I‘m scared of starting sertraline (Zoloft) for my anxiety and OCD. I am just very scared of the potential psychological and physical side effects. Anyone who takes sertraline and what are your experiences with it?
In the exact same boat right now😭got prescribed sertraline 3 weeks ago and still working up the courage to start. Would like the come back and read the comments
So I’m not sure if it’s my place, but if you don’t want to take a medication, then don’t. Every major medication like Zoloft has side effects, and they’re different for everyone. I know a couple people who felt sorta just dulled/numb after taking it. The anxiety was quelled, but they were sort of a shell of who they were. I’m personally against medications because they have side effects, and of course it opens the door for additional medications to be prescribed to treat the side effects of the previous one, in an endless cycle. Learning to process the emotions and work through them is the key, even if it feels like a lot sometimes. Frankly, I feel like your concerns are valid. Meds are a bandaid, not a cure.
Not taking sertraline, but fluoxetine (Prozac), 10 mg! The side effects are annoying for sure, the first two weeks sucked, but it’s slowly getting better! Currently on day 22. I don’t get physically anxious anymore for the most part and I’m able to get out of the OCD thought loop pretty easily. The biggest thing with taking SSRI’s is finding the right one for you. This takes time and it can be pretty taxing waiting through side effects just to see if it works. I’d give it a shot but keep in mind that it will take a minimum of a month to see any benefits! If you do start, keep in touch with your psychiatrist and let them know of any side effects you’re having. This usually includes increased anxiety, low appetite, and increased thoughts! Goodluck!
Zoloft has changed my life for the better! Everyone’s brain is different so I would encourage you to work with your doctor and determine if it is the right SSRI for you, but it has really helped me with panic, ocd, anxiety and focus.
@gracegamble And since you asked about side effects - I was CONVINCED I would become super depressed or experience psychosis. Neither happened! Short term side effects for me were heart palpitations and an increased feeling antsyness for the first few weeks but that has subsided. Long term is some weight gain and some period irregularity, but those all felt worth it to me
Hi! I was in your same boat two years ago when I decided to start taking medication. I have been diagnosed with GAD and OCD since childhood, tried all therapies and non-medicated remedies, but then decided to go on medication when I left for college. For me personally, it was the BEST decision I have made for myself in a medical sense. Sertraline for me takes away the physical sensations I used to get with anxiety like chest tightness, inability to breathe, etc. as well as slows my general “buzz” of worry. I also felt that sense of “what if…” and then listed side effects but that truly is the anxiety talking. The side effects that I personally experienced when I first started were an upset stomach and a bit of insomnia. These resolved within days and while uncomfortable at first, long term I have had no side effects and truly think this medication has leveled me out. Of course, I still deal with the same symptoms of OCD and GAD, but at a much lower rate. I hope this helps and best of luck to you!
Yes, they are going to be side effects in the beginning like maybe loss of appetite and dealing a little numb. Your body has to get used to the medication and it takes a couple of weeks. So, you can ask your doctor for an antianxiety like hydroxyzine or Klonopin help you during this transition period into your body get used to the medication. Once that happens, it is very beneficial in unsticking the thoughts.
For starters I was on this medicine before i remember the first few weeks were very scary and debilitating. I don’t remember why I stopped taking it , it was about 7 months ago. but I just recently started back because my ocd and anxiety has been off the chain. I keep having bad thoughts about the side affects and I’m terrified like “ what if I have a seizure” can anybody share an experience? Anyone on Zoloft here. Thanks !
I am probably going to start sertraline soon. Does anyone have any experience with this medication?
So I have been diagnosed with GAD and OCD and my psychiatrist prescribed me with zoloft 🤔 but I dont know im really hesitant to start medication because im scared of the side effects and ik afraid of relying on a medication for a long time. Does anyone else take zoloft? What is it like? Any side effects?
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
