# Doctor's Thinking of Putting Me On Zoloft **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 17, 2022, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963 "2022-04-17T20:13:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jim\_B](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jim_b/32/4338_2.png) [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/1 "2022-04-17T20:13:09Z")
Doctor is thinking of putting me on [Zoloft](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sertraline). As you can see, it has a myriad of side effects. But how common are they? Anyway, I’ll cut to the chase. I have three main concerns: glaucoma, sexual side effects and (moderate) alcohol intake. I asked my eye doctor about my preëxisting glaucoma. And she sees no problem. I trust her, she’s a good doctor. But she will monitor my eye pressure just in case. My plan: I will take the Zoloft for a week, and have my eye pressure checked then. If my eye pressure (which is already a little bit high—but being treated with Lumigan eye drops) gets higher, _bye bye Zoloft_ I will say. Anorgasmia is my main concern with Zoloft. How common is it? Is it a big concern? As you saw in the [article](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sertraline) I shared, delayed ejaculation is one likely side effect. That one actually doesn’t bother me as much (_ejaculations, who needs 'em?_). Again probability is my question. EDIT: Just to be clear, apparently Zoloft can delay ejaculation but NOT orgasm. Lastly, will I be able to still drink alcohol _in moderation_? As many of you will likely point out, that one is not a necessity. And I think that I would probably agree with at least that one. Well 🙂 ? ---
**Author:** ![Pardel-Lux](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pardel-lux/32/20182_2.png) [@Pardel-Lux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pardel-Lux)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/2 "2022-04-17T20:26:19Z")
The internet is a bitch and counsel from unknown people is to be avoided even more than SSRIs. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_B](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jim_b/32/4338_2.png) [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/3 "2022-04-17T20:31:10Z")
Then I have to ask: where is @Qadgop_the_Mercotan 🙂 ? ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/4 "2022-04-17T20:32:43Z")
Ask the doctor who’s thinking of prescribing it for you. They’re the expert on you and on how the med may affect you. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_B](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jim_b/32/4338_2.png) [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/5 "2022-04-17T20:36:51Z")
Just to be clear, despite the title of my thread, I’m not asking for medical advice for myself. My question is purely hypothetical: like I said, what are the percentages? ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/6 "2022-04-17T20:42:03Z")
I’ve been on almost every anti depressant you can name. I’ve had every side effect from anorgasmia to premature ejaculation. The percentages are not relevant. The only way to know for sure is to take the pills. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/7 "2022-04-17T22:16:00Z")
@Jim_B From Pfizer’s information leaflet for prescribers: Table 3: Common Adverse Reactions in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adults with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD, and PMDD[\*](https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=517#footnote-1) ZOLOFT (N=3066) Placebo (N=2293) [\*](https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=517#footnote-reference-1) Adverse reactions that occurred greater than 2% in ZOLOFT-treated patients and at least 2% greater in ZOLOFT-treated patients than placebo-treated patients. [†](https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=517#footnote-reference-2) Denominator used was for male patients only (n=1316 ZOLOFT; n=973 placebo). Cardiac disorders Palpitations 4% 2% Eye disorders Visual impairment 4% 2% Gastrointestinal Disorders Nausea 26% 12% Diarrhea/Loose Stools 20% 10% Dry mouth 14% 9% Dyspepsia 8% 4% Constipation 6% 4% Vomiting 4% 1% General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue 12% 8% Metabolism and nutrition disorders Decreased appetite In even finer print, specific male sexual dysfunctions occurred in 0%-8% of patients. Ejaculation delay, erectile issues, etc. That said, the most sure fire way to experience side effects is to “do your own research” and dig for exact percentages. The power of suggestion is even stronger than sertaline. Listen to your doctor. Don’t on your own abruptly stop taking it. Talk to your doctor and follow their directions on how to taper off if it’s decided you need to (usually over the course of a week or so). There is a reason medical school and residency takes a minimum of 7 years after undergrad-it ain’t an internet googling club sport. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/8 "2022-04-17T22:29:46Z")
> [@Jim\_B](#): > > despite the title of my thread, I’m not asking for medical advice for myself Doctor is thinking of putting me on [Zoloft](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sertraline). As you can see, it has a myriad of side effects Which is it? ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/9 "2022-04-17T23:00:28Z")
