Any opinions about Zoloft or Sertraline?

Zoloft / sertraline didn't help me much, and I put on 5 quick pounds. After years, discontinued. My recommendation - get outside for sunshine & fresh air, get some exercise, be with friends & people you like being around, have a reason to get up each morning, do things like volunteer, take a part time job, work a hobby, whatever you can do to stay busy.

Thank you!

Unfortunately the worst drug I ever used. The side effects were absolutely terrible for me personally.
Brain zaps, nightmares, restless leg syndrome, dizziness, migraines, unable to sleep, falling and my equilibrium was off.
As fast as I was prescribed this medication and stopped it after 8 weeks. Why 8 weeks, because they tell you to wait to see if the medication works?
It was a pure struggle. One in which I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Thank you for the input. I don’t think I will take the medication.

If you change your mind and feel that you cannot cope well I would suggest the lowest dose (12.5mg). I lost my husband of 40 years 4 years ago and still have problems coping with it and from what I understand from others it continues and doesn't get much better, one just "copes" better. Grief is a lonely road that no one understands except you. I do hope you are doing better....but know that you are not alone in that journey. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

12.5mg will be just right for me . I have reservations as the pill is 50mg and the Dr said I can take half. Even 25mg is too much for me as I am very small and I don’t take any medication except nexium. But if I really need it I would take the dosage you recommended.
You are so right about grief. I thank you for taking the time to post. I find it very comforting and I appreciate it.
Sorry for your loss too.

I feel that many times the physicians when prescribing medication do not consider the size of the person. I am 5 feet tall and weigh 94 lb so an adult dose with many medications is WAY to much. But also, there are medications that are not weight dependent. I feel that a "tad" of Zoloft may help lift the clouds so that you can think a little clearer and have the energy to plan and do things. And it's a no-brainer stopping it once you feel better.

Hello @mazel47

I took Sertraline for a brief and had some side effects...but I was also taking Wellbutrin. After a month, I was off Sertraline and stayed on Wellbutrin only. Over time it helped.

So I would say the following: (1) medications could have side effect, especially antidepressants; (2) I was in pretty bad shape when I started taking Wellbutrin and I just prayed it would work (takes about 4 weeks) I was struggling everyday.

Don't ever be afraid to take them if you need them. They helped me. But it also takes things like therapy, support groups, and self-care.

Hope this helps.

I was feeling a bit of driving anxiety from a car accident so my dr prescribed me a generic brand of Zoloft. I was the leader of my life ran a hotel as the star of the show mother of 2 boys unstoppable except a little driving anxiety from a previous accident. I was on a low dose when 2 weeks later I started with weird dreams . It was one day getting ready for work the feeling of dizzying dread started ! It just crumbled all from there I was in a nightmare! I had feelings of hot sickness flooding my body and double vision flooding my head . Everyone around me couldn’t understand I was in smile 2 ! I joke but after a struggle of not taking the medication again I had SSI poisoning and I didn’t care . I had 3 years of chronic episodes where I would feel as if I died and the new me was living. Soo much horror and pain so much of the people around me in awwww! I got to say 6 years past I’m me I feel alive awake and grounded my brain and life are mine ! Sure things aren’t perfect but they sure seem to be ever woke up from a nightmare your dying and your in your bed safe that’s how I feel everyday I have a feeling you’re f worry or stress I’m grateful for any problems cause there nothing compared to that ! Please know if you can muscle getting past it safely your brain can handle itself and you can feel human again even your depression and anxiety will feel like a godsend if you can manage tapering off to not being a victim. If you need to have these all for it if you need to slow the dose please do what’s best for you but those like me that are in hell you won’t be in it forever it may take years but you won’t regret being you again . I used to read these hoping to hear a good outcome like mine and that’s why I’m writing this hope to those who feel destroyed like I did

Thanks for sharing Tiffany. I remember those medication side effects. Mine were not as bad, but I was acting odd when on both Wellbutrin and Sertraline. The mix made bounce off the walls wanting to try harmful things. Luckily, I did not follow through and I recognized something was wrong and got the meds fixed. Glad to hear things worked out for you too.