Zoloft

Well, first of all we can't in any way discourage the use of Zoloft that was prescribed by a physician. (See rule 2.3).

But with that in mind I can say a few things about Zoloft that might be helpful.

Some people on Zoloft have nausea when they first start to take it. It fades away but the doctors often suggest taking it with food and nibbling on plain crackers to cope with it until it goes away.

Zoloft is the kind of medication that has to build up to a therapeutic level in the blood stream before it works. So, she might not get any results from it for a while. Often doctors have to increase the dose once or twice before it starts to really work. But oce it works, it can be very effective.

There have been some people who report that Zoloft causes them to lose sexual drive or to gain weight. Not everyone has this problem however.

I find that the issue of gaining weight on Zoloft is the one reason women ask to be taken off of it. Doctors encourage healthy eating and exercise to combate any weight gain. Also, there are many women who don't gain weight on it too. (And some who lose weight on it.)

Zoloft is however a very good medication. but like any medication for depression, it will not work very well if the person does not take it as prescribed. Skipping doeses really decreases its effectiveness and makes the process of getting it to a therapeutic level longer.

I hope that she is not just taking this medication without also getting some real life counseling. (as opposed to counseling over the internet or support on a board like this.) This is not a wonder drug. It will not teach her new coping skills. But it can help her feel better so that she wants to learn new coping skills.

justanobserver said:

thank you for replying. If you dont have a problem, I would lke to cut and paste what you wrote (leaving out your handle and other non post info) and send it to my friend. I got the feeling that the doctor diagnosing her condition was a general practicioner, not a specialist. Dont know if that would make a difference, or that a specialist would be best consulted. Just the way she said that after the doc asked a few questions, it was "here, take these".

The reason why I mention seeing a specialist, is that thru the Army before I got out years ago, I been diagnosed with PTSD and clinical depression but I never done anything with it. No meds, dont go to the VA for the talks, etc. Probably should have. But I was sent to a specialist to make that diagnosis so hence why I was wondering.

Click to expand...

A General Family Doctor is perfectly capable of diagnosing the problem and prescribing a medication like Zoloft.

I do think that real life therapy is really needed when on medication like Zoloft however. I do hope your friend will get into or remain in counseling.

The counselor would also be able to go over typical side effects of medication and to provide consultation with the family doctor. While counselors typically have no medical training, many of them attend the seminars that cover the typical medications so they become familiar with this kind of needed information.

You can copy what I wrote, but it should not substitute for her asking a professional she meets with face to face these questions.

justanobserver said:

Hi. There is a lady that I am very close to (friends) that is a single mother trying her best to live a christian life, raise 2 teenage sons, find/keep a decent job, do God's will, try to exist on a limited budget, car that breaks down every 5 miles (so to speak), etc etc etc.

Been finding out the past few months she has been undergoing what I would guess to be anxiety/panic attacks followed with bouts of depresion. As in she several months ago was about to get in her car, told the 14 yr old she cant handle it anymore and was going to drive away forever.

She called me a week ago, said she finally was able to go to a Doc (her health insurance aint that great) and was diagnosed with depresion and anxiety.

She was given Zoloft.

I did a searched back to about March or so in this depression forum for any threads on it and didnt find any.

Can anyone tell me about this drug? what will it do? what will it not do? what are, if any, side effects? is it habit forming? addictive? it is one that once your on, you kinda are on it for a long time , if not life?

I didnt go to the PDR about this as I would like to hear personal accounts if any on it. I like to hear aboiut something right from the person taking it, not what a manufacturer sais. Does it really work? Is it for some and not for others? It the effects temporary?

She is is very close to me and although I live a few hours away from her, I still keep her in my thoughts and try to help as I can. And, naturally, I am very concerned about this and will it help her to "get better" (for lack of a better phrase).

thank you.

Norm

Click to expand...

From my personal experience, zoloft has been pretty good at generally numbing the pain. However, It is still present, in fact I am on Zoloft and I am experiencing intense depression right now.