Zoloft: should I?

Question

Recently I went to my doctor and he is aware that I've been battling some pretty bad anxiety for years now. When I was 14 he wanted me to start seeing a therapist but our insurance wasn't covered by anyone so I never did it. Now I'm 18 and he still recommends counseling but also thinks taking Zoloft would help me. I am against medications like these because I believe they can often do more harm than good. He told me that when you start taking it since your body is adjusting you may have more anxiety in the beginning and that he'd give me a sedative to help with that. That seems like a lot right? The less bad side effects are nausea, dizziness, upset stomach... sometimes bearable but still sucky. Another more serious side effect is losing interest in sex. I have been in a relationship for well over a year and the thought of something like this makes me sad. I don't want to seem like a different person to my partner or anyone I love. I don't want the side effects to make me feel more off than better. I also know that if you make the decision to start this medication it's not something you can just easily stop taking. My doctor thinks that the benefit I would get from it is greater than the side effects because he does see that I'm suffering. 
I'm all about trying to help myself and live healthy but it just hasn't been helping me all that much. And he doesn't think that'll help me so much either. I am definitely chemically imbalanced and do need something to get me to feel and see things rationally and really just enjoy life again but I do not know if Zoloft is really the answer. If anyone could give me some advice please be totally honest. Thank you so much.

Answer

LONG POST--- SORRY! I would try a little bit of counseling first if you're concerned with the side effects. I'm 19 and have been in therapy and on ssri meds (anti anxiety) since I was in the 4th grade due to severe intestinal issues. I was afraid to eat because I thought I would get sick, so then I basically wouldn't eat at all. When I started the meds it helped me eat and I've been on them ever since. I've tried a few different ones but I'm currently on Zoloft. I haven't really had any side effects from it from the years that I've been on it. If I have, they've been really subtle and too small for me to really even notice. 
And like I said, id look into counseling. You could ask your doctor about a good counselor or you could look on psychology today to find one that takes your insurance so you don't pay a shit ton!!! (I see someone who takes my insurance and only pay $8. When I see her) 
At first, counseling may bring up more anxiety because depending on their methods, they figure out why you're struggling with anxiety and look into your past. So just be aware of that as well. 
I hope this helps a lot! If you have any questions just reply back 😊😊😊

Answer

When I took Zoloft, I wasn't necessarily having a grand time. It made me really hungry all the time so I gained weight from it, and I'd often feel MORE moody on it. I took it for about three years before switching to Paxil. You may also find that Zoloft can destroy your sex drive. It did that to me, but so far I haven't found an anti-depressant that doesn't do something like that to me. If worse comes to worse and you really need a medicine to control anxiety or depression, invest in some lube for your alone time or your time with your partner. It's helped a bunch with me and my partner for when I have trouble self-lubricating.

Answer

I'm on Zoloft nOw and quite honestly it doesn't really help and it gives me brain zaps I still have anxiety and depression however I suppose it's a tad bit better, I've tried so many antidepressants, they all effect people differently I also suffer with bipolar so that could possibly change my experience with Zoloft, give it a try and see if it helps

Answer

Maybe you should seek counseling first? They would get a better idea of what you're going through and can help you find a better solution for you through coping skills and maybe medication if needed. If your insurance doesn't cover it some programs/non-profits offer free or low cost counseling so you should see if there are any in your area.

Answer

I was on Zoloft for about a year and a half. Personally, it did nothing for me but give me brain zaps which are a bitch. My mom, on the other hand, thrives on it! She says it helps her get out of bed every morning and feel not so stressed throughout the day.

Answer

I am on Zoloft and they say it takes up to 6 weeks for it to get in your system ,  And it has helped me tremendously!  I promise you you will feel a whole lot better and calmer , since I've been on it I haven't had any anxiety, I pray that you'll feel better and just give it a try 😌

Zoloft: should I?

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