Sertraline | My Real Experience with Zoloft
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- Опубликовано: 26 июн 2024
- Sertraline is more than side effects! I'm sharing my Sertraline (Zoloft) experience from a unique perspective. Covering my mental health diagnosis, being prescribed Sertraline, the side effects of Sertraline, how it made me feel and finally withdrawal and life after medication.
I wanted to provide you with one video that covers my entire experience of using Sertraline; talking you through my fears, the challenges and the positives in a balanced manner. I have previously talked about some of these aspects but never altogether and never from the perspective of someone who is no longer taking antidepressants.
Sertraline is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the world. It is prescribed for depression, general anxiety, PTSD, OCD and so on. Essentially, if you are struggling with some form of mental illness, Sertraline will be in consideration. It falls under the same class of drugs as medication like Prozac and many other antidepressants that come under the banner of SSRI.
When we first encounter the idea of using antidepressants to manage symptoms of mental illness it can be terrfiying. One of the factors for this worry is feeling like you are isolated, alone and possibly failing at life. I was surprised when I read that around 20% of the adult population take an antidepressant and when I started talking openly about it I reallised that many people I know or met through this channel or Instagram (@alexrobb.yt) were in the same boat; feeling like they are the only one taking Sertraline, whilst being surrounded by many people going through similar experiences.
This video is long but by watching it you will get to hear from the perspective of someone who fought for a long time to hide from a diagnosis in mental illness and then consequently went through the journey of prescription for antidepressants, the side effects of taking Sertraline and the decision to withdraw from taking antidepressants altogether. I also talk about life after Sertraline. Many people worry about the long term effects of taking antidepressants so I wanted to address this directly. This is only my experience but there are lessons along the way and I hope people find it reassuring in some respect.
Key Video Topics:
00:00:00 - Introduction to my Sertraline Experience
00:00:46 - My Mental Health diagnosis (avoiding the truth)
00:02:37 - Being prescribed antidepressants
00:04:55 - The first 2 weeks on Sertraline
00:07:27 - Sertraline side effects discussed
00:08:13 - How long does it take for Sertraline to work?
00:09:42 - The importance of community for mental health
00:11:10 - What does it feel like to take antidepressants?
00:11:48 - Fixing my mental health | medication, diet, relationships and career etc.
00:13:38 - My experience of taking Sertraline over a long period of time
00:15:08 - Increasing my Sertraline dose | 50mg to 100mg
00:15:38 - Withdrawal from antidepressants and my coping mechanisms
00:16:13 - Tapering off Sertraline | Forever?
00:17:18 - Life after Sertraline | Long term side effects of Sertraline
00:18:02 - Lifestyle changes to manage mental wellbeing
00:18:16 - Focussing on helping other people
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Instagram : @alexrobb.yt
I’m 43. Got rectal cancer at 41. Between that and denying struggling with depression for years, I finally started therapy and also started Zoloft close to a month ago. Just 50mg, but I’m actually sleeping again. That alone makes it well worth it. I have hope again and my wife and I are working on things in our marriage that I didn’t realize were such a problem until I got sick. I would just say don’t put it off. Get the help you need. It’s not weakness to admit you need help with depression. I should’ve done it years ago, but partly due to upbringing and maybe male pride, I did not.
Is it affecting your sex life with your wife? I know that’s a personal question but a big issue I’ve heard people having, men in specific is getting an erection, trouble finishing etc.
Hope you are healthy now and doing ok : )
wow! you’ve put so much work into your channel & videos. you have helped me so much with feelings hopeful, confident, and comfortable about taking sertraline. thank you so much for all you’ve done... it doesn’t go unappreciated ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Ali! That means a lot. I hope you are staying well and giving yourself lots of selfcare ❤️
This is one of the best experience videos I’ve seen. How frustrating it is when you’re not sure if it’s working or not after 3-4 weeks. How it’s worse at first, etc. thank u.
