weeks - I'm on week 3. Still not feeling upbeat. Waking with morning anxiety. Staying in bed until 1pm sometimes. Perhaps the anxiety i feel in my stomach is the "nausea" people talk about. Otherwise, no side effects. Just started on Wellbutrin 5 days ago to supplement and hopefully help. Also trying meditation and weekly phone therapy.

[@MarcusRideout]

Yea, it can be frustrating. The only way through it is take it one day at a time. I'm also on Wellbutrin now too, about a month and a half. Took a while to kick in but it's def helped with the sexual side effects us guys can face when on SSRIs

[@CyberWolfVR]

I felt better almost instantly after taking first dose! Might of been a placebo effect but I had no negative thoughts, felt so much calmer and thinking more rationally within the first few days! My OCD has gone too. This seems unusual though as I don’t read many comments of it working so quickly. Think I got lucky lol

[@marinvicky1979]

How long did your insomnia last.? I have problems sleeping as it is but now it's worse nothing helps me sleep.

[@MarcusRideout]

I wish I could be more accurate - I def know I've struggled with sleep a lot my adult life. Most of the side effects when I was on zoloft were resolved in two weeks, though.

[@Ctworld15]

I just want it to start working.

[@MarcusRideout]

100% valid - how long have you been on it?

[@BrandonD]

I was prescribed 25mg “low dose “ of Zoloft. I am nervous of all get out to take them and haven’t taken them yet. My biggest concern is getting off them if I start and that I am a 43 year old male with very high testosterone and high high sex drive. I don’t want to lose my sec drive or develop ED. I have heard and read that Zoloft may cause sexual side effects.

[@MarcusRideout]

Yea that can be a valid concern. I had some issues in that area - mostly with “finishing”, not so much “starting”. Since my doc added Wellbutrin to the mix things have been great in that area. Good luck!

[@ExNihilo634]

How’s it going? Hope it’s going well for you

[@itzxwick7584]

5days after taking zoflot i've noticed changes in me i was more happier . But after 11days setback happened is it normal

[@MarcusRideout]

Took about 58 days for it to fully be working for me. Most folks express similar 6-8 weeks adoption phase. I'm not a doctor - just a dude sharing my experience. Make sure to keep in conversation with your doctor as you start adjusting.

[@europeanamerican]

What dose did you start on/what are you on now?

[@MarcusRideout]

My doctor started me on 50mg. I was on it for 6 weeks and then he increased my dosage to 75mg. It started really 'working' 2 weeks after that (57 days from initial dose).

[@aminahnamakula1852]

How long have you been on it

[@MarcusRideout]

@@aminahnamakula1852 since June 2021

[@Cymanable]

I took zoloft for 20 month and during that time I felt like a zombie. No emotions, I didn’t care about anything. My sexuality was gone. I thought everything will go back to normal as soon iam off. I tapered for about 4 moths to zero but all of this symptoms stayed. Still a zombie for 6 month. Than suddenly all hell broke loose. The most severe anxiety a human can imagine, very strong suicidal ideation came out of my mind but that wasn’t me. Complete loss of intellect. Couldn’t read, write, speak for many weeks. Couldn’t sleep for a long time. Now iam 1,5years off and many symptoms are better but I still have very few emotions and almost no sexuality. This will take many more years to resolve. It is like living in hell on earth every day.

[@MarcusRideout]

I'm so sorry to hear you've had this experience. It sounds terrible.

[@afnanhanany6456]

Thank u

[@MarcusRideout]

You're welcome!

[@derriousthompson376]

Are you still taking Zoloft as of today? I started on 25mg 4 days ago so far just side effects and no benefits but I’m willing to stick it out

[@MarcusRideout]

Yep. I'm on 100mg and have been for a while now. My doctor also prescribed me Wellbutrin to help with some of the side effects I was having.

[@derriousthompson376]

@@MarcusRideout that’s great I’m glad it’s been good for you! I hope mine goes smoothly. Which side effect do you need it for?

[@shidagul]

I have been on Zoloft for the past week. It was a difficult decision to back on antidepressants but I am so glad I am on them. I feel totally fine and had a few side effects.

[@MarcusRideout]

Hey thanks for sharing - You’ve had experience with it in the past? What led you to get off of them? How long were you off? What do you feel led you back onto them? I’d love to know more of your experience No shame in being on them if you need an assist or if you are navigating a depressive episode.

[@hfud11]

It's called PLACEBO

[@oussamamadrid963]

What about sleeping did you face any problems with it ?

[@MarcusRideout]

I was facing issues with sleep already, prior to starting antidepressants, so I dont know if I can be the best person to speak on that side of things.

[@oussamamadrid963]

@@MarcusRideout another question pleas did zoloft make you really happy

[@MarcusRideout]

@@oussamamadrid963 it doesn’t make one happy, per se. Happiness is not dependant on a drug, if that makes sense. It levels things out in my brain, and makes the tough times more manageable. Happiness is something I work on outside of medication.

[@oussamamadrid963]

@@MarcusRideout thank you

[@MarcusRideout]

@@oussamamadrid963 you’re welcome! Best of luck with it.

[@ricdynasty]

How are you today ? Still on 75mg ? Did you feel it working at all during the 6 weeks you were on 50mg ? I’m currently on day 10 of 50mg. Started on 25mg for 4 days then increased to 50mg.

[@MarcusRideout]

Today I feel great! I'm on 100mg of Zoloft and 150mg of Wellbutrin to help counter the side effects of the Zoloft (sexual side effects related to 'finishing')

[@KennyKingBoy]

The sexual side effects, only lasted the first couple weeks? Past 2 weeks , is it hard to get it up at times or at all?

[@MarcusRideout]

First 9 days or so, and wasn't an issue of "starting" if that makes sense 😅

[@lilianatosic2522]

how can I send you PM. I would like to ask some questions. I am on Zoloft for 6 weeks and I do not see improvements.

[@MarcusRideout]

It's best to talk with your doctor if not seeing any improvements. I had to follow up with my family doctor at the 6 week mark and he suggested increasing my dose from 50mg to 75mg, and it def started working about 58 days from when I first started my first dosage (of 50mg)

[@Greshah]

i sent an E-mail to my therapist that i havn't seen in some time. I've been ghosting any and everyone for 2 months now and this made me realise that is actually very unnatural.

[@MarcusRideout]

Right on! It's never really all that easy to acknowledge - good on ya for taking the step.