Not Sure Whether To Take Zoloft

[puddlewithleaves]

I was just diagnosed with PTSD due to childhood sexual abuse. I went to a city hospital and they prescribed Setraline (Zoloft), Prazosin (minipress), and Hydroxyzine. I felt like the Psychiatrist was pushy, not listening to my concerns, and making it seem like Zoloft is no big deal, and I could stop taking it with no problem. From what I've read on this forum, a lot of people with PTSD have had a negative experience with Zoloft.

Prazosin and Hydroxyzine seem like good meds to take situationally, but jumping into taking Zoloft seems foolish to me. I did have 2 panic attacks, but these were after flashbacks that had occured for the first time. I didn't know the whole story of my past until these flashbacks - maybe the coming weeks will be more mild? I really like talk therapy, so I'm hesitant to get on something like Zoloft right away.

In short, my question is:
How do I know what meds to take for the first time? I feel crummy, but not like my life is totally impaired... and I feel like talk therapy is the biggest help for me.

 

[Katz2]

I'm only saying what I would do, I have taken loads of different types of meds, and nothing has worked for me, and plus I cant cope with meds anyway, I do take herbal stuff like st johns work and st johns worts hypericum, the hypericum is to help with aniexy. But I would like to say I'm not saying dont take them, because meds do work for people. I'm like you the talk therapy helps me the best :)

 

[puddlewithleaves]

Was trying the meds a negative experience, ie: do you feel like they hindered your progress/messed you up more, or was it worth it to "try and see" so you could decide meds aren't for you?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I was on zoloft and it did nothing for me. I am on different meds that seem to be working for me. Do your research so you can make a informed decision.

 

[puddlewithleaves]

I was on zoloft and it did nothing for me. I am on different meds that seem to be working for me. Do your research so you can make a informed decision.

Was Zoloft difficult to quit, gizmo?

I'm trying to do as much research as possible. It's hard to know what med(s) would be right for me, as I haven't taken anything yet. My physical symptoms are panic attacks, anxiety, and fear. I don't suffer from depression, so taking an anti-depressant that could make me suicidal is another concern.

In reading this forum, I got the impression that Zoloft wasn't too effective for people with PTSD. I also got the impression that the people who had positive benefits seemed to use it for a permanent solution to anxiety.

Can any other Zoloft users weigh in on this?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

No it was really easy to get off. I think it is a good idea to check with more people who took it. Be well.

 

[Bilby]

I have taken Zoloft in the past and I gradually tapered myself off it without any problem at all (this is usually a wise way to come off any medication like this).

Anti-depressants certainly can have their place within the realms of anxiety, which is probably why it was prescribed. The psychiatrist may have prescribed it in order to have a calming kind of effect to head off the anxiety.

It is important to note that sometimes there are side effects with medications and some of these can be short-lived (e.g. nausea) but sometimes there are side effects that aren't normal - these are very clearly listed on the product information sheet, so it is wise to have an awareness of what is considered normal and not normal when you commence these types of medications so that you know when/if you should contact your Doctor.

Personally, I wouldn't be particularly concerned about Zoloft - it has been around for quite a long time now and is generally fairly well tolerated. Everybody is different though and I'm not a doctor - just someone who has plenty of experience with anti-depressant medication and who also likes to do their research :)

I think trying medication to see if it helps you is a good idea - just my point of view. I believe that if it can improve my quality of life, then it is worth pursuing. I have had to try a number of different medications in order to find what works for me, but I do believe that it was worth it.

 

[Ice_Fire]

I am on Zoloft at the moment and honestly, it has made a massive difference to me. I was on Citalopram before that and it did nothing for me at all. But since being on Zoloft, I have felt better.

No idea what the withdrawal is like though. I was anxious about taking it at first, but considering the difference it's made for me (I still have bad days, it isn't a wonder cure) I would giver it a go. All I would say is be open with your doctor and talk to them over any concerns, whatever medication you use, if any.

 

[htmlgirl]

I started taking zoloft about a week ago. I haven't really noticed any symptoms other than it makes me a little tired when I take it so I just take it at night. It's weird, but I felt like it was helping within the first couple days I started taking it. Maybe it's just me thinking it's working, but whatever it is, I am starting to feel better.

I've been on quite a few anti-depressants and haven't really felt like they helped.

 

[nimkekaa]

Can any other Zoloft users weigh in on this?

I have been on Zoloft for many years. I have not found too many side effects and the ones I have noticed are far outweighed by the benifits. I have tried lowering my dose in the past but then my symptoms have flared up. I feel that this just tells me that this medication is working for me.

From my understanding, people that take this type of medication and have it work for them are people that are not producing this for themselves. Therefore, like a diabetic that needs insulion because their body doesn't produce it I need seritonin (spelling?).

I know that trauma can change how and what chemical's your body produces naturally and I try and see it that way, as why I need to be on Zoloft. It's also like being stuck in fight or flight mode and becoming adrenal deficient. I don't understand it completely but if your body needs it, then it needs it.

I use to be totally against drugs and refused to take them or give them to my kids. This was until I was barely functioning and I broke down and tried Zoloft. For me, I started to live again after I started taking it. (I did have a few month adjustment period that you just have to live through)

I am still against the mass precriptions of medications but I think that everything has a time and place. I think that trying it out and seeing if it works for you is the only way to really know.

The Zoloft cleared my mind so that I could work on my healing.

I am also on Prasosin. I just started it in the last couple months and it has made a huge difference in my sleeping. I actually feel like I have gotten some sleep and I have even slept through the night once. I don't think I have ever done that in my whole life.

Good luck with your choice on what is best for you.