@Alex, mate, your videos have been SUBSTANTIALLY helpful to my journey. I’ve made a full recovery on sertraline and you helped me make it through the rough patches. Very helpful to have another male be so open about mental health and medication. Incredible channel and work.
So good to hear, thank you for the kind feedback! I hope things are going well for you now?
I'm only on day three of taking Sertraline, somewhat overwhelmed by it all but feeling positive, especially with the help of videos like this. Just matters to know you're not alone on this wild journey. I truly believe the mix of meds and therapy will change my life, just got to keep going! Thanks for what you're doing 😊
Thank you Rachel! You are definitely not alone. Let me know if you have any questions.
How are you now?
Amazing video thank you so much!! Really helped address a ton of my questions as I myself am considering exploring this. A lot of what you said is really encouraging.
Glad to hear! Are things ok with you?
I have been watching your videos so I know what I am getting into and I love how open you are and seeking for help and I relate to you a lot. You have made me realize the first step is to address that you do need help. I was always told by my peers that medication wont change anything in my life, and I should have done my own research. I have had severe anxiety threw out my childhood up till now. I had zero to no social life, and had no energy to go out or do anything and I always tried to "tough it out" and pretend that it didn't effect me. I can go on, and on, but now im 20 and I have finally have made the decision to take Zoloft after 9 years of my doctor prescribing it to me, and trying to get a job again. Thank u so much I love the videos and keep up the great work and cant wait to see more progress.
Great news Katty! It’s a positive step and alongside some talking therapy like CBT could be amazing for you! Thanks for the kind words too🤘
Your story sounds a lot like mine. Good on you for being proactive and taking control back from anxiety! I’ll be 20 in December and I don’t want to transition into adulthood while still being stuck in this mental state. Are you still taking Zoloft?
This year is the first time I decided to seek out professional help. I avoided meds for the longest time. I'm currently in my 30's as well and it gets to the point where I can't shake it off like I used to. My body just takes over to where I can't control the anxiety anymore. I stumbled upon your video and this gives me hope throughout my Sertraline journey. I just started yesterday. So far, I have experienced little nausea and cold sweats. It's not fun but I'm trying to push through the next few weeks. Thank you for sharing your experiences with everyone.
how's your journey so far, m8?
I started taking sertraline mid june last year for anxiety and a wee bit of depression. Im still on it and doing well things have improved so much especially the anxiety. No plans to come off it just yet as i feel im doing well and worried the anxiety will return if i come off it. Ive suffered anxiety from being a child but never really realised what it was or that it was making such an impact on my everyday life. These videos and the facebook group have helped so much.
Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad things have improved for you and the community has been a support. Loads of people take these medications long term so I think trust your instincts. I tried to come off once before - far too early - and crashed hard. I knew when it was the right time eventually!
I am taking parixotin from three days but am scaring and cannot sleep from 5th days I am taking 10 mg for 5 days after five days Doctor recommend me 20 mg please tell me it's normal or stop the medicine thanks .
i didnt want to try meds for such a long time. now, day 3 on zoloft and even tho its not supposed to have any therapeutic effects yet, ive had moments of joy more and feelings of being grounded that i havent had in couple of years. of course, its not been perfect but small moments of feeling better feel like such a victory, even if its not permanent (as im just starting this) your channel inspired me to try it out, and im so happy i started the process. :) i realised ive lived in such a hell with my anxiety.
That’s amazing! I definitely had those moments too, enjoy them. That’s your brain rewarding you for finally starting the process of taking back control from the clutches of anxiety. I’m here for you 🤘
Are you still taking it?
@@cerealis_5432 i am not. i quit 3 weeks ago after 5 months
@@slv6470 why?
Thank you so much for this video! It's a massive help to me! I'm currently into my 4th week and I'm still feeling terrible. But your account of your own experience with sertraline gives me hope. I'm looking forward to feeling like my old self again. From the bottom of my heart thank you!
