How does Zoloft affect sleep patterns. What are the common side effects of sertraline. Can Zoloft make you feel drowsy during the day. Is fatigue a normal reaction when starting Zoloft. How long do Zoloft-related sleep disturbances typically last.

The Mechanism of Action: How Zoloft Works in the Brain

Zoloft, known generically as sertraline, belongs to a class of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, in the brain.

SSRIs like Zoloft prevent the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons, making more of this neurotransmitter available in the synaptic space. This increased availability of serotonin is believed to help regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Serotonin’s Role in Sleep-Wake Cycles

Interestingly, serotonin also plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. The neurotransmitter is involved in the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for inducing sleep. This connection between serotonin and sleep regulation may explain why some people experience changes in their sleep patterns when taking Zoloft.

Common Side Effects of Zoloft: Fatigue and Drowsiness

While Zoloft is generally well-tolerated, it can cause various side effects, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment. Fatigue and drowsiness are among the most commonly reported side effects.

• Drowsiness: Up to 7% of people taking Zoloft report feeling drowsy
• Fatigue: A general sense of tiredness or lack of energy
• Sedation: Feeling unusually calm or sleepy
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Dizziness: Which can contribute to feelings of sleepiness

The severity and duration of these side effects can vary significantly from person to person. Some individuals may experience mild drowsiness that subsides after a few days, while others might face more persistent fatigue throughout their treatment.

The Science Behind Zoloft-Induced Sleepiness

The exact mechanism by which Zoloft causes sleepiness is not fully understood. However, researchers have proposed several theories:

1. Serotonin Modulation: By increasing serotonin levels, Zoloft may indirectly affect the production of melatonin, potentially altering sleep patterns.
2. Neurotransmitter Balance: Changes in the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain may influence arousal and alertness levels.
3. Individual Variations: Genetic factors and personal physiology may play a role in how each person responds to the medication.

Do all antidepressants cause drowsiness? Not necessarily. While many antidepressants can affect sleep, the impact varies depending on the specific medication and the individual taking it. Some antidepressants may even have an activating effect, causing insomnia rather than drowsiness.

Managing Zoloft-Related Fatigue: Practical Strategies

If you’re experiencing tiredness or drowsiness while taking Zoloft, there are several strategies you can try to manage these side effects:

• Timing Adjustment: Consider taking Zoloft at a different time of day. If it makes you drowsy, taking it before bed might be beneficial.
• Dosage Review: Consult with your healthcare provider about adjusting your dosage. Sometimes, a lower dose can help reduce side effects.
• Gradual Increase: Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can help your body adjust to the medication.
• Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and avoiding caffeine close to bedtime can improve overall sleep quality.
• Patience: Remember that many side effects, including fatigue, often improve with time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Is it safe to drive while taking Zoloft? If you’re experiencing significant drowsiness or sedation, it’s best to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until these effects subside. Always prioritize safety and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about how Zoloft is affecting your daily activities.

Long-Term Effects of Zoloft on Sleep Patterns

While the initial side effects of Zoloft often improve over time, some individuals may experience long-term changes in their sleep patterns. These can include:

• Altered Sleep Architecture: Changes in the amount of time spent in different sleep stages
• REM Sleep Suppression: Reduction in rapid eye movement sleep, which is crucial for cognitive function and emotional processing
• Improved Sleep Quality: Some people report better overall sleep quality after their depression or anxiety symptoms improve

Does Zoloft affect sleep quality in the long term? The impact of Zoloft on long-term sleep quality can vary. While some individuals may experience persistent sleep disturbances, others find that their sleep improves as their mental health symptoms are better managed. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor and address any ongoing sleep issues.

Alternatives and Complementary Approaches

If Zoloft-related fatigue persists and significantly impacts your quality of life, there are alternative approaches you might consider:

1. Switching Medications: Your doctor may recommend trying a different antidepressant with a potentially lower risk of causing fatigue.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This non-pharmacological approach can be highly effective in improving sleep quality without medication side effects.
3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation and progressive muscle relaxation can help improve sleep quality.
4. Sleep Hygiene Optimization: Implementing good sleep habits can significantly improve overall sleep quality.

Can lifestyle changes help mitigate Zoloft-induced fatigue? Absolutely. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep hygiene can all contribute to reducing fatigue and improving overall well-being. However, it’s crucial to implement these changes in consultation with your healthcare provider to ensure they complement your treatment plan.

Understanding the Risk-Benefit Balance of Zoloft

When considering the potential side effects of Zoloft, it’s essential to weigh them against the benefits of the medication. For many individuals, the improvement in depressive or anxiety symptoms far outweighs the temporary or manageable side effects like fatigue.

Factors to consider in the risk-benefit analysis include:

• Severity of your mental health symptoms
• Impact of fatigue on your daily life
• Availability of alternative treatments
• Your overall health and any co-existing medical conditions

How do you determine if Zoloft is right for you despite potential side effects? This decision should be made in close consultation with your healthcare provider. They can help you assess your individual situation, considering factors such as your medical history, the severity of your symptoms, and your personal preferences.

