I’m 41 year old female suffering with anxiety and depression. I have been taking 100mgs Sertraline just been put up to 150mgs feel terrible after one week of taking. Overthinking an awful lot with anxiety and no motivation at all trying to do what I can. I know u have feel worse before you feel better remember that from first being put on them let’s hope things get better soon!
Anxiety and depression how long to things settle?
Question posted by Di23 on 4 Aug 2023
Last updated on 5 August 2023
3 Answers
Di23
4 Aug 2023
Just on higher dose one week today suppose early days will have to be patient. Thanks
Samantha1972
4 Aug 2023
Hello Friend, I have been where you are, so take heart. It does take 6-8 weeks to feel the full effect of Zoloft/Sertraline or any antidepressant. Zoloft worked well for me when nothing else would. I have very stubborn, lifelong depression and OCD. I am on 200 MG, but was on 150 MG for a long time, years, and that did wonders for me. You will probably start to feel some patches, moments, of relief around 2-3 weeks. It comes like bits of sun breaking through the clouds. You find yourself doing more, and not thinking about whether you feel better all the time. It WILL WORK for you. If after 6 weeks, you are still not feeling as good as you wish, you can ask your doctor to see if adding a very LOW DOSE antipsychotic - don't let the name scare you - to boost the Sertraline may help. Antipsychotics affect dopamine instead of serotonin like antidepressants. Sometimes they can help the antidepressant work. I wish I wasn't such an expert in these drugs, but alas I am.
But I can say I am on 200 MG Zoloft, and 20 Latuda (the lowest dose) and I feel really good. I work full time, parent my kids, do all the household stuff, get together with friends, laugh, all the normal stuff. There is hope. Please know that. Write again if you wish.
Di23
5 Aug 2023
Ah that’s so good that u are well! I didn’t mentioned I take 12.5mgs Abilify also I guess it’s gonna take bit of time thanks for writing back to me
WildcatVet
4 Aug 2023
Hi, di23!
Yes, it takes a while to feel the benefits of the medication. How long have you been taking your sertraline and how long after the increase? It may take 2 weeks or so before you feel more improvements.
Most people begin to feel better in the first couple of weeks but it can take as long as 6-8 weeks in some cases to get the full effect of the medication. Sometimes anxiety can take longer than depression to resolve.
If you're having side effects that are really bad ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
This initial period can be rough but it does all straighten out with time as your metabolism adjusts to the medication. Hang in there and try to think positively. Don't let your anxiety do the talking for you! Remember that Zoloft (sertraline) is one of the few drugs that has been FDA approved to treat both depression and anxiety disorders.
Related topics
depression, anxiety, sertraline, female
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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