I am on 25 mlg and had my dose up to another 25 .Hope it works for my panic attracts and anxiety.Thanks for your video
I’m in my 3rd week on 25 mg. Feeling impatient but I’ll stick it out. I am a bit calmer though. I just want the intrusive thoughts to ease up
Feeling like your old self now?
@@juanitamcgill7047 is it working for you?
@@AP-nx6xo how did you get on?
I just wanted to say thank you, because of you I managed to start my sertraline on Monday, I was so scared to start them. 15 years of trying and failing to take that first tablet. Thankfully I've only been a bit extra tired and some headaches that have gone now. Just wanted to pop on and say thank you 😊
Thank you Sarah! Sounds like a great start. Hope things stay good for you, keep in touch!!
good luck 🍀, i,m rooting for you
How are you now?
Tbh not great, went up to 100mg over a month ago and I kinda feel worse got to see my Gp and see if I need to go higher or lower.
@@sarahmichelle9869 hope all is well thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching - Links to the Facebook group are in the Video Description. Can't wait to see you there!
Hi 🙋🏼♀️ love your videos. Did you experience any depersonalization at all?? If so when did it go away ?? Also fatigue and when did you start getting your energy back?
Hey! This didn't affect me really. It's difficult because I think the concept of depersonalisation is hard to grasp so I don't want to mis-advise. From what people say on the Facebook Group things do tend to improve in this aspect BUT if it is happening to you, your GP might be able to offer some support.
How are things going?
@A Happy Change - Adventures in Mental Health it’s my 3rd day and I dnt feel good my body hurts I’m jittery and having hot flashes 🥵 I wonder when does it get better?? Do the side effects go away?? I wasn’t able to sleep last night
Zoloft is a life changer if you suffer from anxiety.
You can manage things better becaucse the anxiety is lower.
You can fix your life in a good way.
Anxiety blocks so much in life that you have not a chance too fix your problems.
Your channel helped me a lot and removed the anxiety for medication.
There is still a risk of meds but with a good Doctor its managable and it is a door opener for talking therapy.
And also permanant anxiety and panic attacks can destroy your feelings, life and your whole organism.
Because of this it is important too go too therapy.
Unfortunately there are many men injured by PSSD even after years quitting the medication
This is the second time I’m trying zoloft while coming off paxil. First weeks side effects are really hard. But watching your video has helped me to keep engaged and not give up!
How did you switch meds. Has Zoloft helped you
@@lanabermudez9300 I did it very gradually around 2mg per week. With the help of my psychiatrist I increase zoloft dose one week and reduced paxil the following week. I was able to come off paxil completly! So there’s hope, always with the help of a good doctor.
Thank you so much for all of your videos, especially this one. I'm on week two of Sertraline 50mg for anxiety disorder. Had a bit of nausea the first few days and quite bad headaches, but they soon went and I have just been left with occasional dizziness and feeling like I'm in a dream. Sometimes find I get hot during the night and tend to wake up a bit more easily (despite taking my pill AM). Sometimes get tiny bursts of pure excitement and energy, but 90% of the time I'm more on the drowsy side. Not an issue though and looking forward to a more balanced life where I don't avoid everything or keep having panic attacks after doing something slightly out of my comfort zone. 😊
Thank you! Eugh, I’m glad that tiredness passed soon enough. Definitely felt like a zombie BUT I was pretty zombie-like before hand on reflection! Remember to work on those triggers, meds will make it easier to cope but it’s important to make progress in facing your fears. Sounds like your fight or flight system is working overdrive at the moment? Hope things get better soon!
How are you feeling now?
@@joshtuk Honestly, this is the best I've felt in years. I'm on 100mg and feel like I can enjoy my life way more than I used to. My OCD is way more under control too. Side effects all passed after the third week for me.
@@stephanie_meows thats awesome. I’ve had anxiety, panic attacks, health phobias for 20 years and I’ve always been too scared to try meds, but now I feel I have to.
Great video
Thank you!
Depression does not always have a trigger. It can hit out of the blue for no reason whatsoever!
