Is It Normal to Experience Discomfort When Starting Zoloft?

Is it normal to experience discomfort during the initial phase of taking Zoloft?

Dear Doctor, I am 22 weeks pregnant and have a history of panic disorder.
I started taking the B-class medication Buspirone due to anxiety at week 20, taking four pills a day.
However, it seems to have a slow effect and does not address my depression.
Therefore, I also started taking Zoloft, half a pill daily, as prescribed by my doctor.
Today is the second day after taking it, and I am feeling uncomfortable; I have slight cold sweats and a bit of palpitations.
Overall, I don't feel well, which is different from when I was taking the other medication.
Is this a normal reaction, or am I experiencing an adverse reaction to this medication? If it is an adverse reaction, can I take the other medication instead?

Mrs. Zhang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/12/12

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, the side effects of medications can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from our symptoms themselves.
Zoloft may have the side effects you mentioned, but they are relatively rare.
However, symptoms like cold sweats and palpitations are more likely to be manifestations of anxiety, which is quite common.
Unless you are very certain that these are side effects of the medication, it would be a shame to give up too quickly, as there are only a limited number of medications available, unlike the vast choices we have for food and drinks.

Since you are already seeing a doctor, it is generally not advisable to seek opinions from other physicians online.
While seeking a second opinion is common, the context in which you ask and the person you ask can affect the reliability of the information you receive.
In my view, even if a renowned physician answers you online, they have not seen you in person, and their response may not be entirely serious.
Honestly, discussing your concerns face-to-face with your physician is more reliable.
Depression and anxiety are both common and not too difficult to treat.
Don't worry.
Please discuss with your doctor whether you should change your medication.
If you lack confidence in your current physician, switching to another doctor is also an option, but you should consider the time cost and the potential prolongation of treatment involved in starting over.

Wishing you all the best,
Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan

Reply Date: 2013/12/12

More Info

When starting a new medication like Zoloft (sertraline), especially for someone with a history of anxiety and panic disorders, it is not uncommon to experience some discomfort or side effects. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is often prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions.
In your case, experiencing symptoms such as cold sweats and mild palpitations after just two days of starting Zoloft could be part of the adjustment process your body is going through. SSRIs can take several weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect, and during this initial period, some patients may experience side effects as their body adapts to the medication. Common side effects of Zoloft can include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, and increased anxiety or agitation, particularly in the early stages of treatment.

It's important to note that while some discomfort can be normal, if your symptoms are severe or concerning, you should reach out to your healthcare provider. They can assess whether what you're experiencing is typical or if it might indicate an adverse reaction to the medication.
Regarding your question about whether you might be rejecting the medication, it's essential to differentiate between typical side effects and an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction would typically present with symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, which are not mentioned in your case. If you are simply feeling uncomfortable but not experiencing severe or alarming symptoms, it may just be your body adjusting to the medication.

As for switching to another medication like Lexapro (escitalopram), which is also an SSRI, this decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. They can help determine whether it would be appropriate to switch medications based on your current symptoms, medical history, and the specific reasons for your anxiety and depression.
It's also worth mentioning that managing anxiety and depression during pregnancy requires careful consideration. Some medications can have implications for both the mother and the developing fetus, so it's crucial to have open discussions with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of any medication you are considering.

In summary, experiencing discomfort when starting Zoloft can be normal, but it’s essential to monitor your symptoms and communicate with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on whether to continue with Zoloft, adjust the dosage, or consider alternative treatments. Remember, managing mental health is a process, and finding the right medication and dosage can take time. Always prioritize your health and well-being, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.

Similar Q&A

Struggling to Sleep After Starting Fluoxetine: What to Do?

I have been feeling very anxious lately, and my doctor prescribed me fluoxetine. However, I have been having trouble sleeping at night and also experiencing chest tightness. Could the medication be making it harder for me to sleep? Should I continue taking it?

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
DEAR QQ, thank you for your question! It sounds like your main symptoms recently have been anxiety and insomnia. The doctor has prescribed medication to adjust serotonin levels, which is commonly used for patients with anxiety or depression. It is recommended that you continue ta...

Understanding Serotonin Withdrawal: Muscle Tension and Sensitivity Issues

Hello, I stopped taking Sertraline around June 30, and since then, my muscles have been constantly tense, almost all day long. My toes feel strained to the point of injury, and I experience palpitations nearly all day. My doctor mentioned that I am experiencing serotonin withdraw...

Dr. Cai Yunlin reply Psychiatry
Hello, the withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are related to factors such as the drug's half-life, dosage, duration of treatment, and the method of discontinuation. Most symptoms are not severe, but the duration of symptoms can vary significantly due to individual diff...

Managing Anxiety: Coping with Loss, Stress, and Emotional Turmoil

I am currently taking Easy Relax tablets regularly in the morning and evening. After taking them, I feel more relaxed, but sometimes after the effect wears off, I become inexplicably irritable or experience a sense of palpitations even when my heart rate is within the normal rang...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. Since you have been using psychiatric medications such as Yi Shu tablets, you should have a medical history. You can inform your physician about your situation and concerns during your follow-up appointment to facilitate improvement. In the meantime, for issues such as anx...

Is It Normal to Experience Headaches While Taking Escitalopram?

Hello, pharmacist. I have been taking Escitalopram for two and a half months. In the first couple of weeks, I experienced headaches, but those symptoms disappeared. Recently, however, I have been experiencing headaches again (not very frequent, but sometimes I feel a sharp pain)....

Dr. Huang Shenggang reply Pharmacology
Hello, thank you for your question. According to the medication leaflet, 4% to 7% of individuals taking this medication may experience dizziness.