Zoloft (Sertraline) - depression and suicidal

Hi there, To summarise my story, I begun taking Sertraline around 5 months ago as my OCD flipped a switch after an intense panic attack and got instantly worse and unlivable (intense depersonalization, constant rumination, anxiety and nausea, amongst many other symptoms). I have now worked my way up to 100mg (6 weeks in) an I feel horrific every single day, constantly fighting intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness that makes me nauseous, suicidal thoughts and ideation etc. Would anyone recommend that I wait another month (which will be admittedly extremely difficult if these feelings persist) or should I consider switching medication? All opinions welcome❤️

1230Anonymous

Date posted: 43w

How did you feel after it initially kicked in during the first few months? Was it working really well and only when you bumped up to 100mg things became rough? 6 weeks at the higher dose seems like a long time… if it was initially very effective, then maybe I’d give it another 2 weeks and then decide that’s long enough (but also try to get in with your doctor asap to get a real plan)

FireFudge

Date posted: 43w

Thanks so much for ur response! I've had weeks and days where I've been able to push it to the side and not let my obsessions override my emotions an it has felt like pure bliss in comparison (which I didn't have prior to medication), aswell as pretty much completely eradicating my depersonalization symptoms. But in terms of these weird depressive feelings im experiencing now, yes 100mg was the onset. Past 2 weeks have been a real struggle for me, the week or so before was pretty calm and hopeful. It's a weird feeling too, it almost feels like my thoughts are jumbled and unaccessible (numbed) but I still experience the feelings they would give, if that makes sense?

1230Anonymous

Date posted: 43w

@FireFudge Yeah that makes sense, I think if it were me, I’d get into the doc asap but my overall mindset/plan would be to give it another 2 weeks. If you switch from one med to another, it would probably be to a different ssri, so it probably wouldn’t be a complete reset

FellowFarmer

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 43w

Maybe consider switching meds if you feel like your current one is not working how you want it to. But switching can be hard, and trying others, and potentially testing out a few different medications before finding the right one can be tricky, if you do decide to switch, make sure you have a good support system of family and friends.

FireFudge

Date posted: 43w

Ahhh yes, I think you're probably completely right about switching. To ur point I'm probably putting off that idea a little because how scary of a premise restarting the adjustment clock is hahaha. It feels like I have come so far fighting already but not far enough. Thank u for the advice!

ellc2226

Date posted: 43w

Hi there, I also take 100mg Zoloft. Zoloft (as well as some other medications of same/similar classes) has something called a “black box warning”, meaning it’s an adverse reaction that can happen when taking the medication that can be dangerous and must be reported to whoever prescribed you the medication. Zoloft has a black box warning for worsening depression/anxiety/OCD, suicidal ideation, etc. that can occur. This typically occurs in the first few months of taking the medication, but can happen at anytime as well. It sounds like that’s what you’re experiencing. It’s something I’ve learned a lot about in nursing school, and has happened to me before with a different medication. Definitely let your doctor/ whoever prescribed it to you know. It may mean you need a lower dose or that it’s not a great medication for you altogether. You will be okay! This is just one of the many fun things that can happen with medications.

FireFudge

Date posted: 43w

Thanks so much for the kind words :) if u don't mind me asking, what medication were u prescribed that caused similar issues? Also, did u find a suitable medication for u eventually? Thanks!

ellc2226

Date posted: 43w

@FireFudge I was prescribed Wellbutrin, and it was not a good match for me. I had crazy bad anxiety from it. Zoloft has been okay for me, but it’s a work in progress. I’m currently in EMDR therapy for PTSD, which is kind of throwing off my balance so it’s hard to really see if the medication is working or not. I take it for depression and anxiety, however I think I’m starting to develop OCD, hence why I’m on this app lol.

Anonymous

Date posted: 24w

Medication Questions

Hi all! I am on Zoloft 100mg and I was hoping to get some feedback! My biggest fear is being suicidal and sometimes I’m like checking to see if I am suicidal on the medication but then I think maybe it’s my ocd. My doctor wants to go higher but I’m wondering if this is a good idea based on my thoughts. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

AvsFan95

Date posted: 15w

OCD and Zoloft (Sertraline)

Hi everyone, I’m new to the community. I was diagnosed with OCD just a couple of months ago and have been doing some reading and other research to try and understand the disorder. With this, I have been actively seeing a great therapist who has been helpful to build tools to deal with my intrusive thoughts ( contamination OCD is my worst theme). Do help learn to deal with the compulsions, I start on Sertraline or “Zoloft” I believe since November 2024. Currently I’m on 50mg and have been doing this for just over a month. My question for those who are also taking Sertraline and it has been successful, how do you know it has really provided a benefit and how long did it take to get there? I sometimes feel the medication works, and sometimes I feel it doesn’t (maybe that’s my OCD trying to mess with things). Thanks!

cherryblossoms

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 14w

sertraline (zoloft) question

hi! i was wondering if anyone here began treatment using sertraline and then got off of it later? im just curious about other people's experiences using if for their ocd and if they eventually got off of it or are just taking it indefinitely. Thanks!!

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Zoloft (Sertraline) - depression and suicidal

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