Hello! Just started taking Zoloft recently ( 25mg first 14 days then supposed to up to 50mg) I'm actually on day 4 and the side effects are really freaking me out. I've struggled for as long as I can remember with anxiety ( Health Anxiety to be exact ) it's taken me MANY years to accept anxiety and panic is what's caused my physical symptoms and now I'm finally accepting it... and the medication to help me but I'm having a hard time. My symptoms include a spacey, unsteady feeling, muscle tension in my neck and shoulders As well as mild nausea and major headaches.. not to mention more anxiety. I've never taken any kind of med like this before and honestly it's major effort for me to take a simple Advil just because of the way I am. I'm scared of everything it seems. Any advice of personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Everyday I think I'm sick with something major... but I keep telling myself it's the medication trying to work. Curious when side effects will subside and the meds will start to work. I'm ready to feel normal!!
How long does Zoloft side effects last?
Question posted by LL1979 on 10 Aug 2017
Last updated on 14 July 2020
4 Answers
"Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood, anxiety, and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Thank you for your comment on the effects of Zoloft. Seemed I was really feeling worse the first few days. Today is day 14, really hoping for a turn around! Maybe a little better today???
Hi LL1979,
Don't know if you are still visiting this site or not. I suffer from the same health paranoia, sometimes thinking there is something seriously wrong with me. Just started taking Zoloft about 2 weeks ago but not seeing a ton of improvement yet. Just wondering how you are getting along at this point?
Hello I know this is an old post but I have exactly the same side effects as you after one day of taking 25mug of Zoloft and decided not to continue as I couldn’t bear to feel any worse than I already do! I was wondering if you did stick it out and how you feel now and if you could give me any advice I would be really grateful. I also suffer with anxiety based around health issues some of which are real others I appear to have brought on myself many thanks in advance
I have been on Zoloft for a good 5 years, taking 50mg. I recall the only side effects I had during the first few weeks was increased anxiety from taking Zoloft. But I read it takes 3-4 weeks to kick in so I just stuck it out. 5 years later I am still taking 50mg daily with no side effects.
Want to know how you are doing, now. Have had same experience. When does the additional anxiety stop?
Valgal, I have just finished week 3 of Zoloft for anxiety and mild depression. I started on 25mg and upped to 50mg after 7day. First two weeks side effects were bad. Nausea, increased anxiety, sweaty, clammy, Insomnia, spaced out and heavy headed. Start of week three all but slightly spaced out feeling and morning jitters have gone. Tried sleeping last night without taking a Xanax and managed to sleep, be it light sleep rather than deep sleep. I am hoping that remaining side effects will subside over next couple of weeks. Have a review meeting with Doctor at 6 week point, so hopefully by that time all will be settled. At the moment my anxiety is about 80% gone. If it takes 4 to 8 weeks to feel full effects, hoping over next month or so the anxiety will come further down, or may need an increase in dose. Hope you are feeling better.
ll; Yes this sounds like the side effects of the Zoloft some have several and others none at all because we are all different what happens when you start on the Zoloft you have these side effects for at least 2 weeks but if the doctor increases the dose like you did then you have to put up with them a bit longer normally not as long because its already in your system. So do your best to continue to take it and it really does help to take it about the same time each day and don't miss any days. But this should all clear up soon from what you have said above. If you continue to have problems let the doctor know about it. But also you reach the full blood level in 6 to 8 weeks But by that time these side effects should be long gone. Good luck to you.
Thanks so much for your response chuck1957. I've read so many comments regarding the same question but some how it makes me feel better when it's directly for me!!! Weird I know. I will continue on with it because I'm hoping for the results That many say will happen. Thanks again...
I am in the same boat. I was terrified to take any mess due to the side effects. I have been on Zoloft now for 7 days now and originally had no side effects but now feel nauseous and got a low grade fever.
Have your symptoms gone away now?
Hi AndyB123. My symptoms did go away for a few days. But unfortunately tonight they are back. I'm currently on 25 mg (day 9) and I'm supposed to up my dose to 50mg on day 14. I started to be edgy/ irritable last night and then this afternoon. Now my panic that I haven't felt in days is back in full force tonight. I'm not too sure if I'm now used to the 25 and should up to 50 now or if I should still wait out the drs requested 14 days. As for me, I did have some mild nausea but don't believe I had a low grade fever. But I will admit I was very clammy on hands and feet and often felt warm or hot flashed. Which is so abnormal for me. But it seems to be ok now. I hope you're feeling better soon. Did you up your dose on day 7 by chance?? I'm thinking these meds will help me (and you) if you stick to it. I've honestly already noticed a difference. I may have slight anxiety since taking them but I was able to get through it because I didn't have the usual panic along with it... until tonight.
I have been on Zoloft 25 for four days ... I feel horrible
This usually is the case. It takes time for the drug to work and sometimes you just need to stick it out. If this is not possible then talk to your dr and they can find you a different drug that has different affects on you.
HI Lulukay71
It seems to be that way but I can assure you it will get better. When I'm feeling bad it doesn't last too long before I have a good moment where I feel ok or good. My days are still up and down roller coaster but I realize it's because I'm still trying to achieve my drs recommend dose. (100mg) right now I'm on 50mg and will be increasing to 75 this Saturday. I've just started feeling ok from my last increase. I had chest pressure, anxiety and nausea... now I'm feeling "better" I'm sure I'll feel crapy again once I increase... unfortunately. It's easier to deal with my symptoms knowing it's the meds trying to work. Try and Hang in there. I've found keeping a health journal has really helped me and also following up with my dr and pharmacists on my concerns has help get through my bad patches. Best of Luck to you.
Lulu as your being told this is very normal and the worst is the first couple of weeks or if the doctor increases the dose that is why they start you on 25mg but what they don't always tell you is for the first couple of weeks the anxiety and all the other junk gets worse before it starts getting better then you keep taking it try to take it about the same time each day is best and most it takes 6 to8 weeks to reach the blood level. do your best to hang in there we are all different so the times may vary but you will be okay if for any reason it just gets too much which is rare give your doctor a call. all my best for you you're going to feel better soon.
How are you doing with your increase lulu? I'm on 25mg and feel like I need to increase.
Related topics
zoloft, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, side effect, anxiety and stress
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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