Sertraline Side Effects - Month 2 and 3 of Zoloft

I've been taking Sertraline for a few months now and share my ongoing experience. The side effects in month 2 and 3 are generally less severe. Thank you for following along with my journey, the last few weeks have been somewhat difficult and a few side effects from my early experiences of sertraline have reappeared; I think this is down to a change in routine during the current Coronavirus 'shutdown'.
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[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Fed up of trying to get information about Sertraline only to be confronted by overly complex explanations? Looking for someone to walk you through the experience and highlight the highs & lows? The Sertraline User Manual is available to download now from ahappychange.com www.ahappychange.com/store/p/nzf19woqrada0eshv3vavz4vp7sa7l

[@amandamarie8282]

Because of you I felt more comfortable starting on zoloft! Thank you SO much, it has absolutely changed my life.. I was extremely depressed and anxious for almost 10 years and now I feel so much lighter and happier. I’m back to my old hobbies and so many less negative thoughts and irritability 💕

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Wow! That's amazing to hear! I am SO glad you've found a better place to be and proud I could be part of that journey! It means so much to hear these videos have helped people. "Lighter" is such a good word to describe the feeling, once the load gets lifted. Stay in touch!!

[@amandaborn84]

I switched antidepressants which was needed after years and I am so proud of myself for the decision for my mental health. The side effects are not the issue anymore..its insomnia. I just increased to 100 mg of zoloft 1 week ago. I battled on and off for years. I was taking zopilcone for a few years and became dependent. My doctor who switch me on to a new SSRI took out the sleeping pills due to their hazard effects long term etc.. she is hoping the zoloft will eventually help later with sleep. In the mean time she prescribed clonazepam. 25mg at night to help with getting off the sleep pills and to relax the mind to get the rest I need short term. Thing is, they are not working as I believe it's a tiny dose she prescribed. I just want to sleep regularly. Maybe I will soon once this new med kicks in etc but yea..insomnia. I hate it. Any advice with this?

[@edytamadej1309]

And Has your weight changed?

[@Nicole_Barrett]

Three years later you're still making an impact on those needing to start this journey. Thank you for candidly sharing your experiences!

[@derprophoto]

Thank you for this, starting Zoloft today. This is exactly how I felt before. This is where I want to be, such a great testimonial.

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

You will get there. It takes more than the medication but it can be a key part of the journey.

[@cesarcahuis7445]

Antidepressants gives you a lot of horrible side effects:/ like low sex drive and Erectile Dysfunction💔

[@nicolacraig3697]

Thank you for these videos! They're very informative. I've been on 50mg sertraline for about 6 weeks and it has been amazing for me. Lots of side effects to begin with. Tiredness,headaches etc. I feel much more together and can cope with situations more rationally. I feel calm and the overthinking has reduced. Counselling is great alongside the medication. I now need to work on my motivation as feeling quite lazy at times. Helpful during lockdown but would like to get going a bit more. Did you feel like this?

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hi! I definitely suffer from a lack of motivation at times. I think right now, try not to be too hard on yourself. There are loads of people on social media talking about how you should use this time to learn a new skill, get fit etc. but the reality is, everything is in crisis at the moment and if there was ever a time to be lazy; the time is now! Shed any guilt over that! I think having a clear goal is useful if you lack motivation. Like for me, one video a week would be a good measurable objective. What do you want to achieve?

[@soheldhaka2669]

How long it takes to feels good or reduce anxiety? I am on week 3 and still feel hell. I have depersonalization derealization though.

[@beccah7643]

I’m so glad I found your channel. I’m on day 5 of sertraline for PMDD, I was prescribed 50mg but I found it very strong, I was acting quite hyper and I didn’t like it so I’ve dropped to 25, might increase to 50 before my cycle though. I really hope these tablets work and I can move forward with my life

[@timecomputer]

I was also on day 5 yesterday. The 5 days of insomnia with sweats and hyper feeling was too much. So I've also dropped down from 50mg to 25mg for now after speaking to the emergency Doctor. I guess you have to respond to how your body feels. I've also been given three, 2mg diazepam to get some sleep as I nearly gave in.

[@ilovebacon304]

Thank you for uploading these videos!

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Thank you Josh, hopefully have a few more out soon!

[@jordedge7979]

You would make a very good therapist yourself

[@leemcmahon2879]

Hi, Really appreciate these videos. I’ve been taking 50mg for 2 weeks and wondered if anyone else has struggled with sleeping? I’m struggling to get to sleep but more staying asleep, it’s awful.

