Zoloft

[bettyboop96007]

I just got diagnosed with PPD by my OB. She proscribed me Zoloft. I was wondering if anybody has taken it and what thier opinions are on it. I would like to know when it starts to kick in and if much people have had any of the side-effects and which ones. Please let me know.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I took zoloft after having both my kids. The first time I was on it a little over 9 months and the second time just 3 months. The only side affect I had was loss of my sex drive. Though the bfing may have had something to do with that as well. It is the safest to take while bfing so I was happy about that.

[Autumn Breeze]

Haven't been on zoloft.

Just wanted to pop in with a and to encourage you to get a referral to a psychiatrist, preferably one who has experience treating PPD, not all OB's are as qualified as they should be in the area. BUT they are an excellent first step so kudos to you for reaching out!

[LynnS6]

I want to second the suggestion for a psychiatrist.

Zoloft is an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). Those usually take 2-3 weeks for you to feel the full effect. However, it's also really common to need a dose increase with them. Most OBs start you on a starter dose and don't follow up.

There are several known side effects to the SSRIs, most of which go away within a week or so.
-headache
-nausea/stomachache/diarrhea
-brief increase in anxiety/irritability
-decrease in libido

I wish more doctors would tell their patients about these side effects so that the patients don't think they're going crazy! I had mild versions of all of these, and really, they went away after 3-4 days (except the libido bit - that didn't come back for about 18 months, but that was probably due to nursing too).

[azgirl]

I found Zoloft very helpful. I felt really weird and crappy for the first 3 weeks, the first two being the worst. Hang in there for at least 6 weeks, even if you feel crappy at first. I felt super weird when I went off Zoloft too, but that passed also. Good luck and keep us posted!

[Pookietooth]

I got really bad constant diarrhea from Zoloft, so I switched to Prozac, which also gave me the runs. Then the psychiatrist just told me to take anti-diarrhea medicine (I wasn't nursing or pregnant at the time) until the side effects went away. They should warn you, really.

[deny_zoo29]

I have not yet had my LO but I was diagnosed with mild depression last October and was on Celexa until 3 weeks ago when my new OB switched me to Zoloft (she said it is safer/more studied during pregnancy and BF). I have had no problems switching and actually feel pretty good on it. What I can tell you is that after about a month when I first started on Anti-depressants (9 months ago) I didn't think I noticed any change and thought they weren't working so I went off of them for 4 or 5 days and was soon again crying over silly things (like being out of milk). So that's how I knew they were working! :-) Good Luck and I hope they help you through your depression.

[ShineliketheSon]

I took zoloft before I had kids or got preggo. It helped me get over the edge of my depression but I found that therapy helped WAY more. After some therapy I didn't need the meds anymore, I continued with therapy for a long while and go back to it first when needed ( like now )You have to find what works for you but I say EVERYONE could use a little therapy!