Is Zoloft Intake Safe For Treatment Of Anxiety?

Posted on Thu, 29 May 2014

Question: Hello:
I have some questions concerning Zoloft. I was recently provided a perscription, but have been fearful of starting on it. The script was for 50 mg once per day. I have just not been myself lately....having some anxiety issues that are mostly related to some physical health issues, though, not life threatening (dealing with a bout of silent reflux which is very uncomrtable and have has hoarseness for many weeks). On ocassion, I have used small doses of Diazapan to relieve an anxiety attack. I may not use it at all for many, many weeks, and then suddenly need it two nights in a row to sleep or to get through an issue.. I generally take 2.5 to 5 mg and it does a nice job taking the edge off. I most definately have some claustrophobia issues as I need to take some before flying. I have two concerns. One is in regards to the side effects with Zoloft mainly bedroom issues and insomnia. I also need to know if whil on Zoloft is diazapan can still be used for flying or if I get an anxiety attack. I believe I was on Zoloft about 10+ years ago for maybe 6 months. It was after loosing my dad and my daughter within a short period of time to cancer and I had a hard time functioning. I was not depressed, per se, but rather was subject to anxiety attacks and would avoid certain things like flying or getting on elevators. It was interfering with my life. I fear that I am returning to my old self and not happy about it. Would prefer non drug treatments actually, but still not sure.

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I have clarified your doubts...

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you are going through a difficult time due to your anxiety-related problems and are not sure about taking Zoloft.

Now, Zoloft (Sertraline) is an SSRI anti-depressant / anti-anxiety medication and is quite effective in treating a variety of psychological conditions - including anxiety and phobias. It is a safe and non-addictive medication and has relatively few side effects. Some of the common side effects are nausea, decreased appetite, sleep disturbance, sexual problems, etc.

I understand that you are specifically concerned about the side effects such as insomnia and the sexual problems... Zoloft can cause some disturbance in sleep during the initial few days of starting the medication, but most of the time, this resolves within a few days or weeks. Zoloft is also known to cause some sexual problems like erection problems, delayed ejaculation or diminished orgasms. However, in my clinical experience, I have observed that these side effcts are usually seen only with higher doses. The dose 50 mg, advised by your doctor is a minimal / starting dose only. So, in my opinion it is unlikely that you would develop any significant side effects on this low dose.

Regarding your other question, Zoloft can be taken safely along with Diazepam.

Since it appears that your problems are quite distressing, I think that it may be worthwhile to try Zoloft for a short period of time - say about a month or two. If you find that it is beneficial and not causing any side effects, then you can consider continuing it for a longer time.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych(UK)
Consultant Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (8 hours later)

Thank you for the thoughtful response. In the event that sleep is disrupted, would you recommend taking something like melatonin to assist? I have used melatonin from time to time. In fact, I had been using it for about the past week or 10 days and stopped last night. I did not sleep that great as a result. I try to avoid taking it for too long of a time at any one time. Thing is...it works pretty well for me (3 mgs) but I am concerned about extended use.

How long will it typically take to see results and/or side affects from Zoloft?

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (26 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can take Melatonin for a short period...

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

It should be okay to take Melatonin for a short period of time (a few weeks) till your sleep cycle regularizes and till the optimal effects of Zoloft come into effect.

It ususally takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the side effects to subside and to see the full beneficial effects of Zoloft.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS, DPM, MRCPsych(UK)
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T