[@moshiashley4593]

Same. I wake up in the night feeling anxious. I have had bad insomnia for a couple of days now. I think its possible it may be part of the side effects

[@AD-wr1gr]

I have started taking it in the morning, now I sleep better

[@TIMG128]

Alex,you gave me the courage to take it. I had bottled out before but having seen your videos I started taking it. Now done four weeks and have gone up to 100mg. Lots of side effects but not much improvement yet. But I live in hope! Thanks.

[@JenniferVee]

I make the same videos of Zoloft & my experience feel free to check out for more info

[@musclehead1992]

Did it work out for you?

[@TIMG128]

@@musclehead1992 no!

[@musclehead1992]

@@TIMG128 Oh no! I am so sorry to hear! Are you doing ok though? I started taking it 5 days ago, and I've been lucky to not have any serious side effects. The only one I was battling was insomnia. I started taking Magnesium and some natural stuff and last night I was able to sleep 8 hours. I feel much calm and less stressed out lol. Are you on another protocol of medicine?

[@terribridges3954]

So grateful to find you tonight! I have been on 50mgs of sertraline since January. The side effects were nasty for several weeks, but finally they began to abate and I felt some relief from my panic and anxiety. I have been so upset for the past week to have the side effects, that I thought I had conquered, return in full force. My most worrisome effects are a weakness in my limbs and painful muscle aches in the back of my head. I have been searching for several days for info that addressed whether or not anyone ever experienced a return of the negative side effects. Your video is the only one I've found to address this; so during this most stressful time of going thru a world wide pandemic, you have given me comfort and reassurance! Thank you, God bless, and stay safe!

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Wow! Thank you Terri, that means so much. I am glad I was able to reassure you! It's been a rough few weeks so the recurrence of side effects has been frustrating but I know everyone will be feeling heightened levels of anxiety at the moment so it seems natural that people with mental health issues will feel that two-fold! This will feel like a setback for people on SSRIs but I am going to be patient and confident that it will pass! Let me know how you are doing!

[@rosamwakyoma7377]

I just started taking the medication and too have experienced some slight tension in the back of my head/neck area. My leg at one point was going numb. That usually happens at night. Hope your side effects go away!

[@raulgutierrez3050]

@@rosamwakyoma7377 i also experience that feeling in the back of my head and nape of the neck. especially in the mornings.

[@leemcmahon2879]

I’ve been taking sertraline for 2 weeks now and the overwhelming anxiety they caused has subsided, but I’m really struggling to get to sleep and stay asleep. Has anyone else found that?

[@michaelflynn9816]

A Happy Change - Adventures in Mental Health I

[@karenmalta2745]

I have been on Zoloft for 30 years straight now at 200;mg. I’ve been getting depressed and thinking of dying every day so I need to try something else. I hate to get off it but depression sucks. So if Cymbalta doesn’t work, I will go on 250 mg Zoloft if I have to. Yes it’s been amazing for me. Zoloft Number one 😊

[@Bandbanditt]

I've been taking zoloft 100mg for about a month and am starting to feel like im getting my life together again but still have crazy dreams

[@cesarcahuis7445]

Are you just taking this med or your also taking other meds?

[@Bandbanditt]

@@cesarcahuis7445 i got bumped up to 150mg zoloft and i take hydroxyzine with that as well

[@noemiibarra9797]

Hey Adrian how are you feeling now on 150mg?

[@elizabeth-7064]

I’m still having crazy dreams and it’s 3 months, has yours faded by any chance?

[@pako6439]

How are you doing now ?

[@Juliussmoothie]

The first day trying it I experienced: -extreme exhaustion and weakness -dizziness with a bad headache -dehydration -felt like my teeth would fall out -lack of appetite. Stopped after day 1 and still feeling effects on the 3rd day barely able to get out of bed. Was just one dose of 25mg definetly didn’t respond well with me.

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

How are things now? Worth saying that some people react poorly to certain SSRIs whilst they essentially do the same job. Would be worth discussing options with your Dr.

[@rosamwakyoma7377]

Just took my 3rd dose of sertraline today. The pandemic put me in a bad place and my dr thinks it will help with my anxiety. I feel better than a few days ago, but very tired. Although I'm tired sometimes I cant actually fall asleep. I have a slight headache and take tylenol (per my dr) for that. I am experiencing tightness on one side of my face (minor) . Not sure if it's a side effect or me still being anxious. I will stick with it as long as I don't experience anything too crazy. Thank you for the info !