Often it runs in the family & you can simply inherit it.
Therefore, sometimes searching for a root cause is not always possible.
Im struggling with depression 😢 my heart goes out to everyone who is 😢 xx
All those stuff you talk about at the end, eating healthy, exercising, self love is all important on Anti depressants and off antidepressants. I'm glad your doing Great off them Alex, it's been almost half a year that I'm off them myself. We have to start paying attention to our body, our nervous system. It's trying to tell us something. Although anti depressants can help, we need to get to the root of the problem..it will never go away with just a pill. Wish it was that easy. But life is a bitch . Great video stay Up.
Thank you! Always appreciate your support. Yeah I think the Sertraline gave me the clarity to figure out some of the other stuff I needed to sort but that’s still a journey for me. I have to be more diligent with diet and exercise; slowly getting there and better later than never!!
It's mad because all the side effects sounds like this I deal with on a daily basis: anxiety, poor sleep, fatigue in the day, upset stomach, headache, mood swings... LOL
I really hope things improve once the dose kicks in!
Ive been off and on SSRIs many times and I never really notice any side effects when coming on and off.
i am 20 and have struggled with anxiety for around 3 years now. i have really bad waves where the anxiety is in control of me instead of i am in control of it. it is really hard and i have taken other measures before resorting to anti anxiety/depressants. i started sertraline 6 days ago, my main side effects are nausea, vomiting, shaking and trembling and waking up anxious which usually wears off around midday/afternoon time. when anxious i struggle with feeling sick and not wanting to eat so this was really hard when the first day i took sertraline i experienced nausea straight away. this video helped me with the side effects and to stick with the medication thank you!
Thank you 🙏. So I’m on 25 mg for 3 weeks now. Maybe I’m having less social anxiety but my hopes is that Sertraline stops intrusive thoughts. I guess I’ll have to be patient and wait the 6 to 8 weeks
How did it go with helping with the intrusive thoughts?
@@dadog13d97 seems to help but my mood is very flat. Not sure if I’m going to stay on it
Anyone suffer any hair loss while using zoloft, and is it safe to take stinging nettle root while taking the drug? Thanks in advance, and great video!
Helpful information! thx and pls tune down that background noise if u will😊😊 pls.
The first month is hell, bring me more down ... but like you sais there is a barrier to cross so I stick on that. Tx for your experience share.
Did it eventually work for you?
@@wulfsorenson8859 yes 100%
@@MsBoris66 how many weeks did it take to work. I just quit citalopram aftee 4 weeks because I felt worse and got ocd type symptoms.
@@wulfsorenson8859 feeling worse is totally normal, once you past 6 weeks it's all fine with any brand I will say. I'm on trintelix
I’ve got health anxiety so I’m scared to take them and also what if the meds gives me depression?
Bro l m taking sertaline 75mg from 4 months, l m feeling better no panic symptoms and become rational n calm but how will l came to know l should now taper, and one more thing lack of concentration in studies
Good question. It’s hard to say really, many people take Sertraline long term to manage symptoms. I’d say if you have worked on your panic triggers with a therapist and feel more in control, ask you GP if you can try a 50mg dose then if things continue to be good for another couple months speak to them about tapering off. I came off it once far too early and it wasn’t fun, having to start the process again was a pain but it was a wise decision.
It'll be a year as of April 15 since I've started Sertaline for PTSD, which I experienced back in March of last (yes, just passed the one year mark....phew....). I was initially thinking that I would be able to come off of the medication around this time a few months ago, but after a recent bout of depression, and definitely after this week, I'm not ready to come off of the medication yet. The thing I have to really accept that I may or not be on this medication long term, and that sometimes is a hard thought. However, it's better than nothing, and has actually given me some mental "relief" with taking off the edge of the lows. I'm also working with a fantastic trauma based therapist, and have also gotten into art for expressing my difficulties, and have learned so much about the world of mental health. Our mental health is so crucial to doing well in life, as it literally affects everything and those around us.
