Anyone taken Zoloft (Sertraline HCL)?

[Matthew74]

I started taking Zoloft for depression yesterday. I'm not sure I can hack it.

I took it yesterday around noon. That evening I was starting to get hyperactive. This morning I was running around at light speed, but had no idea what I was doing. I was so discombobulated that I thought I would have to go home from work. I have never felt this way before. Ever. I'm usually exactly the opposite.

Have anyone taken it? When did you notice side effects? What were they? My doctor started me on 25mgs, but I only took half that today. I told her I was very sensitive to meds.

Thank you,

Matthew


FYI: I'm on Tegretol and Felbatol for E.

 

[Howll]

I took it for three days, felt awful, dizzy and weird and just generally off. Apparently the side effects do subside in most people after a while.
The reason I stopped though was because after three days, I had a simple partial seizure, which aren't common at all for me. Read he potential side effects, which hadn't been explained to me by my GP, and saw that they can lower seizure threshold. That was enough for me to come off them, wasn't worth it and it was too much of a coincidence that I should have a SP after starting them.

 

[Matthew74]

That freaks me out too, as does the "head shocks" that are supposed to be withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. I think seizures are a warning on all SSRI's. The weird thing is that I was exceptionally seizure free yesterday.

 

[Cint]

I think seizures are a warning on all SSRI's.

Yes, there are warnings on SSRIs. But then, some folks with TLE suffer from depression, also. My neuropsychiatrist years ago said the best treatment for E + depression is a Tricyclic. But for me, a tricyclic anti-depressant didn't put a dent in my depression, so we went with an SSRI. I've been on 200 mgs. of Zoloft now for 15 years or more. Along with Topamax, which serves as a mood stabilizer and a seizure med.

 

[Matthew74]

I thought they used SSRIs because tricyclics were a greater seizure risk.

Thanks Cint. I just wish there was some medicine that would help me feel more like myself, more normal, instead of worse. I've felt bad for as long as I can remember.