Zoloft

Y.,

I'm so sorry to hear that your daughter is going through this. I, too, was diagnosed with depression at 18, and the Zoloft I took helped me tremendously. It has been trial and error for me as well to find the right medication, and my doctor and I have discovered that as I aged what worked for me as a teenager no longer works for me now. I will caution you, though, that there are certain anti-depressants out there that for a teenager can make them much worse. I should know, because the first medication they put me on was Prozac, and I was immediately taken off of it after my depression sunk deeper and I became suicidal. My doctor then put me on Zoloft, and my moods lifted completely and I felt normal again. I would just advise you to keep a close eye on her for the first 2 or 3 months, and if you feel she's not getting any better, or is getting worse, get her back in and discuss with her doctor any side effects she had. I'd also encourage her to find support, not just from you, but from an impartial person. Someone she can just vent to without worrying about any repercussions. Whether that's a counselor, or a local support group for teenagers with depression, or even just a couple of close friends, that will also help her.

Please also know that nothing you have done as a mother, or even her happy family environment, could have altered the diagnosis she received. Depression is a disease that stems from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and there is no shame in taking medication to help her get better. My own father suffered from depression all his life, but was so sure that he could just make himself feel better without any medical help, that he spent all of his life needlessly suffering, wondering what was wrong with him that he couldn't just make himself feel better.

I wish nothing but the best for you and your daughter, and let her know that it does get better. I am living proof of that.

Much love and support to you both,
E.

Both me and my sister have taken this med. I am on it now, and while lexapro is great (no generic available, so I would have to pay $60 a month) I find the zoloft good for anxiety and clarity (after the first two weeks) as well as a good improvement in my moods

My sister used to take Zoloft and she has changed as well to Paxil. I have been taking Effexor for about 3 years now. Each medication is different and will take some getting used to in the beginning. I have tried others that my friends swear by and the Paxil did not work for me but does for my sister. It may be a trial & error but if your doctor recommends the Zoloft, try it out...it is NOT easy and you want to quit after taking it but I have several friends on it that love it. I certainly feel her pain because I have had depression/anxiety for many years and it is not fun at all.

Good luck!!!!!

Yolonda,

I'm so sorry that your daughter is having to face this, especially at such an early age. I was diagnosed woth panic disorder and anxiety earlier 2007. The doc started me on Zoloft first, and I'm sorry to say I HATED it. It made it worse, and I only lasted 3 days. That being said, from what I understand, it is common for side effects to be worse in the beginning while your body adjusts. I have been taking a very low dose of Lexapro for over 6 months now, and I can honestly say for the past several months I have been feeling more like myself every day. My doctor told me that Lexapro has fewer side effects and is well tolerated by most. It really is a trial and error unfortunately. These drugs work differently for everyone. I would just keep a very close eye on your daughter esp with the depression and because of her tender age. I would definately recommend a counselor for you and for her. You need support to help her get through this. There are also a lot of great support groups on the web. I will pray for you and your daughter. From someone who has battled for the last year (in hindsight my whole life) there is hope!!! God bless. Message me if you need anything.

C.

I agree with most everyone here. Have her try it and watch her like a hawk to see if she appears to be feeling better. I started it after having my DD. I was suffering from severe PPS and just having a hard time. The Zoloft made me feel wonderful and back to 'normal'. I didn't have any side effects or anything. I was on it for a year and weaned myself off (don't let her stop it abruptly) it. About 6 months ago I was starting to feel out of control again (VERY moody and short tempered) so I decided to get back on it. I'm a lot better now and very thankful for Zoloft. If mental illness runs in your family (like you mentioned) the medicine will probably help her a lot. It's not for everyone, so like I said just watch her moods and talk to her. She should feel much better after about 3 weeks.

Hi Y.
I just saw your post while looking at the 'files' for something else. I am 53 yo and have been on Zoloft about 15 years. It has helped me sooo much. I cannot even believe I lived my life the way I felt before zoloft. I did try welbutrin, prozak & neither worked. Everyone is different. But the zoloft works wonders for me. She has to take it everyday. Don't miss any days. I can miss one day but if i miss 2 days of taking it then I can tell & I get a horrible feeling.
I hope all is going good for your daughter.