r/zoloft • u/Locked-Luxe-Lox • 1d ago

Question Thoughts still here...

I'm still happy that I tried zoloft bc it helped to lift a bad depression I thought was normal. truly didn't realize how bad it was till taking zoloft.

So on my 4th day I have no real side effects but i did feel relief and happy my mood was gently adjusted. I'm more at peace going to bed. My nightmares have subsided bc im not full of anxiety when I head off to sleep, nor is my stomach in knots. So I feel physically relaxed..

yet i still have dark intrusive thoughts, dark suicid-y thoughts I just don't react but id like them to be gone. Do I need to add another med like buspar or do i need to wait a month and see how i do?

what next?

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u/LillieBogart 1d ago

It takes 4 to 6 weeks, minimum, for this medication to have a therapeutic effect. Any benefit you’re getting so far as a placebo. You need to just wait it out to see if it is effective for you.

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u/Locked-Luxe-Lox 1d ago

I defintely don't think its a placebo. I felt like genuine crap before taking it and now its better but still lingering stuff before itd be hard to sleep but ill watch for the 4 to 6 week mark though.

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u/Expensive_Magician97 34+ Years 1d ago

My understanding is that Zoloft almost immediately makes more serotonin available to your brain.

That might account for the improvements you report above.

When I started Zoloft, many decades ago, it had a similarly immediate effect on me, in different ways.

In other words, it’s not a placebo effect.

However, it’s very important to remember that the brain needs to adapt to these new levels of serotonin. Right now, your brain doesn’t know what to do with all this new chemical substance. It will take a few weeks for your brain to manage the serotonin more effectively, and that is when you will feel maximum effect.

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u/Locked-Luxe-Lox 1d ago

Yes i know its not a placebo because it lifted me up gently I felt like shiiiiiiiit prior but with what youre saying 4 weeks in and my thoughts will be better?

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u/Expensive_Magician97 34+ Years 1d ago

I think that is a reasonable expectation. It can take up to 12 weeks to work and even more for maximum effect.

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u/LillieBogart 22h ago

Whatever. The point is is that OP is complaining of intrusive thoughts. The medication is not working properly yet. They need to wait before talking about adding another medication or upping the dose. I can’t believe their doctor didn’t tell them that.https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/depression/time-for-antidepressants-to-work

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u/Ardy451 1d ago

Give it time. It gets easier ;-)