I was wondering how I would know when Zoloft is starting to work? I’m new to meds and it can be really confusing.
Zoloft - how do I know when it’s working?
Question posted by Anxietygirl28 on 24 May 2020
Last updated on 6 June 2020
3 Answers
goved6
25 May 2020
I've been taking Zoloft 100mg twice a day for 12 years now, I take it for Bipolar 2, and PTSD, it took me about a month and a half before I really started to feel it starting to work, and when it does start to work, you feel like someone turned on a light bulb in the room, now everyone's body is different, so it might make you feel differently, but when the Zoloft finally kicks in, and I'm just going by my own experience, it turns night into day, you feel better, I don't know what you take Zoloft for, and it's not my business, but I hope it makes you feel, like it did me, I was in a very deep, black hole, with no way out, my PTSD kept me from doing alot of things, the Bipolar 2 would make me feel like I didn't care anymore, and I tried to end my life twice, the second time I almost succeeded, when I was diagnosed with my psych problems, I was started on different antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and stuff for anxiety and anger issues,
the first meds they gave me didn't work, but when they started me on the Zoloft, and it took 6 weeks for it to build up in my body and brain, but when it did, I felt extremely different, it lowered my PTSD issues, and started to get me out of the deep dark, black hole, where I had been stuck in for many years, I actually started to look forward to life again, I hope that the zoloft does the same for you, but give it some time to build up in your system, and hang in while it does, it takes a little time, I wish you good luck, and hope you feel better, like it did for me, I hope this helps a little.
Katie3199
5 June 2020
Hello I read your paragraph, and I am on Zoloft. I actually was that account holder, but I got a new phone and lost the password. I’ve been on Zoloft for quite awhile. And you know for a bit I felt a lot better. The best I’ve felt in the past couple months. Now it just feels like it’s coming back all over again. I was on 25mg and upped to 50mg and I started to feel a lot better for I’d say about two weeks. And I noticed things creeping back in again. I’m at a little over 7 weeks. I don’t know what to do. This happened to me with the first dosage as well. Except the 50mg helped a lot more. I just don’t know if this drug is for me. I’ve been on it for over 3 months and for sure things have changed but not the most important that is what I’m struggling with. Also if you have any anxiety tips or depression tips please leave them. I’m having the rough days again
goved6
6 June 2020
I read your comment and the only thing I can suggest is to talk to your doctor and see if this is the right med for you, they might up the milligrams, or switch meds, it took a year for my psych doc to get the right combo for me, hope it doesn't take that long for you, and when my psych doc increased the dose of my Zoloft to 100 mg twice a day, they of course did it gradually, but it took time, maybe your doc can increase your dosage also, but once you get to 100 mg twice a day like me, and that's if your doc does that, you max out, there's no more higher doses, as far as the coping skills, let me say this, number 1 is never, ever give up, I did that and it almost cost me my life, thankfully I was brought back, but please don't give up, try to look at each day as a new beginning, and think positive thoughts, I know this is difficult sometimes, especially when your meds aren't working like they should, but just stay positive, it will get better,
don't give up like I did, talk to your doctor and tell them how you feel, and about what's going on, and please hang in there, it takes awhile after each increase of Zoloft to finally build up in your bloodstream and your brain, it just might be that it takes a little longer for you, if it seems like it's not helping your symptoms at all, or not making you feel better, then ask your doc about switching to a different med, there's slot of psych meds out there, and maybe your doc can prescribe you something that can work along with the Zoloft, I have to take 4 different meds to help take away my symptoms, so that could possibly help to, ask your doc about it, I really hope this helps some, and please, please don't give up, I'm counting on you.
WildcatVet
24 May 2020
Hi, Anxietygirl!
"How Long Does It Take For Sertraline (Zoloft)To Work?
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 and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
It's very important to work with your medication and look for positive improvements. When you're already anxious it's easy to dwell on negatives and worry that the drug isn't working.
Just a tip: You may notice some side effects such as increased anxiety and/or increased depression in the beginning and this is not uncommon. They generally resolve within just days to a week or two.
If you have questions or concerns along the way please feel free to post again. We'll be happy to share our experiences, okay?
Best regards,
Anxietygirl28
24 May 2020
Hello. I would just like to thank you and Masso for the information. Very informative. I have been on my medication for about 5 weeks or more on 50mg. I was on 25mg for a good 7 weeks before I upped it. I can honestly say I’ve seen a difference. It’s been confusing it was going back and forth between good days and bad. As of lately I have been experiencing much more better days. I’ve taken some steps that have been hard for me to do for over 3 months or more. I was able to hangout with my friend, don’t get me wrong it wasn’t easy but I managed to get through it and not freak out even if In some moments I felt that way. I would say the anxiety needs a bit more time, but I will say I’ve seen improvement in it. As for depression it’s hardly there and when it is it’s very minimum mostly. I feel great compared to what I have felt for awhile.
I can’t say for certain I’ll stay feeling this way but this is the longest I’ve felt good out of these months. My thoughts still consume me but a little less now. And I finally wanna live more again. I still have some ways to go and worries for sure but I’m hoping I’ll make it there and hopefully soon. I went from hardly if ever leaving my house or hanging out with people to having my friend over the other day. To me that is a pretty big step. I just hope the medication really does help what has brought me down. Atleast so it is more manageable and doesn’t effect my day to day
Anxietygirl28
24 May 2020
So I’m just hoping this is a sign it’s kicking in and working. I miss being me the true me, and I can finally see her a little more again. I pray I will be okay very soon
masso
26 May 2020
@ Anxietygirl,
Keep on going and never lose your faith, one way or another we all get there some take longer than others but trust me I have been where you are and it has taken me a long time to get to the point I am at now.
We all have a past and good and bad experiences, I was reborn in every way 18 years ago when I was 33, if I made it , you can too.
And you are welcome.
masso
24 May 2020
Everyone reacts differently to medications, having said commonly in the first couple of weeks you should start feeling more active, improved mood, feel less anxious also your sleep and appetite may improve.
For Zoloft to reach its full therapeutic effect it may take 6 to 8 weeks, so you will have to be patient for the drug to start building up in your system. It is important that you take your dose at the same time everyday as prescribed by your Dr., and also communication with your Dr. is very important in order to keep him/her inform of your progress.
Related topics
zoloft, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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