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hey Rosa, the first few weeks are quite tough but I found the outcome to be worth the challenge. Take things at your pace and expect a few bumps in the road along the way.

[@clifgonzales3232]

I’m on 50 mg of sertraline. One side effect is a feeling of a lump in my throat. Feeling like I need to swallow often or clear my throat. Has anyone had this??? Please help

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hey Clif, thanks for posting! Someone in the Facebook Group actually mentioned experiencing this side effect so seems like something that does affect a number of people. I can vaguely recall a need to gulp. How long have you been taking?

[@kcj5055]

This happened to me and turns out there really was a lump in my throat. Get your thyroid checked

[@JenniferVee]

Omg !! Me af !!! Also I get a dry tongue 😛 ;(

[@cristianfotache9303]

me too Clif , 50 mg for 1 mounth , i hope to work better..........

[@mox9980]

I think this is because we have been clenching our jaws shut for such long period of time

[@LBeane]

Are you unable to do the CBT via video chat? I am starting sertraline this week and I have a referral for CBT. Hopefully things get better from here. Thanks for your videos, they’re really helpful!

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hey! Yes luckily there are lots or practitioners who offer CBT via video chat. It’s a talking therapy so doesn’t require physical contact. It’s great people can carry on despite the Covid situation.

[@lordwaffles1234]

appreciate you! thank you for sharing I'm one week in and starting therapy next week.

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Fantastic news Omar! The therapy is going to be a vital component of recovery. It's hard at times but makes such a difference. You got this bro!

[@alfredmagallanes8462]

I'm on week 1 too man! I've used sertraline in the past and it always worked for me, so hoping 3rd times a charm!!!! How are you feeling with side effects and what not?

[@lordwaffles1234]

@@AlexRobbMentalHealth this means so much to me dude thank you! i appreciate the support. i have been depressed for too long! no more bad days. I've been feeling strong

[@lordwaffles1234]

@@alfredmagallanes8462 that's awesome! how are you feeling? I'm doing so much better man, i haven't felt this much like myself in years and this is just the start! i have been struggling with my appetite and a few issues with digestion but other than that I feel great.

[@jbulmer9785]

I'm starting week 5 of 50mg on Tuesday, I don't feel great just yet so I guess I still need more time. Side effects have settled but still lingering

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

It can be tough when you are waiting. I would just celebrate that you’ve made a huge stride forward in getting help with your mental health so even if the chemicals haven’t kicked in yet you can feel positive that you are back in charge. Even if it takes another week or so to feel the effect.

[@user-my9ok1nz1j]

So what happened?

[@ronnie-lynn]

I’ve been on Zoloft for over two months and I still have bouts of anxiety daily. Also just overall feeling un well, euphoric, dizzy and insomnia I’m worried it won’t go away but I’m trying soooo hard to ride it out. 😔

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

If the anxiety is daily after 2 months it could be worth checking in with your GP about dosage. I wonder if you have managed to start any therapy too? This is the key to getting less anxious! CBT was a huge moment for me and my anxiety.

[@cesarcahuis7445]

How many mgs of Zoloft do you take?

[@noemiibarra9797]

Hi Roxy how are you feeling now and on how many mg of sertraline are you in im on 100mg and I have been taking it for 6 weeks and im still having anxiety daily 😔

[@ameer95tab59]

@@noemiibarra9797 hi noemi, I am experiencing what you said exactly, since it’s been two months since you commented, how do you feel right now? Did the medication worked now or not?

[@bumblebeebee0]

Exactly how I’m feeling

[@christophergarrett8455]

How long does the tiredness last ,I’m on 50 mg off sertraline.I’ve been on them 7 days and all I want to do is sleep

[@amandaborn84]

I switched antidepressants which was needed after years and I am so proud of myself for the decision for my mental health. The side effects are not the issue anymore. I am on zoloft100 mg. ..Its insomnia. Insomnia I battled on and off for years. I was taking zopilcone for a few years and became dependent. My doctor who switch me on to a new SSRI took out the sleeping pills due to their hazard effects long term etc.. she prescribed clonazepam. 25mg at night to help with getting off the sleep pills and to relax the mind to get the rest I need short term. Thing is, they are not working as I believe it's a tiny dose she prescribed. I just want to sleep regularly. Maybe I will soon once this new med kicks in etc but yea..insomnia. I hate it

[@Dedlogico]

I had the same issues, something that worked for me get up very early in the morning, like 4 /5 am, take the zoloft and go back to bed, so you have more hours to pass the effect of insomnia. But everybody is different.

[@cesarcahuis7445]

Hi so what medications are you on right now ??

[@Jackisverytired]

I've been prescribed sertraline however I live with my dad ( I am an adult) but I don't want him to know as when he found out I was struggling last time he began to really struggle. Do you think it is possible to hide the physical side effects? I'm so terrified to start

[@laurendyson8512]

day 1 of sertraline and feeling a bit anxious for the next two weeks but I'm feeling hopeful

[@Sancochef]

Hi Lauren, how is it going? I started a few days ago. My doctor got me to take 25mg every other day for four days and then I'll do 25mg everyday for a few weeks before upping to 50.

[@laurendyson8512]

@@Sancochef been a tough two weeks and i felt quite suicidal at times but i feel like i would have been worse if i wasn’t on them tbh, i’m on 50mg a day

[@Sancochef]

@@laurendyson8512 I see. Hope it'll keep improving, it's still soon to be said. Thanks for responding and best wishes xx

[@alishaspicer6336]

Great way of saying things!

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Thanks Alisha! Trying to stay positive right now!

[@oneminutewonder77]

Have been recently prescribed this medication, supposed to start it tonight. I have pretty severe health anxiety, OCD, and more recently due to a two year relationship ending abruptly, depression and almost daily panic attacks. The main thing I'm worried about are the sexual side effects of this medicine. I wanna get through this dark place but I don't wanna wake up and have my stuff not work. Not that right now is a time when I'm gonna be dating.

[@honeybunny5325]

I had to increase my setraline to 125mg as for me i have yo do it gradually but still struggling.

[@michelleryan9874]

Has anyone else felt that they are less talkative since taking Zoloft?

[@sselmanalecsandra]

Yes me

[@bunniewood]

Yes!

[@dirkdiggler5821]

Interesting. I would like Zoloft to make me more talkative

[@bunniewood]

Sorry I take back my comment. Now that a few months in I can't stop talking!

[@dirkdiggler5821]

@@bunniewood excellent, that is how I want to be!

[@devinaemeraldeniteo8526]

Im starting week 2 of sertraline, on 50mg i started on 25mg the side affects where heavy the first 2weeks on 25mg but after i started with the 50mg i felt only more anxious with the surroundings ,and dreamy (foggy) the rest of the symtoms subside (headaches, dizziness, panick atacks,) im more scared that i wont feel better after 6 weeks than the side affects 😬😩

[@clifgonzales3232]

You should fell better on the 50 mg after about 3 weeks. I’m on 50mg and the anxiety and foggy has gone away after 3 weeks

[@devinaemeraldeniteo8526]

@@clifgonzales3232 thankyou, 🌹that gave me a littel more hope, 🙏🏽i try to stay postive and hope that soon i will feel a littel beter.

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hey! Clif is right - things should start to settle down. Each time you go up a dose your brain has to regulate Serotonin cycles again so things can get a little weird. 50mg is a helpful dose for many people but if you do move up a dose again you might well find your side effects settle quicker. Anxiety levels can increase temporarily and I know how hard it can be in those early days. Things get better for most people fairly quickly.

[@devinaemeraldeniteo8526]

@@AlexRobbMentalHealth thankyou for your support that means a lot to me, im hanging in there. Its hard indeed but i try to stay with the thought in my head that nothing is forever this too shall pass 🙏🏽❤️

[@Oooozzzzzzzz111]

Devina emerald Ëniteö hey buddy how’s u been do u feel more sharper mind and happier I been struggling with anxiety and depression I’m on 2 weeks Zoloft I feel so foggy too which led me feel anxious

[@tttmarcel2777]

Do you take your meds with caffeine?

[@jennygw1883]

I have just been prescribed these and after horrible experiences with Pregabalin and Mirtazapine I am feeling very nervous. Do you have any advice, please?

[@bumblebeebee0]

It’s making me drowsy 😵‍💫

[@Norz244]

Did your side effects resolve themselves again in the end?

[@donnadroege4888]

4 weeks in. And seeing a psychiatrist.,I am not feeling any better with my depression or anxiety. I am noticing muscle pain in my arms and wrists. Wonder if it’s from the Zoloft. The doctor wants me to start taking 75mg. In 2 weeks. Wish I would start to notice something. Better. I am tired lousy appetite. I lost 23 lbs over a 6 month period. Terrible appetite.

