I've been taking Zoloft for about 8 to 10 yrs now and it's helped me a lot. Keeps the depression from becoming overwhelming. When I first started taking it I had a few side effects for a couple weeks: mostly feeling nauseated and somewhat 'shaky' for no reason, but it went away and now I don't notice any bad side effects at all. One caution tho; if you're on a drug that disagrees with you it's not adviseable to quit taking it all at once. Most drugs are better discontinued if you taper off over a period of time - ask your doctor. But yes, antidepressants can take up to three weeks or so to "take effect", and with me, I didn't notice the effect all of a sudden. It was more like I realized one day that I hadn't been feeling nearly so depressed as I used to.
Yes, there has been research done showing a possible increase in suicidal tendencies while taking antidepressants - Zoloft in particular was cited in the studies. I have my own theory about that. I've read that many depressed people, especially severely depressed, experience the desire to kill themselves after being on antidepressants BECAUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG WHILE THEY HAVE THE ENERGY TO ACT ON THEIR FEELINGS. I can't say if it's the drug itself giving them the urge, or if it's just that they finally have enough energy to finally do it. It's an 'iffy' thing - very hard to point to one particular reason/cause for an increase in suicide.:unsure:
I do know that any side effects or odd/disturbing feelings you may have after starting on antidepressants should be reported to your doctor ASAP. Sometimes the side effects will go away, sometimes your meds will need to be changed to something else. No one med acts the same on different people as we all have different brain chemistry and what works for one may not work for another, and vice versa.
I'm a big fan of my Zoloft (now available generically as Sertraline Hydrocloride) because of one of the side effects! One of the last listed side effects is "strange or bizarre thoughts or dreams". Well, my dreams are bizarre all right, but I love it!:smile: It's like going to a weird indie movie every nite! I call it the Zoloft Cinema! Only problem is... you forget the movie as soon as you "leave the theatre"! (ie; wake up):biggrin:
wishing you the best and better days ahead,
least
Yes, there has been research done showing a possible increase in suicidal tendencies while taking antidepressants - Zoloft in particular was cited in the studies. I have my own theory about that. I've read that many depressed people, especially severely depressed, experience the desire to kill themselves after being on antidepressants BECAUSE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG WHILE THEY HAVE THE ENERGY TO ACT ON THEIR FEELINGS. I can't say if it's the drug itself giving them the urge, or if it's just that they finally have enough energy to finally do it. It's an 'iffy' thing - very hard to point to one particular reason/cause for an increase in suicide.:unsure:
I do know that any side effects or odd/disturbing feelings you may have after starting on antidepressants should be reported to your doctor ASAP. Sometimes the side effects will go away, sometimes your meds will need to be changed to something else. No one med acts the same on different people as we all have different brain chemistry and what works for one may not work for another, and vice versa.
I'm a big fan of my Zoloft (now available generically as Sertraline Hydrocloride) because of one of the side effects! One of the last listed side effects is "strange or bizarre thoughts or dreams". Well, my dreams are bizarre all right, but I love it!:smile: It's like going to a weird indie movie every nite! I call it the Zoloft Cinema! Only problem is... you forget the movie as soon as you "leave the theatre"! (ie; wake up):biggrin:
wishing you the best and better days ahead,
least