If you experience severe or continuous side effects. If your depression or disorder is not under control with Zoloft. This may mean persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings; irritability; loss of interest in pleasurable activities or hobbies; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; sleep disturbances such as insomnia or excessive sleeping; appetite changes; thoughts of suicide; or physical aches and pains. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Mental Health Informational website from U. S. government focused on the understanding and treatment of mental illness. Go to source It is important to note that Zoloft generally takes up to eight weeks to fully work and may require dosage increases. If you have been on Zoloft for a while (6-12 months) and your doctor feels that you are not at risk for (or do not have) chronic or recurrent depression. [2] X Research source
In addition, ideas of suicide may be present in younger adults and children. Let your doctor know right away if you have thoughts related to suicide.
If you have been on the medication for less than eight weeks, your doctor will likely suggest you give the medication the full eight weeks to take effect. If you feel like stopping Zoloft because it hasn’t been effective, you may want to ask your doctor if increasing your dosage might have positive results.
Abdominal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or cramps Sleep issues such as insomnia or nightmares Balance issues such as dizziness or lightheadedness Sensory or movement issues such as numbness, tingling, tremors, and lack of coordination Feelings of irritability, agitation, or anxiety
One suggested way is decreasing the dose by 25mg per dose reduction, giving at least two weeks in between each dose reduction. [5] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Keep track of your tapering schedule by writing down the dates and the dosage changes. Expect to taper off the medication over several weeks. If you were on Zoloft for a long time, then you will likely taper off of it over four to six weeks. If you start to experience intolerable withdrawal symptoms, then your doctor may decide to taper the dosage at a slower rate.
Discontinuation symptoms have a quick onset, slowly get better over 1-2 weeks, and include more physical complaints. In order to differentiate between relapse and discontinuation symptoms, look at when the symptoms start, how long they last, and the type of symptoms. Relapse symptoms gradually develop after 2-3 weeks and get worse over 2-4 weeks. Contact your doctor if any symptoms last more than 1 month. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source
A different selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), including Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram), or Lexapro (escitalopram) Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Effexor (venlafaxine) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA), such as Elavil (amitriptyline). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can also be used after waiting at least five weeks after discontinuation of Zoloft. [9] X Research source
Omega-3- fatty acids are contained in foods such as kale, spinach, soybean or canola oil, flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon. They are also available over the counter, usually as fish oil gelatin capsules. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Studies that showed benefit of omega-3 fatty acids in mood disorders included doses between 1-9 grams. However, more evidence supports the lower doses in that range. [12] X Research source
Going to bed and getting up the same time each day Avoiding stimulation before sleeping, such as exercise, watching TV, or doing computer work Avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed Associating your bed with sleep as opposed to reading or doing other work
Sunlight may also decrease the risk for disorientation and depression in older patients with Alzheimer’s. Generally, there isn’t a maximum amount of exposure for sunlight. Make sure you do wear sunscreen if you are going to be in the sun longer than 15 minutes.
Having a good support system is very important. Try not to turn down invitations to activities, and try and get out more often.
Cognitive behavioral therapy’s (CBT) goal is help a person think more positively and influence behavior. It focuses on current problems and solutions to those problems. A therapist helps the person identify unhelpful thinking and change inaccurate beliefs, thus aiding a change in behavior. CBT is particularly effective for depression. Other therapies—such as interpersonal therapy, which focuses on improving communication patterns; family-focused therapy, which helps by resolving family conflicts that may be influencing the patient’s illness; or psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on helping people gain self-awareness—are also available options.
Focus - Focusing on a specific object, image, or breathing can free your mind of worry and stress. Relaxed breathing - Slow, deep, even paced breathing increases oxygen and helps you breathe more efficiently. Quiet setting - This is an important aspect to meditation, especially for beginners, so that you have fewer distractions.