[@onthe9s857]

Those side effects made me feel so low I felt helpless and they kicked in after 4 days, I stopped taking them in the end, lock down period is not a good time to start sertraline

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hey! Yeah, it's a tough moment to start the process so I understand. The flip side is that (hopefully) demands are less and there is more space to feel sick etc. However, you need to make the decision so if you need to pause for now then I respect the decision. Let me know if you need any support!

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

@@onthe9s857 Ah that's amazing you can do your CBT via video. It helped me so much! A bit of normality would be very welcome right now!

[@MayteraMarble]

I've been on 100mg for a couple of years and lately it's not working. Recent went up another 50 MG so hopefully this will easy my anxiety

[@karenmalta2745]

I do admit I never slept. I was never tired even at night. Only side effect

[@ameer95tab59]

I am in my sixth in Sertraline and I had a few good days but the anxiety never went fully away, and today I had a very bad day of crying and being extra stressed, did anyone had this kind of experience?

[@brendadeuel602]

Go to the Zoloft Facebook group. You will get answers and a lot of support.

[@heatherchristian8770]

Have you noticed any impact on your weight? X

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hi, I’m actually going to make a video specifically about this. I put on some weight when I started taking and haven’t done much to reduce it. It is fairly common to put on a few lbs.

[@heatherchristian8770]

A Happy Change - Adventures in Mental Health Thank you, I’d really appreciate it x

[@JenniferVee]

I get so fat on this Zoloft :((( I make the same videos of Zoloft & my experience feel free to check out for more info

[@mathieubaker1548]

Did you experience ed? If so did it subside?

[@vijayarajedixit4155]

Can I take it without doctors prescription?

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Hi, as it is a powerful antidepressant a prescription is required. If you feel you need it I would advise speaking with your GP. Is that something you are able to do?

[@vijayarajedixit4155]

@@AlexRobbMentalHealth Thanks for replying. it's complete lockdown in my country. Also no psychiatrist is available in my city and city borders are sealed. Pandemic is getting worsr day by day, I dont think I can go to another city in another 3-4 months, plus I am preparing for national exams, it's most precious time of my life. I can do anything, but just think and think

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

@@vijayarajedixit4155 Try and order some St. John's Wort on the internet if you can. It is a great natural antidepressant.

[@-m7k0z7-9]

@@AlexRobbMentalHealth Since it is considered as a strong antidepressant; are there other alternatives that would have slight antidepressant effects (that are legal; and can be used without much problems). *I was prescribed 50mg Zoloft (along with 500mg depakote to treat an EEG abnormality [since I had strange electrical shock sensation for weeks, followed by a conscious seizure after starting a 20mg Prozac and 30mg Mirtazpine]; which kept me feeling strange 2 months afterwards). The Zoloft was because I had been feeling a strange "dread" as if everything has been closing up on me + It feels hard to deal with things + life seemed to have lost it's glimmer (sunrise/sunset didn't feel the same); I was unable to feel pleasure in things. And I couldn't get over it (sleep didn't help fix that for like 2 months). And I'm thinking of using other things (maybe herbals); to increase serotonin in the CNS slightly, and maybe of using omega-3 supplements. *Plus: I've had this strange feeling as if life has become a movie. Things seemed strange for some reason.

[@honeybunny5325]

@@AlexRobbMentalHealth have to be careful if you have certain health conditions and on other meds.

[@celiaromero5564]

Hello,excuse me.Can you sleep much better than before?

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Falling asleep is easier. I slept pretty well before hand. Now I sleep fine!

[@gamergabs1991]

my mood keeps going up and down I'm 50mg

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

How long have you been taking it?

[@rachaelwitchey8268]

@@AlexRobbMentalHealth I am having the same issue. Im on week 5/6. Any suggestions?

[@cayondaspires2593]

Day 2 only nausea

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Fingers crossed it's smooth for you!

[@JonathanDoku]

Add some b roll

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Deffo! I'm adding B roll to new videos. Wasn't in my plan at the time but definitely becoming more of a feature now. Thanks bro!

[@allisonbergamorto2336]

Poison don’t take it. Still suffering after 7 years off of these chemicals

[@AlexRobbMentalHealth]

Poison for you perhaps. Positively life changing for others. Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience on it.

[@danpos1]

Poison for everyone to varying degrees. Alex, you do not have the experience of long term exposure to these drugs and trying to then stop, to be giving advice to vulnerable people. I'm sure your intensions are good.

[@TheKriswiccan]

hi, like the vids. does your sex drive get better