How long does Zoloft take to really start working?

Question

I started taking Zoloft (well, the generic form of it) for my anxiety. For the first two weeks I felt wonderful and my anxiety was cured…I no longer concocted ridiculous scenarios in my head and needlessly stressed myself out about things that weren’t happening…life seemed easy and I was excited to feel “normal” well, now, for the past week it seems to not be working. I have read that it take up to a month to work completely and I have only bee on it for 3 weeks now but this seems to be a major set back. Is this normal? Should I wait it out or go to the doctor for a heavier dose?

Answer 1

don't worry this happened to me too.  at the moment your body is just getting used to it, in a week or so thing will even out.

Answer 2

Hey there

Stick with it.

It takes some time for your body to fully adjust. Maybe another week or 2.

I am on it. Couldn't manage otherwise.

all the best.

Answer 3

What mg. are you taking?

Answer 4

it took me about five days. i really helped with my anxiety but made me grumpy and moody as h**l

Answer 5

As a previous answerer said, it can take 4 to 6 weeks before the positive effects of Zoloft (and similar drugs) kick in.

MDs generally start patients off at a low dosage. Later on, the doc can increase the dosage if necessary. Sometimes, a 2nd med is used to increase the effect of the 1st drug. With a good doc, this is done systematically. Increasing a dosage or adding a 2nd med---not doing two things at the same time.

Ok, now I will finally answer your question. Here it comes: Welcome to the wacky world of psych medications. That's all you need to know ;-)

Unfortunately, a med that works well for one person may not work at all for another person with similar symptoms. Sometimes, a med can work for a few weeks or months and then stop working. This has happened to me (and possibly you) and I know that it can be VERY discouraging. So, even with very good docs, getting the right meds can be trial and error (more discouraging news). Similarly, there is a broad variation in possible side effects. You might read that a certain side effect occurs in a tiny 0.002 percent of patients. However, when you are one of the 0.002 percent, it sucks.

Please don't be insulted, but the 1st two weeks when you felt so good might have been a placebo effect. In general, Zoloft and similar psych meds don't act so fast.

So what should you do? I don't know how long it is till your next appt. You can talk to a pharmacist who has almost as much training as an MD. If possible, you might want to call your doc or make an appt asap. That way you and your doc can decide if your dosage should be upped or a new med added.

In case I did not stress it enough, you really cannot expect too much of a change in 3 weeks with these kind of meds (called SSRIs). Give it time. I have met many people whose lives were dramatically changed when they got the right meds.

Don't forget some form of counseling or therapy. In my opinion, It's unlikely that popping a pill will cure all your anxiety problems. Some folks say cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is very good, but you gotta find what works best for you. Research indicates that meds + therapy work better than meds alone or therapy alone.  Be well.  

Answer 6

Four to six weeks is the usual time given for the full effect of the med.

That being said, call your doc and let him/her know how you are now feeling.  You may have your dose upped.  It's common.  Don't worry about it.  

Answer 7

Hey there! I have been taking Zoloft for a few years for my anxiety. I am not so sure how long it took to kick in, but stick with it, it is so helpful! Have a nice day!

Answer 8

It took me about six weeks to get used to my antidepressant. I was not seeing a significant improvement  I was put on another anti anxiety drug, then finally saw improvement.  If your not feeling better after taking it for four weeks you should tell your doctor, they can either give you a higher dose or add another drug and see if that helps.  Sometimes it takes a while to find the right combination.