Once you've been taking Zoloft for long enough to feel its effects, you should start to experience feelings of relief, relaxation, and calm as the weight of your anxiety begins to lift. Some other changes that you might notice are an increase in your energy levels and appetite.
Common side effects during the first week or two of taking Zoloft include nausea, headache, fatigue, and constipation. These side effects should go away once your body gets used to the medication. If you continue to have side effects after a few weeks or experience any serious side effects, call your doctor or 911.
Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.
Some of the most common side effects of Zoloft include fatigue, nausea, sleepiness, weight gain, and sexual problems. You should talk to your doctor if you are concerned about side effects; never stop taking your medication suddenly, as you might experience withdrawal or a worsening of your symptoms.
Many patients report an improvement in their symptoms within the first two weeks, however, most do not report a complete difference until at least four to six weeks. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, many patients first report an improvement in their energy levels, sleep, and appetite.
Some people report feeling more energized or less anxious within days of beginning treatment, though — which can be a welcome effect. Others say it takes longer than a month before noticing any significant changes in mood or behavior. “It's not uncommon to feel a difference in about 3 – 6 weeks after beginning Zoloft.
How will it make me feel? Antidepressants like sertraline help to improve your mood so you feel better. You may notice that you sleep better and get on with people more easily because you're less anxious. You'll hopefully be more relaxed about things that used to worry you.
How does sertraline work? Sertraline increases serotonin, a potent neurotransmitter, in your brain. With higher levels of serotonin is thought to come feelings of wellbeing and happiness. It does this by its action as a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI).
The usual dose of sertraline is 50mg a day in adults. But your doctor may start you on a lower dose, then increase it gradually to a maximum dose of 200mg a day. If you have liver problems, your doctor might give you a lower dose.
Zoloft (sertraline), a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, can take about 4 to 6 weeks of regular dosing to reach its full therapeutic effect for depression. The initial effects may begin within the first 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Some patients may require a longer time period.
You can take it either in the morning or evening, depending on your lifestyle and any side effects you experience. For example, if sertraline makes you drowsy, taking it at night might be your best choice. It's important that you establish a set time to take this medication every day and follow that schedule.
Jitteriness/anxiety syndrome occurs with antidepressants in general [3], and there have also been reports of sertraline causing jitteriness/anxiety syndrome [4], though this is generally considered very rare [2].
The most common side effect of sertraline in clinical trials was nausea. About 1 in 4 people taking sertraline experience it. It's most likely to occur when you first start sertraline or right after a dose increase. Luckily, nausea with sertraline doesn't tend to last.
SSRIs release two chemicals in the brain that kick in at different times, causing a period of negative effects on mental health, the authors report. The first chemical is serotonin, which is released very soon after an SSRI is taken but might not lessen depressive symptoms until after a couple of weeks.
Response and effectiveness. Peak effects are seen within 4.5 to 8 hours. Some reduction in symptoms of depression or anxiety may be seen within the first week of taking Zoloft; however, it may take up to six weeks for the full effects of Zoloft to be seen.
“Interestingly, there's actually a lot of serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract, so people on Zoloft can experience changes in GI function,” says Dr. Murrough. “That could mean an upset stomach, nausea, or changes in bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea.” Dr.
SSRIs are among the most widely used, and are effective for the majority of, although not all, patients. Some people on the medication report feeling emotionally dull or no longer finding things as pleasurable, with one study suggesting this applied to 40-60% of people taking the drug.
vision changes, eye pain, redness, or swelling; low blood sodium--headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady; or. manic episodes--racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or talkative.
Here are signs that your antidepressant might not be working: You feel more or the same amount of sadness, anxiety, or irritability after several weeks or months of taking the medication. You feel slightly better, but your symptoms still make it hard to function in daily life. You are having trouble sleeping.
For panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or social anxiety disorder: Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg per day.
Tyramine-Rich Food Products:Interaction between sertraline and tyramine-rich foods like cheese, milk, beef, chicken liver, meat extract, avocados, bananas, canned figs, soy beans and excess chocolate can result in a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure.
If your prescription dosage is too high (which is rare), you may feel physically ill, more anxious, or experience reduced libido. Talk with your provider if you're concerned that your antidepressant isn't working well for you.
Zoloft (sertraline) "For those suffering from OCD, bad thoughts, overthinking, depression, terrible headaches, give ZOLOFT a chance. First month don't expect much.