My first time on antidepressants and I need some help...

06/19/08

xioin

Topics:zoloft , Side Effects , Antidepressants

Hi,

I am on Zoloft, and this is the first antidepressant I've ever been on. I only take 50mg once before bed, and to be honest: I've only been on it one night. My doctor said that it wouldn't make my depression or anxiety go away completely but it would help. I don't expect it to take effect yet, because I've only been on it a day and I know it may take a couple weeks. My doctor told me that if nothing else the Zoloft should help me sleep, which after one night I had side-effects which somewhat show that this isn't going to help me sleep. I took the medicine, and i did fall asleep easily, but after about an hour, I woke up supprised... from which point I couldn't get back to sleep. I didn't get more anxious, but I was really restless. I was still tired, but I couldn't lay still and spent a lot of time tossing around and then pacing around my house. Also, it made me feel really sick, for a time, making me nauseous and made me dry heave for a while... after which I had really bad heart burn way until today in the afternoon. Mostly though, I had really strange thoughts and dissorientation. When i could managed to calm the restlessness, the second I closed my eyes I would instantly become disorientated, like I would think I was somewhere else even though i knew I was in my bed. It was very strange, and I have no idea what was happening.

Is there anything I can do to help with these side-effects, should I consider talking to my doctor and moving my dose to the morning, because I was told to take it before I go to sleep to help me get to sleep, and that didnt work. I know after one day I should just wait it out to see how it works after a little while, but I've haven't been able to sleep in a while, and that's fact has just been making me more on edge than normal.

Thank you.

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Answers (3)

Sunday, June 22, 2008

heller

I used to take Zoloft, too. I CANNOT sleep when I take anti-depressants in the evening. My doctor recently switched me to Wellbutrin in the morning and Trazadone in the evening. The Trazadone works great. It helps me to relax enough to sleep, but I am not drowsy or groggy in the morning. All anti-depressenants have different side-effects for different people. If you are not in immediate danger of hurting yourself, I would stick with it for a few days (3-4), if the side-effects haven't lessened, ask your doctor to change your medication, and definately let your doctor know about ANY side effects that you notice when you start a medication.

Thank you for your input
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Wendy

Hey there. I've been on antidepressants for 10 yrs. Started out trying Paxil then later Zoloft, because too much sleep with Paxil, couldn't sleep with Zoloft. When I tried Effexor XR , I had no side effects and I finally felt like myself. Over the years I've gotten used to it and had to up my dosage. By far, it worked the best without the side effects. Hang in there and don't be shy about telling your doctor if you can't live with the effects.

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Friday, March 06, 2009

Kay E.

Hi there,

I see that it's been awhile since you asked this question. How are you doing? Do you feel that your depression is better now? Just wanted you to know that there are folks here ready to offer support if you need anything.