You've got the right mindset. I went through the same thing and realised that I might need Sertraline for life. Whilst I am now off the medication I fully accept that one day I might find myself seeking another prescription. Once I came to terms with that, my relationship with the drug changed and I allowed myself to 'go with the flow'. I really hope things work out for you! Stay in touch!
I m suffering for so long for my anxiety since during my colleges days plus deptrssion when my older btothet pass away and no one understand my illness , i am hoping for your advice
Pls help me of my deprrssion for so long
hey, i was on 75mg for about 9 months then out of the blue i felt like i was relapsing so i asked if i could be bumped to 100mg and i’m currently on it for 3 days. hopefully it goes well 😁
Im on 50 mg sertralin for a week soon and its ok i guess ,i have headaches everyday, no problem to go up in the morning.at evening i feel tired and I go to be and sleep no problem,, dont know what will be rest of this Journey with this pill.
Was on sertraline for 12 years and came off of it too fast.
For a few months i felt fine, then withdrawal hit me at 6 months after stopping.
Still going through withdrawal 4 years later.
I think that's just depression coming back. Withdrawal doesn't start after an entire half year
sounds more like your underlying issue was not treated when you were on the medication. The general idea is that the medication acts more like a band-aid than a long-term solution because the idea behind it is whilst on it you continue to do work on yourself through therapy and life changes and when you're ready, with your doctor's supervision, you gradually start pulling that band-aid off. Some people don't see it that way and continue to wear that band-aid for the rest of their lives, which is fine.
That’s not withdrawals that’s your mental health issues returning 🙄
You can have protracted withdrawal for years. Some people if taper too fast it may take months to years to recover.
Hi ... how are ..i am happy for you 😊 my friend..
And for yor mentel health..
I also take sertraline..almost a year now .. thanks to god every thing is good now .. but i gain wight 10 kilos in a year . And my life style is very healthy ..and i walk 🚶♂️ an hour in the day ..but every month i gain whight and i dont know what wrong ..
I’m good thank you! Sorry to hear you are struggling with weight gain. Have you looked at intermittent fasting? That’s helped me significantly when I felt I continued to gain weight despite healthy living.
@@AHappyChange no realy . I will read a bout it ... do have link or any information about it please
I use an App called Fastic. It basically encourages you to Fast with no calorie intake between 7pm and 11am so no soda, late night snacks etc. And skipping breakfast too. It’s very manageable. I also watched a documentary called “Fasting” - it take about the health benefits and is worth watching
I'm on day 4 of sertraline, finding it harder to get out of bed, having migraines and sleepyness, and just have enough energy to binge on others reviews and experiences. So thank you for your contributions in your channel. I can really relate to the missed opportunities in life and keep thinking how my life would be different if I was "normal".
I am going through a depression now but my main issue is extreme mood swings (not bipolar) and an inability to cope with certain things that give me anxiety symptoms, so I'm not sure if sertraline will help. I'm starting a new job tomorrow and while I really need it, I'm dreading it because it's with the public and I keep thinking I'll screw it up and get confused or fired.
Sounds like Sertraline will help with regulating your mood and make you more rationale around those trigger situations. Would advise some talking therapy too though.
Good luck with the new job - if it helps at all I started a new job as I began my meds and had all the same worries. I found it didn’t effect me too much at work as the new-job adrenaline got my through! Hope things go smoothly for you!!
@@AHappyChange unfortunately therapy is really expensive and I've only found free or cheap "apps" or books
@@wowwee0 you could try the ‘better help’ app. It is cheaper then regular therapy :)
Hi mate , hope you feeling good ,
It’s my 5th day on sertraline , and I’m feeling like I’m taking drugs , and feeling , buzz and not sober , foggy mind , reminds me of mdma effect , when side effects will go away ? And I’m going to feel sober again ?