The Importance of Open Communication with Your Healthcare Provider

When it comes to managing the side effects of Zoloft, including fatigue and drowsiness, open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is crucial. Here’s why:

• Personalized Adjustments: Your doctor can make informed decisions about adjusting your dosage or changing your medication schedule based on your reported experiences.
• Monitoring Progress: Regular check-ins allow your healthcare provider to track the effectiveness of the medication and any persistent side effects.
• Early Intervention: Promptly reporting side effects can lead to earlier interventions, potentially preventing more serious issues.
• Holistic Treatment Approach: Your doctor can suggest complementary treatments or lifestyle changes to address specific side effects.

What information should you share with your doctor about Zoloft side effects? Be prepared to discuss the nature of your side effects, their severity, when they occur, and how they impact your daily life. This detailed information helps your healthcare provider make the best decisions for your treatment plan.

Tracking Your Symptoms

Keeping a diary of your symptoms, side effects, and overall mood can be extremely helpful. This record can provide valuable insights into patterns and changes over time, aiding both you and your healthcare provider in making informed decisions about your treatment.

Remember, everyone’s experience with Zoloft is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, and it may take some time to find the right balance. Patience and open communication are key to finding the most effective treatment approach for your individual needs.

Does Zoloft Make You Sleepy?

If you’re considering taking Zoloft (sertraline), a commonly prescribed antidepressant, you may have heard that it can cause sleepiness as a side effect. But is this true for everyone? And if so, how severe is the sleepiness? Let’s take a closer look at the research on this topic.

How does Zoloft work?

First of all, it’s important to understand that Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant that works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and behavior, in the brain. While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and effective in treating depression, they can sometimes cause side effects, including sleepiness.

Possible Side Effects of Zoloft

According to the package insert for Zoloft, drowsiness is a common side effect of the drug, occurring in up to 7% of people who take it. Other side effects that may be related to sleepiness include fatigue, sedation, and insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep). It’s also worth noting that Zoloft may cause dizziness, which can further contribute to a feeling of sleepiness.

It’s not clear exactly how Zoloft causes sleepiness, but it’s thought that the drug’s effects on serotonin levels in the brain may play a role. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of sleep, and increasing serotonin levels with an SSRI like Zoloft may lead to drowsiness.

It’s also worth noting that the severity of sleepiness caused by Zoloft can vary from person to person. Some people may experience mild drowsiness that goes away after a few days of taking the drug, while others may have more severe sleepiness that persists throughout treatment. In rare cases, Zoloft may cause severe drowsiness or sedation, which may affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities or drive safely.

If you’re taking Zoloft and experiencing sleepiness, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms. They may be able to suggest ways to manage sleepiness, such as taking the drug at a different time of day or adjusting the dosage. In some cases, switching to a different antidepressant may be necessary.

It’s also important to be cautious when driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Zoloft, as the drug can impair your ability to think and react. If you’re feeling drowsy or sedated while taking Zoloft, it’s best to avoid these activities until the effects of the drug have worn off.

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Conclusion

Zoloft can cause sleepiness as a side effect in some people, although the severity can vary. If you’re taking Zoloft and experiencing sleepiness, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms and follow their recommendations for managing the side effect. As with any medication, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits and to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for use.

CBT-I: A Long-Term Sleep Fix

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a natural, side-effect-free sleep treatment. It involves relearning your sleep habits and addressing issues that are getting in the way of quality sleep. Studies show that CBT-I works as well as or better than sleep medications and that its effects last after the treatment is done.1

Fill out Dawn Health’s questionnaire to get started with CBT-I right from your computer — no in-person visits necessary. Quality, natural sleep is possible when you embark on a CBT-I treatment journey.

Sertraline Side Effects: Common, Severe & Long-Term

If your mental health has seemed a little out of sorts for some time now, there’s a chance you’ve already spoken to a healthcare provider and been offered the common antidepressant sertraline. Whether you have been prescribed this antidepressant medication or are just curious, you might have some questions.

Sertraline is an FDA-approved medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Sertraline is approved to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety, and experts generally agree that it’s one of the most effective treatments on the market today.  

So what’s the catch?

Like all SSRIs, sertraline (often prescribed under the brand name Zoloft) comes with side effects that you should be aware of before you start taking the medication.

Below, we’ve covered the common early side effects of taking sertraline, as well as the rarer, more serious side effects that you may encounter. We’ve also touched on the long-term side effect risk of sertraline.

You should know what to expect before taking any medication, so read on to prepare.

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Common First Week Side Effects of Sertraline

There are a lot of reasons you may take sertraline,  a medication that can help you manage  mental health disorders such as: 

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Panic disorder or panic attacks

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

In some cases, it is also prescribed (but not FDA-approved) to treat acute bipolar disorder.

Regardless of why you’re taking sertraline, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter side effects in the first weeks. 

Like other SSRIs, sertraline can cause a range of possible side effects that typically occur during the first few weeks of treatment, including:

We’ve shared more information on these common side effects below.

Fatigue and Tiredness

Does Zoloft make you tired? For many people, it certainly can.

