Zoloft is one of a class of psych meds called SRIs, for Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitors. What this means is that the brain chemical seratonin, which is responsible for feelings of happiness, is produced and then reabsorbed by the body; SRIs prevent or delay reabsorption. ZOLOFT WILL NOT MAKE YOU HAPPY. I can guarantee that. That is not what it was designed for.

I take the stuff and it is EXCELLENT for anxiety/panic disorders. I do not have any information on its application to straight depression; friends who have classic clinical depression are treating it through therapy rather than drugs.

This is the scoop:

1. It does not begin to work for at least 2 weeks of continuous use.

2. You MUST take the pills at the same time each day. If you take one late or early, you may have a fun time trying to sleep...If you miss a day, guess what, you get the initiation side effect all over again! See below...

3. You must NOT stop taking them without going back to your doc.

4. 100mg is a big dose. I take HALF of the smallest pill, which is 25mg, with the desired effect.

5. The side effects are not fun. You WILL get the taco shits for like the first week or so, and in my case my anxiety became WORSE before getting better.

Again, this is something your doctor will guide you through.

6. Do NOT play around with psych meds. MAny of them do not function properly if you go off them and try to start again, so you may be shooting yourself in the foot by messing with them. This is VERY serious.


I know this thread is a few days old but hopefully you have not taken any pills yet. If you are depressed, the first thing you should do is get rid of alcohol or other depressants from your life. Go see a counselor who will point you in the right direction. If you prefer not to see a counselor, meditation can be quite beneficial. Also strenuous exercise such as running or cycling can increase seratonin levels in your body and lead to longer periods free of depression.

I hope this will be helpful. You know, season 7 of Seinfeld is due out soon... go rent it, light up a bowl, and enjoy yourself!