Each person experiences each drug differently. I cannot underline that enough. Talk to your doctor about the side effects you are worried about. I was on Zoloft for about 6 months. Because I’m female and have female parts issues, I can’t speak to the sexual end of things. I was told it would take 3 months or so to feel the effects, but I had one side effect the very first day. I saw pastel dots of lights randomly flash in my vision. It was a bit disorienting when on the escalator at work but I was afraid to tell anyone any of what I was going through. The dots did lift my spirits the way Christmas lights do. They never appeared after that first day. I did feel an uptick in my mood for a couple of months but at the 6-mo. mark, it had disappeared so they changed my med. Now, a drug working only three month does not seem to be much, but it gave me hope that there was a drug out there that would work for me. And, we did, eventually find something. I considered the effort very worthwhile. I dragged around for something like 13 years with depression before I begged for help. After getting the much needed help, I realized that I should have asked for it years previous. And if you don’t feel comfortable asking your doc those questions, find one you are comfortable with. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_B](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jim_b/32/4338_2.png) [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2022, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/10 "2022-04-17T23:23:05Z")
@BippityBoppityBoo Both and neither 😉 . EDIT: that’s of course just a joke 🙂 . Or is it… ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/11 "2022-04-18T01:49:30Z")
The bottom line is that every drug has the potential for side effects. My wife can’t take aspirin. I have taken Zoloft for years. One of three things will happen. - The doctor will hit a bullseye and you’ll have the perfect drug at the perfect dose immediately. - The drug will be right, but the doctor will have to adjust your dose to find the sweet stop - You’ll have unpleasant side effects, report them to your doctor, who will try another antidepressant. Zoloft was not the first antidepressant we tried, it was the third, and even at that the doctor had to adjust my dose. Give it a fair shot. ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/12 "2022-04-18T02:33:04Z")
Zoloft is notoriously difficult to taper off of. ---
**Author:** ![Apodder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/apodder/32/17727_2.png) [@Apodder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apodder)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/13 "2022-04-18T05:43:10Z")
I’ve not heard that. Why is that? ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/14 "2022-04-18T06:58:25Z")
My bf is on an antidepressant and he was having trouble with anorgasmia, and found that edibles helped ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/15 "2022-04-18T07:01:03Z")
The serious question should be: Are any of the potential side-effects long-lasting or permanent? Some drugs can have adverse reactions that do actual long-term or permanent damage. I don’t know if SSRI’s or SNRI’s would do this. Certain industrial-strength antibiotics can do this. Those are the drugs you need to avoid like the plague they are. But mostly, the worst that can (usually) happen is you get some unpleasant side-effect so you stop using the drug (with appropriate taper-down as needed) and it goes away. So that’s what you need to ask your doctor about. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/16 "2022-04-18T09:39:32Z")
Don’t limit your doctor-asking to the one who is prescribing it. Also speak to your glaucoma specialist (if you have one). mmm ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/17 "2022-04-18T11:47:50Z")
[Here](https://youmemindbody.com/health-care-industry/zoloft-withdrawal-side-effects) is one article on the subject. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/18 "2022-04-18T12:29:56Z")
Moderating > [@Jim\_B](#): > > @BippityBoppityBoo Both and neither 😉 . EDIT: that’s of course just a joke 🙂 . Or is it… It’s kinda being a jerk. Are you asking because your have personal concerns? Are you asking for a friend? Are you just curious? Saying you need help and calling out specific individuals is a strong ask. Then backpedaling to “just curious” makes it feel like your are jerking people around. Maybe you have some private reason that it’s important to you that you don’t want to share. But don’t waffle between “this is very important to me, please help me” and “i just have a casual curiosity”. It’s rude. ---
**Author:** ![McCaff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/848f3c/32.png) [@McCaff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/McCaff)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/19 "2022-04-18T15:58:50Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > I saw pastel dots of lights randomly flash in my vision. It was a bit disorienting when on the escalator at work but I was afraid to tell anyone any of what I was going through. The dots did lift my spirits the way Christmas lights do. A couple years ago, I was walking across a field in a park to get a view of Fourth of July fireworks. It was, of course, dark, and my night vision is still pretty good, so I had pocketed the glasses. Saw at the edge of the field a beautiful light display; figured it was some kinda Fourth thing. Then I heard the wop-wop. Looked up at the helicopter, and saw that it, too, was creating a light display… So I puts on my glasses, and see that the thing on the ground is an ambulance. Later learned some poor drunken crazy bastard had been waving a screwdriver menacingly in a crowd, and the nearest cop had ventilated him. I was watching a medevac. (He didn’t make it.) Regarding side effects of antidepressants, keep in mind that they are self reported, and often filtered again by PCPs. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2022, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctors-thinking-of-putting-me-on-zoloft/962963/20 "2022-04-18T21:52:57Z")
I am not a physician, so just please use this post as a jumping off point for your own research or to ask your own doctor, but a physician told me that Zoloft has a shorter half-life (about a day) versus something like Prozac (about five days), so tapering needs to be done more gradually and carefully.