It’s very common to feel a little low in energy during the first few weeks of taking sertraline, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Fatigue and drowsiness are two of the most common side effects of sertraline, and if you’re using sertraline to treat depression, fatigue and tiredness can also be compounded by the effects of depression itself. 

Dealing with fatigue and tiredness from sertraline can be a frustrating experience, but they usually pass over time. As the medication reaches a steady state in your body, you’ll generally start to notice a less pronounced effect on your energy levels.

But if you have persistent fatigue or drowsiness that doesn’t disappear within one month, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider.

Sexual Problems

Sertraline and other SSRIs can cause a variety of sexual side effects, from difficulty achieving orgasm to decreased sex drive.

According to a review of studies published in the journal The Mental Health Clinician, between 40 percent and 65 percent of people who take an SSRI experience some side effects related to sexual desire and performance. These side effects can affect both men and women. 

In men, one of the most common side effects is difficulty achieving orgasm and ejaculating. Alongside ejaculation troubles, some men also experience a lower general level of interest in sex after using SSRIs such as sertraline, which may present as erectile dysfunction.

As for the Zoloft side effect in women, the most common sexual side effect of sertraline and other SSRIs is a lower level of interest in sex.

Like many other sertraline effects, sexual side effects can often fade over time as your body gets used to the medication. If persistent, sexual side effects can be treated by adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication. 

But it’s worth noting the research did find that of the SSRIs, sertraline has one of the lower likelihoods of affecting sexual function. So if this side effect doesn’t go away, you may need to switch medication classes to something like tricyclic antidepressants, SNRIs or others.

Sleep Disturbances

Insomnia and a general reduction in sleep quality are both common side effects of SSRIs and other antidepressants. A 2017 review of research literature published in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports notes that it’s common for antidepressants to affect sleep (though it didn’t mention sertraline by name). 

In particular, 17 percent of people using antidepressants experienced sleep disturbances compared to nine percent of people taking a placebo.  

People who use sertraline may find that they have trouble sleeping, or find themselves waking up frequently throughout the night. As we mentioned before, sertraline can also cause you to be more sleepy than usual.

There are several ways to deal with sleep disturbances from sertraline. The best way is simply to wait it out, as this side effect tends to fade away as the medication reaches a steady state in your body. 

It’s also possible to take sertraline in the morning, so its concentration will be reduced by the time you sleep. And we know this sounds obvious, but you can help your chances of a good night’s rest if you avoid caffeine and other stimulants after noon. 

Dizziness

In the long term, sertraline may actually help reduce levels of dizziness in people with chronic dizziness. Despite this, it’s not uncommon to feel dizzy during the first few weeks of using sertraline — potentially a result of lower blood pressure due to the medication (that does not mean that this is a treatment for high blood pressure, by the way).  

Dizziness is a short-term side effect of sertraline that usually doesn’t persist for longer than two to four weeks, but if you notice that frequent dizziness or lightheadedness lasts for more than four weeks, contact your healthcare professional to discuss a lower dose of sertraline.

Weight Gain or Weight Loss

Sertraline and other SSRIs are associated with weight fluctuations, although not all people who take these medications will gain or lose weight.

Most of the weight gain caused by antidepressants is mild, with a 2017 study from Australia finding that high-dosage antidepressant users gain 0.28kg (about 0.6 lbs) per year on average.

In a 2018 UK study, researchers concluded that antidepressants may contribute to a long-term increased risk of weight gain. Another study published in the journal Nutrients found that antidepressant use is associated with a higher total calorie intake.

There’s also some research out there to suggest that — at least in the short term — sertraline may actually cause you to lose weight, especially if you’re diabetic. After all, one of the other side effects is a loss of appetite (which we’ll get to next).

This has been noted in studies as well. In one smaller study involving 33 patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that participants had decreases in overall weight, body mass index and waist circumference at the end of the 12-week observation period 

If you’re concerned about weight gain or weight loss, talk to your healthcare provider.

Loss of Appetite

Like other side effects of sertraline, reduced appetite is usually temporary and should wear off after the first few weeks on the medication. 

The key to avoiding weight loss from sertraline is to monitor your food intake and maintain your pre-sertraline eating habits. By staying consistent with your eating habits and activity level, it’s easier to maintain your body mass and composition while using sertraline or any other SSRI.

Diarrhea

Unfortunately, diarrhea is a common side effect of sertraline. In comparative studies of sertraline and other SSRIs, about 14 percent of people who were prescribed sertraline at a typical dose experienced diarrhea, compared to about seven percent of those on other SSRIs, according to an article published in the journal International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Most of the time, diarrhea becomes less frequent and disappears completely as your body adjusts to the medication and your dosage of sertraline reaches a steady state.

This side effect, like others, may often be managed by reducing your dosage of sertraline or switching to a different antidepressant, such as paroxetine or fluoxetine (Prozac), which are both less likely to cause diarrhea. If you have persistent diarrhea from sertraline, the best approach is to contact your healthcare provider. 

Headaches

The link between sertraline and headaches is a complicated one. 

On one hand, headaches are a common side effect of the medication itself. These Zoloft headaches usually disappear after two to four weeks of use as the medication stabilizes in your body.   

On the other hand, this SSRI has also been shown to be effective in treating chronic tension-type headaches, according to a study of 50 people.

It is important to discuss what medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider before you start on sertraline. 

While some painkillers can interact with sertraline, it’s generally safe to take over-the-counter medications including Tylenol® if you experience headaches after starting sertraline. But be aware that in some cases, Tylenol may interact with sertraline as they both are metabolized through your liver. 

Simple changes to your sertraline usage, such as taking your medication at a different time of day or reducing your dosage, can help to limit or get rid of headaches. If you have persistent or severe headaches from sertraline that don’t improve over time, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Dry Mouth

While there’s no clear explanation for dry mouth, researchers believe that the effects of sertraline and other SSRIs on the brain can also affect your gastrointestinal system (one of the reasons some people occasionally report constipation or diarrhea).

According to the Food and Drug Administration, 14 percent of people prescribed antidepressants experience some level of dry mouth, compared to nine percent of people who take a placebo. 

Dry mouth should go away on its own over the course of several weeks, but it’s also possible to reduce the severity of dry mouth by avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, spicy foods and other foods and drinks that can cause dehydration. 

It is also recommended that you avoid using mouthwash products that contain alcohol, as they can make the problem worse.

Just like many other side effects of sertraline, dry mouth can often be avoided by adjusting your dosage or switching to a different SSRI medication. Sugar-free gums can also help to stimulate saliva production and keep your mouth and throat properly hydrated. 

Long-Term Side Effects of Sertraline (Zoloft)

Sertraline has been used since the 1990s by tens of millions of people, and in that time there have been no established side effects specific to long-term use.

That’s not to say that long-term side effects of Zoloft won’t ever be found. However, given the three-ish decades that the medication has been under close observation in patients, it gets less likely every year.

With tens of millions of prescriptions in the United States alone, sertraline is one of the most widely used SSRI medications on the market, so there are bound to be anecdotal issues with the medication, but they haven’t been seen in studies.

Still, iIf you see long-term effects as you continue taking sertraline, talk to a professional.

Serious Side Effects of Sertraline

People who use sertraline may not experience any side effects at all, but it’s also possible for sertraline to cause potentially serious adverse effects for some users. It’s an unfair coin toss, but you should be aware of the warning signs of serious issues.

Some of the potential serious side effects of sertraline include:

Needless to say, if you experience any of these side effects, or your side effects are worsening, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for medical assistance.

Read on for more details about what to watch out for.

Fainting and Extreme Dizziness

According to the FDA, a small percentage of people who use sertraline may also experience severe dizziness and lightheadedness. 

If you feel faint, weak or severely dizzy, or feel differences in your heart rate after taking sertraline, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Chest Pain

A small number of people who use sertraline have reported severe chest pain after taking the medication.

It’s important to point out that this side effect is very rare. Overall, sertraline is a safe and effective drug that’s widely used successfully, including by people with certain heart problems that make other SSRIs unsuitable. But if you experience severe or unusual chest pain after taking sertraline, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Persistent Bleeding

Sertraline is one of several SSRIs that may increase the risk of bleeding, according to an article published in the journal Pharmacological Research.

This means that while using sertraline, your body might have difficulty forming a normal blood clot if you cut or puncture your skin. You may notice that nosebleeds run a little longer, or that bruises are a little bigger.

Clotting issues from sertraline use can potentially occur as a result of taking sertraline together with other medications, such as blood thinners, so it’s essential that you inform your healthcare provider of any blood thinners before they prescribe sertraline.

Suicidal Thoughts

Sertraline and several other widely used antidepressants can increase your risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

The risk of suicidal thoughts appears to be the highest in young adults or adolescents who take antidepressant medications.

If you experience suicidal thoughts after you start using sertraline, seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Allergic Reaction 

Seek immediate medical advice immediately if you experience an allergic reaction to sertraline.  

Warning signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swollen face, sore throat and anaphylaxis, but it’s important to remember that even if these side effects seem particularly mild, they should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately for your safety.

Final Thoughts on Sertraline Side Effects 

If the above list of nightmare scenarios worries you, it’s important to remember that most people who use sertraline either experience no side effects at all or mild side effects that disappear as they become accustomed to the medication.

The vast majority of users are fine, safe and benefiting from this medication. 

Still, there are some important takeaways to remember:

• YES sertraline is safe and effective and typically only causes mild side effects.

• BUT just because most people don’t experience problems doesn’t mean you won’t have adverse reactions yourself.

• BEFORE you accept a prescription, make sure to tell your doctor about any health issues and other medications. You should not take sertraline if you have glaucoma, a history of heart problems or are breastfeeding.

• BE AWARE that sertraline can potentially have drug interactions with a wide range of other medications, substances or supplements, like alcohol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and even St. John’s Wort.

• FYI: The use of sertraline with other SSRIs could lead to an increased risk of a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, according to the book StatPearls. Our sertraline guide goes into more detail on sertraline interactions. 

• UNLESS you’re experiencing a serious side effect, do not stop taking sertraline without seeking medical advice. Abruptly stopping sertraline before your next dose could lead to serious withdrawal symptoms, including eye pain, nausea, headaches, irritability, nightmares or suicidal thoughts.

• There’s much more to know. Read 25 more facts about sertraline here.

Sertraline will hopefully help you regain control over your mental health and day-to-day life and you’ll never see this list of side effects again. But if you’re worried or have further questions, talk to a professional. 

We can help — our online psychiatry and mental health services make it affordable and convenient to get online therapy alongside your medication. And if you’re in the market for a more affordable generic sertraline, check us out.

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Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

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Pfizer antidepressant Zoloft – “Brought me back to life in 1 month Added on 11/13/2021 HOW I GOT OFF IT”

I can’t express my joy at the fact that finally, at the age of 43, I stopped thinking that I can handle everything myself that I don’t have depression, but simply don’t have the strength to get out of bed, wash, clean up.

“Now I’ll rest a little longer, sleep and everything will be fine,” I thought naively.

Now I’m analyzing, it seems that everything started about 2 years ago. Only when she woke up, she went back to bed, after her usual affairs, she lay down again, her internal state was terrible, and most importantly, tests and hormones showed everything was normal.

Last year, I told my boss that I was probably burning out or depressed. I don’t feel the potential like before, worse than that, it was unbearable to negotiate with clients – I couldn’t think. She just laughed and said that I was inventing just not to work. She asked me to stop being boring and be more active.

I tried to turn on and mobilize my strength as much as possible, squeezed out of myself to the maximum performance so that my right leg was paralyzed. One day, I could not get out of bed, it’s good that my 8 year old child was at home picked me up and dressed for the hospital. It turned out that I had inflammation of the sciatic nerve – sciatica. I already began to think that it was psychosomatics that I needed to lie down, I took a sick leave for 2 weeks, and while I was lying, entertaining myself with films, I realized that I no longer want to get up at all.

Not only that, I didn’t want to talk to anyone, I got annoyed when the phone rings or messages arrive. It was like cotton wool or water in my head – I don’t know, I assumed it was from painkillers, but at the end of the sick leave, I realized that I was just dumb, I didn’t want to leave the house at all and I had to quit because I couldn’t cope with work or just I was tired – I could not decide.

Then the pandemic began and I thought that things would not work out like that, I had to shake myself up somehow. Daylight and daylight hours in general simply irritated me and affected my head as if I were in a fog that dissipated only with the onset of evening. Therefore, I decided to walk the streets to loud music in headphones and after a while it became easier. The only thing I didn’t want to talk at all, and the conversations were tiring.

I completely abandoned the house, I hated cooking, the poor child ate all sorts of things. I was even glad that I live without a peasant, because he would have to cook and serve. Sex desire was at zero naturally, she sent everyone away, because for this you need to communicate and talk again.

I apologize for such a detailed story, I just want to convey that if it seems to you that something is wrong with you, it doesn’t seem to you.

After a month of walking in the evenings, I at least started to sleep at night, I just physically exhausted myself. Then I signed up for a good fitness club (despite the fact that I didn’t work, I spent my savings) and thought sports would finally cheer me up. But all in vain. I literally forced myself to go there, my muscles ached and I became more tired – there was no joy.

I started doing all sorts of trainings like “Why is there no energy” and so on and then I thought that I need to return to my old profession of a psychologist, which I studied 20 years ago. In this I can say thanks to the pandemic for the opportunity to take professional advanced training courses online. And so, when the topic of depression with a medical approach began, I realized that I was in moderate depression and that I needed to go not to a psychologist, but to a psychiatrist.

Found a good friend of a psychiatrist, came without any registration. Complaining to him of apathy, pain throughout the body, especially in the back, unwillingness to wash, think and communicate, after which he prescribed me to start taking Zoloft with 50 mg once a day. I never took antidepressants, but very rarely I could not fall asleep drank a quarter of atarax. God, I’m glad I had it.

In general, being worried and afraid of side effects, I decided to look on the Internet what could be and how. After reading mixed reviews, I decided to start with a quarter, i.e. 12.5 grams and not with a whole 50 mg. How glad I am that I did just that. About an hour after taking it, I was knocked out into a normal, not superficial, intermittent sleep, and my back was also gone. But there was such severe dizziness and turbidity in my eyes that when I woke up, crawled to the toilet, I went back to bed and fell asleep. Zoloft did not quit. It was like this for 3 days, until I wrote to the doctor. He said I needed a tranquilizer cover. I remembered my atarax and started drinking it for another quarter. That’s when I more or less came to my senses. The only thing is that a week later, having increased the dose to 25 mg, I woke up at night with severe nausea and dizziness, it was just a roller coaster, I was so scared! Then I got up to go to the toilet and realized that I was about to faint. It’s good that you moved away from the bed. I don’t know how long I was unconscious, I was afraid to scare the child, crawled to the first-aid kit and drank half of the atarax. Only then, half an hour later, I came to my senses.

After that night there were no relapses and I went on 50 mg. Every day it got better, I could get out of bed and do things. Gradually I dismantled cabinets, drawers, washed the apartment, even bought new carpets on the floor to replace the old twelve-year-old ones! I don’t. After all, for a very long time I did not attach importance to either the interior or the clothes.

Today is exactly a month since I’ve been taking Zoloft. I was going to the store and suddenly I wanted to take not just what was horrible and simpler, but to dress up. I found a beautiful T-shirt that I forgot about, picked up a bag and shoes for it. For the first time I wanted to do this. On the way back, I decided to write a review, because knowing myself, I realized that the antidepressant brought me back to life. I began to study more, write posts, get from communicating with people not only fatigue and weakness, but positive emotions.

I want to tell everyone not to be afraid of pills and doctors. Our quality of life does not always depend on us. Metabolic disorders are the same process in mental health.

I wish everyone to stay resourceful and take care of their health.

_______________________________

Took exactly 3 months
Started to reduce the dose gradually, first drank a quarter of days 5, then half a quarter also days 5
At first I felt dizzy for several days and saw double, but it quickly passed. Libido has skyrocketed! Directly bursting into this case as if it had broken off the chain.)
It turns out that I finished at the end of July, and now it would seem that the depressive period is already November, 4 months without pills, and only that week something covered the state of apathy, and I thought maybe it’s time to start, I thought to wait and while I’m holding on, it seems to feel better .
In general, there is no withdrawal syndrome and I remember Zoloft only when it hits me

“I was run over by an asphalt roller.” How not to go crazy during the war790.27 to 21394.68. These are the conclusions of the National Anxiety Index survey conducted by the CROS agency. The most alarmed Russian regions were Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kursk region and Buryatia. The main stress factor was the war in Ukraine. Siberia. Realities – about how exactly it influenced the psychological state of Russians.

“We are at war, read the news”

28-year-old Alyona lives in St. Petersburg and works as a marketing editor. In mid-February 2022, she went to Siberia to visit her dad, whom she had not seen for a year: doctors diagnosed him with a disease of the musculoskeletal system.

– It was a heavy blow for me that strength and life were leaving my loved one, and I couldn’t do anything about it. In parallel with this, I went to the gynecologist and found out that I had endometriosis – not very scary, but still incurable. And I think: an infection, I can’t influence it either. Then Vladimir Vladimirovich comes and recognizes [February 21 the sovereign status of the separatist] “republics”, and I can’t change anything either, – Alyona recalls her thoughts.

On the morning of February 24, she boarded a flight home – the invasion of Ukraine had not yet begun. When the plane landed, Alyona heard one of the passengers telling someone on the phone that “now the prices will rise very much.”

– I go into all the chats, and there is some kind of incomprehensible op. I ask: what happened? “We’re at war, read the news.” Naturally, this is another event that I cannot influence, – says Alena.

On the day the war began, she was scheduled to have a session with a psychologist: by that time Alena had been going to therapy for a year. “I come, and I start to get hysterical, because I’m a nonentity, some kind of trash is happening in the world,“ we will all die, ”and so on,” she recalls her condition.

The next day, Alena decided to go to see a psychiatrist: she felt that her psychological state had changed a lot. The doctor diagnosed her with generalized anxiety disorder and prescribed a course of antidepressants and neuroleptics.

– Back in Siberia, I was led in the direction of severe anxiety: I tried to fall asleep for two hours, woke up in advance in horror, could not relax, there was a state of “stretched spring”. I don’t remember how March went. I remember anxiety attacks, when you can’t do anything, you constantly read the news for some reason. These conditions could be stopped with the help of antipsychotics, but this tires the body, and in the end you just can’t do anything, you sleep all day, says Alena.

According to her, only after a month and a half of treatment she began to go outside and feel the pleasure of walking. In the summer, she began a relationship with a young man, who, according to Alena, helped her a lot. In September, she went on vacation to Kazan to meet her mother, but at that time Vladimir Putin announced the start of mobilization.

– Mom believes in “our leader”. She said: “We need people with combat experience, yours didn’t even finish his studies at the military department, everything will be fine, don’t worry.” I believed her, but then I sat down to read the news and thought: I should take a ticket and think about how to send my fiancé abroad. Until this year, I always said that I would not leave Russia anywhere. I love its cultural structure, the people who are close here, the Russian language, I have been working with it for several years. And one day, one statement of the president – and I’m like this: that’s it, we’re moving.

Training of mobilized military personnel

As a result, the young man went abroad. Due to emotional experiences, Alena’s skin disease resumed. Now she is also preparing to move, but the fees, according to her, are difficult for her.

– I had a tantrum when I looked at the curtains, which we could not buy for a long time. I think: **** [damn], we just hung them – and I start to sob. In these curtains, decorations in the apartment – my life, because I worked from home, we had our own nest. And they take it from me. I recently went to bed and choked, coughed for a long time, and the first thought that flashed through was: how stupid it would be to die now, but I already packed my things. You turn into some kind of functioning organism that solves problems, tries to somehow hold on, and then starts crying when you hear the Noize MC song “Hundred Years War”. I’m moving, but the feeling is that they ran over me with an asphalt skating rink,” says Alena.

See also

“Settle things as quickly as possible – and back.” Why do Russians who left the war return?

“Many people are afraid of complete uncertainty”

In the spring of 2021, a year before the invasion of Ukraine, according to polls by the Levada Center, 62% of respondents felt fear of a world war – this is a record figure for a quarter of a century. “When the mouthpieces of the authorities say that we are not going to war today or tomorrow, it’s scary! It creeps with fear, strains . .. Against this background, everything fades,” the director of the Levada Center, sociologist Denis Volkov, quoted the words of the respondents.

Approximately a month before the start of the war in Ukraine, according to Volkov, society was already “intrinsically ready” for an armed conflict, but was still afraid of it. However, when the invasion began, the main emotion of the Russians was not fear, anxiety and horror, but “pride in Russia,” according to a March poll.

The mood changed dramatically at the end of September, after the announcement of mobilization: Putin’s decree caused fear and anxiety in about half of Russians, and “pride for Russia” in only a quarter. Concerns about military actions in Ukraine have reached peak levels, the Levada Center report says.

Spending on antidepressants has become another indicator of the change in the psychological state of society – from January to September they increased by 70%. At the end of October, residents of Novosibirsk complained about the shortage of the antidepressant “Zoloft” in city pharmacies (the manufacturer of the drug explained this with “technical problems in production”). Amid the news, even sales of potassium iodide, which is taken to protect against radiation, have increased.

Psychologists have felt the increased pressure due to the war. In the first week of March, 68% of the clients of the Yasno service turned to specialists with complaints of increased anxiety. Rampant anxiety, fear and panic have been the main reasons for appeals since the beginning of March, says a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the YouTalk 9 service.0047 Anna Krymskaya :

– Many people are frightened by complete uncertainty, the death of people hurts, the aggressive attitude of people towards each other hurts. In the topics of requests, there is also hopelessness, a feeling of loneliness due to the inability to share one’s views and feelings with parents and relatives.

Mobilized during combat training

Several cases are known where fear of war led to suicide. In August, 37-year-old Oksana from Moscow committed suicide. In her suicide note, the woman wrote that she “doesn’t want to die in a nuclear war,” Baza wrote. Before the suicide, the deceased suffered from depression.

After the announcement of mobilization due to unwillingness to go to war, 27-year-old Krasnodar rapper Walkie (Ivan Petunin) committed suicide. In his video message, the musician said that he “does not want to take on his soul the sin of murder and is not ready to kill for any ideals.”

In Veliky Novgorod Yegor Nazarov, former deputy head of the regional society “Dynamo”, committed suicide on the night of September 27th. According to the friends of the deceased, Yegor received a mobilization agenda, and this could push him to suicide.

On the same day, September 27, in Moscow, a man jumped out of the window of an apartment on Prospekt Mira. His relatives said that against the background of mobilization, the man fell into a depressed state, which could have caused suicide. And the summons did not come to him.

On September 23, at the very beginning of mobilization, a young Muscovite tried to commit suicide – this happened after he received a summons to the draft board. “25-year-old Nikita P. received a summons yesterday at his place of residence in Altufyevo. The guy was very nervous,” the Beware, Moscow telegram channel reports. His mother witnessed the suicide attempt, she called an ambulance, the young man was saved.

The media also reported cases of suicide among those mobilized at assembly points.

On the morning of October 1, the body of 46-year-old Vladimir Potanin was found in the canteen of the training tank center in Elani (Sverdlovsk region). Two cuts were found on the neck of the deceased, and a blade lay next to him. Also, presumably on October 2, a mobilized 28-year-old Petersburger committed suicide at a shooting range in a military unit in Kamenka, Leningrad Region.

“A cat and antidepressants are what I depend on”

Psychologist-psychotherapist Andrei Altukhov says that until February 24, 2022, only one of his clients complained about the fear of war. After the invasion of Ukraine, there were ten times more such complaints.

– Everyone began to worry about the war, it affected everyone. All the topics that we discuss with clients in one way or another relate to the war or topics related to it: emigration, job loss, uncertainty, shame. Complaints include anxiety and panic. Because of the constant thoughts about the war, people partially lose their ability to work, this affects the ability to enjoy life. Some of them entered this state in February and didn’t come out – such a sword of Damocles that hangs over you. You go to the lake to swim, and in your head: “By the way, how is the war going in Ukraine?”

Training of mobilized military personnel

Andrei himself left the country shortly after the start of the war, but returned in September, even before the announcement of mobilization. During this period, he, according to him, experienced several “destabilizing episodes.”

– Now, like everyone else, I get a little anxious when I read some crap about partial martial law. I am kept afloat by my ideas about how the situation will develop further and how the Russian state works. I have my own “lifeline”, I do not fall into anxiety, says the psychologist.

With the start of mobilization, according to Altukhov’s observations, people’s complaints of anxiety, panic and impotence recurred, but the degree of intensity of the reaction increased significantly: “If in February it was 3-4 points out of ten, then in September it was 7-8” .

A soldier called up as part of partial mobilization during training

The fear of war, and more specifically, the fear of death, belongs to the existential category, psychologists explain.

– For such fears, a special therapy based on the strategy of acceptance is used. You can’t do anything about death – you just need to accept it, everything will end sooner or later, we will all die. This also applies to the fear of the end of the world, nuclear war. It is also important that the person understands that his anxiety is caused by the fact that he has lost control. Very often, anxiety occurs when a person realizes that he is losing control over his life and what is happening. I can’t control whether Putin will gasp with a nuclear weapon, I can’t control whether they will catch me on the street, take me to the military registration and enlistment office and send me to shoot at Ukrainians, where I will die for nothing,” says Altukhov.

Psychoanalyst Anastasia Rubtsova agrees with him. In her opinion, the preservation of at least some “areas of control” reassures people.

– I can decide what time I will brush my teeth, water the flower and what I will feed the pet. This is a well-known recipe: if you want to calm down yourself, take care of who is worse, who is less, more helpless. Because it allows us to feel more mature, stronger, more competent, – says the specialist.

In mid-August, editor Alena from St. Petersburg got a cat that belonged to her fiancé. After his departure abroad, she takes care of the animal and says she must stay “strong for the sake of her cat baby”.

– Petting a cat for five minutes is the best way not to drive off like a cuckoo. I once joked that a cat and antidepressants are what I hold on to. She purrs like that, runs towards you like that, allows you what she does not allow others. And you: “God, she loves me so much, trusts me.” I have no right to stick up, I have to support her, – says Alena.

Stress, according to experts, can be brought by news feeds and social networks.

Servicemen during events on the occasion of the completion of the training course for mobilized

– When we frantically scroll through the tapes and cannot stop, this means that we are already in such a degree of anxiety that the head is completely turned off here, – adds psychoanalyst Anastasia Rubtsova.

As a preventive measure, she suggests creating external regulators to limit news consumption: refuse to watch the feed after six in the evening or ask someone close to take the phone away if reading the news takes a long time.

See also

“I just can’t live there anymore.” New Russian emigrants are ready for any job abroad

How war kills sex and creates feelings of guilt

When a person fears for his life and well-being, interest in sex disappears very first, because it is not a primary need, like sleep and food, says a sexologist from Novosibirsk Polina Gerasimova .

– There are cases when under conditions of stress, libido intensifies in people, this is not such a large percentage, but it exists. In the rest, with an increase in anxiety, libido decreases. Where there is anxiety, there is no place for excitement and sexual pleasure, says the psychologist.

In addition to the inability to cope with anxiety and panic, many do not know what to do with feelings of guilt and responsibility for the fact that Russia started the war.

– The feeling of guilt arises as a defensive reaction to the feeling of helplessness and inability to influence the situation, says psychoanalyst Anastasia Rubtsova. – We cannot stop the war, influence it, remake Russia. Helplessness is an incredibly painful feeling. The psyche is protected from it by guilt, because guilt is also a painful feeling, but it implies that we had control over the situation, we were just guilty of something. The psyche chooses the lesser of two evils: it compared two traps inside itself and chose the one from which, as it seems to it, it will quickly get out.

Training of mobilized military personnel

When Alena came to Kazakhstan to her fiancé, she had a feeling that if one of the locals asks: “Are you Russian?”, she will answer: “Excuse me, please, I didn’t do it on purpose.”

– I had thoughts that I was ashamed, because there must have been many entrants who were fleeing from mobilization, but at the same time they could support the war and be intolerant of the locals, say imperial things. Plus, it’s not easy for the locals now in terms of housing, because the Russians came with their own money, they rent everything, and the prices change. And I am ashamed that I am one of those who create such inconvenience for them, – Alena describes her feelings. – It’s as if you came to visit when you were not invited, and you seem to communicate normally with everyone, but it’s as if you took someone’s place.

Sending mobilized citizens to the places of combat coordination

Psychoanalyst Anastasia Rubtsova admits that she also had periods “when guilt overwhelmed”. At such moments, she looked for ways to help refugees from Ukraine, volunteered, and also wrote texts to help emigrants with adaptation in new countries.

“Lie down and then ready to do something”

Siberia.Realii collected recommendations from our interlocutors, which can help in overcoming anxiety and severe stress. Experts say that, no matter how trivial they seem at first glance, their effectiveness has been tested by experience.

• Digital hygiene . Limit the time you read the news and don’t read it before bed.
• Look for extra reasons for joy. Do not be ashamed to rejoice even at a time of war.
• Regular outdoor walks . Go out into nature, spend time with family and loved ones.
• Physical activity and exercise . They will help shift attention from disturbing thoughts to bodily sensations.
• Give yourself permission to mess around. Make time for what helps you now, even if it is, for example, watching low-quality television series.
• Do not torture yourself with guilt and responsibility . It was not you who personally unleashed this war, and it was hardly in your power to prevent it.
• Pay attention to your work . In times of cataclysm, it can be especially difficult to find, and it can also restore a lost sense of control, but do not overdo it: workaholism, like any addiction, is harmful.
• Do not argue with friends and family who believe the propaganda of . Most likely, you will spend a lot of effort and nerves, ruin relationships and not achieve what you want.
• Help those who are worse than you . Including refugees and all people affected by the war. This gives strength and confidence that you are not so helpless. It also helps deal with feelings of guilt.
• Call a specialist if none of the above works for you and you feel like you can’t handle the situation.