How are you
You are 39? You look much younger! Also... Loving that sexy creature in the background! Also... I have been taking Sertraline for 6 weeks now and I feel amazing, I started a new project and a month ago that felt absolutely impossible. Hopefully I can stop taking it at some point in the future.
It’s either good genetics or good lighting! How good does it look?! Thanks again! Glad things are going well so far and there is no rush to stop, enjoy the focus and you’ll know when/if it’s time!
Started taking sertraline yesterday, I’m terrified. I’m embarrassed. I truly feel broken. I want to be enough for my wife. I hope I can get through this.
I'm in a similar situation. Hope you're feeling better now. I've been taking Sertraline for three weeks and things have definitely improved. It takes time. After a couple of weeks I felt angry/disappointed that it wasn't working. Patience is vital.
How are you
@@patrickdoherty4527how are you
Did anyone have breathing problems and raise in heart rate?
Setraline is life changer
Sir do you drink alcohol while on medication
Sertraline has cured my premature ejaculation. I fear it will come back if I stopped taking sertraline. I take 150mg. Am I stuck on this for life :(
I'm taking 100mg and feeling better, but I'm also dealing with gut issues due to an infection I had three years ago. For me, all my anxiety and depression symptomps started with the gut infection (parasite) and now I'm doing my best to find what's wrong and heal. I'm curious if you or anyone has had to deal with other illnesses related or not with mental health.
Have you watched the film Microbiota about healing your gut biome? It sounds like it might be a useful watch - it really changed my thinking about our guts role in mental health. I found a link to a free version so will try and track it down for you!
Try probiotics from the health food store. The refrigerated ones
100 mg single dose or 50 in the morning 50 at night?
Try Origano oil
My anxiety started with a big diet change than a development of diverticulitis
Tough question, did you experience any of the sexual side effects? Thanks.
I just got it prescribed today for social anxiety. He even gave me a weeks worth benzodiazepines 😂. Have never tried them, so it should be interesting.
I think he gave me those bc when I came in, I was a complete mess.. I was up till 4 am last night worrying about how it's gonna go, and when it came to seeing him, I was in complete panic mode with uncontrollable shaking. Im normally not that bad 😂.
Overall, it went smooth, I told him I wanted Sertraline and he, without any hesitation, hooked me up. This was just a walk-in clinic, too 😆.
The biggest depression I had was when I thought I had everything I wanted in life, I was wrong and tried to commit suicide and inadvertently lost everything that I thought I wanted in life I had to come off it, weight gain, stomach issues and dark thoughts we the side effects that I suffered.
Did you experience any sexual dysfunction? I’m six weeks in and it’s not going good in that department
I am scared to take sertraline because of Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction that can happen in some people.
It actually increased my libido
@@cquickmusic8174 why do you think that is?
I took Lustral on an off over a period of 16 years. I now know the truth about antidepressants, that they lack efficacy beyond their placebo effects. I can swear that when I was on it, I felt my depression melt away, but I give all the credit of my recovery to myself and not to the medicine. If my therapist in the future recommends that I take Lustral in tandem, I'm not going to fall for it like I did 16 years ago.
Zoloft is a fantastic medicine for anxiety, it’s a bummer for your sex life and weight gain is terrible 😞
Does sertraline cause itchy skin its driving me round the twist 😂the ❤way ❤
Drinkers shouldn't use it. Give up booze and see do you need it after. Alcohol causes anxiety and panic attacks
Long term use. Severe side effects. Tapered too fast. Horrible WD.
Don’t particularly agree with you selling clothing saying anxiety and the like on it. Profiting from mental illness. I get why you are doing it, I personally just find it to be in bad taste.
Man, the camera is too close to your face.
I know! Over enthusiastic zoom accident!
@@AHappyChange Anyways, I watched the entire video. Very helpful and inspirational, thanks a lot!
No worries, glad it helped. I actually posted in my Facebook Group saying I had messed up the zoom as it was a definite “Doh!” Moment. New camera and haven’t quite nailed using it yet! Appreciate the kind words!