Zoloft
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Zoloft

My Psychological Rollercoaster that got Me Back on Track

263
Zoloft

For those who may not know, Zoloft (also generically known as Sertaline) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) that is used to treat disorders such as depression (what it is most known for), OCD (obsession compulsive disorder), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and social anxiety disorder.

I was prescribed Zoloft in the spring of 2015 for my anxiety and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I had ever made for myself. Now, I am weaning myself off of Zoloft and I am finding it to be another great decision of my life.

So here’s my journey, one dosage at a time.

I began with 25mg for one month. This month was very interesting because this dosage gave me this “runners high.” I was energetic and was almost obnoxiously happy. After my third week going into my forth, this side effect had worn down and I was back to myself, just not as tired as I usually was. The side effects for this (for me), dizziness; so much dizziness.

Moving up to the 50mg, after just two weeks of use, I felt like a calmer version of myself. I was not overly energetic but enough to where I was “normal.” As for the side effects, the dizziness was gone but I had lost my appetite.

When going back for a checkup, I spoke to my physician and she suggested I try and go up to the 100mg. I agreed because I still believed I was not where I needed to be. It took about three months for me to level out completely. This means, it took about three months for my mood to start getting back to a normal level and for me to not be in a zombie like state, and for my appetite to come back to me. I actually lost about 20 pound in this initial time period.

These side effects are different from person to person. I would find myself browsing the internet to see if I was experiencing what others had but found that none of us had the same side effects for the same period of time.

A year and a half later, I’m ready to kick this. It’s been four weeks and I am almost to the point of completing my weaning phase.

My turning point was when I looked at myself in the mirror. Without realizing it, my stomach had gotten larger and when trying on clothes to bring out for this fall, I didn’t fit in a lot of them. I weighed myself and I had not only gained back the 20 pounds I had lost, but also an additional 20 pounds. I started watching what I ate more closely and also began a workout regimen but after two months of this lifestyle altering there was no change, and I was discouraged. The more I thought about it and began reading online, I realized that this plateau was most likely caused by the 100mg of Zoloft I have had in my system for over a year.

So, while working to wean myself off of this drug, I’ve only had one side effect and that is the crazy spinning and dizziness spells. Going from 100mg to 50mg was not bad at all. Going from 50mg to 25mg took about two weeks for me to level out; but, if I miss a dose of the 25mg, you can forget me going anywhere or doing much because my world will be spinning.

So what did I learn from my experience and why am I saying that both starting Zoloft and ending it was the best decisions of my life?

The time I had spent while taking Zoloft helped me worry less about the insignificant things; the things I couldn’t control. “What if” scenarios would race through my mind and I would replay them over and over again to see what the different outcomes could be. Being around new people terrified me because I didn’t know them or what they were capable of (good or bad), and I constantly worried what they would think about me. During my time with Zoloft, I realized how silly I was being and how I could only control so much of a situation. With this drug, I was able to see things more clearly, hear more clearly, and think without having constant thoughts disrupt me.

I am working to use supplements like St. John’s Wort, B-12 complex, and Valerian root to help ease myself off of the side effects and also to promote a healthier and more natural lifestyle. I am beginning to feel like me again; more confident and do not have the “zombie like” feeling. I am still on my workout regimen and plan to keep at it to physically get back to me.

Zoloft may not be for all, but it definitely helped me. It helped me calm down long enough to take a hard look at life and what I wanted to do with my life.

I am now one year into my Master’s program for Industrial/Organizational Psychology, I have a steady, wonderful boyfriend, and I have a fantastic job that allows me to continue to do the things I love. Zoloft was the reset button that I needed in my life. It may not be the way some reset their life, and it was certainly not how I pictured doing it either; but it was the best decision I ever made.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70969
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132534
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments