Print this page
Email a friend
Did this drug work?
(0 votes)What do you think? Click "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!
Overview
Sertraline is available as sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft), an antidepressant, in a tablet form and an oral solution. Sertraline (Zoloft), like the earlier antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac), works by enhancing the action of a brain chemical called serotonin. It belongs to the class of antidepressant drugs called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication is prescribed to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Although the FDA has not specifically approved its use for other purposes, doctors sometimes prescribe sertraline (Zoloft) to treat generalized anxiety, impulse control, and eating disorders.
People’s Pharmacy Perspective
Since the introduction of fluoxetine (Prozac) in 1987, the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of antidepressants (citalopram-Celexa, escitalopram-Lexapro, fluoxetine- Prozac, fluvoxamine-Luvox, olanzapine plus fluoxetine-Symbyax, paroxetine-Paxil, sertraline-Zoloft) has been wildly popular with physicians, patients, and insurance companies. Doctors believe SSRIs generally produce fewer side effects than traditional tricyclic antidepressants, though it is not clear whether there are fewer adverse events or just different ones. These drugs are perceived as less costly and time consuming than talk therapy, though a monthly prescription for a brand name SSRI-type antidepressant can cost more than $100.
The FDA now recognizes suicidal thoughts as a potential complication of virtually all antidepressant therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults (18-24 year olds) during the first few months of treatment and whenever there are dosage changes. Why one would assume that suicidal thoughts would instantly stop at age 25 is a mystery to us. We think that anyone who is put on this type of antidepressant should be aware of the potential for violent, suicidal thoughts. Family members and friends must also be vigilant for any unusual changes and encourage immediate consultation with the prescriber.
When it comes to effectiveness, antidepressants can be helpful for some people, but trial and error may still be the only way to determine whether a given antidepressant is helpful. There is no clear evidence that any one drug (including duloxetine-Cymbalta or venlafaxine-Effexor) is better than others.(1) There is also no clear data to demonstrate that these antidepressants are substantially better than placebo more than half the time.(2) More significantly, there is little evidence to show that they affect long-term outcomes or suicide rates.(3)
A recent review demonstrated that the medical literature is incomplete with regard to clinical trials. Favorable trials are published more frequently than trials showing no benefit beyond placebo. As a result, doctors reading the published studies are likely to get a far more favorable impression of an antidepressant than may be warranted.(4)
For many, a long acting medication like fluoxetine (Prozac) is preferred for avoiding withdrawal symptoms (dizziness, nausea, insomnia, headache, sweating) experienced when stopping or switching from other antidepressants. We have heard from many people that getting off drugs like venlafaxine-Effexor, paroxetine-Paxil or sertraline-Zoloft can be difficult.
The bottom line is that there are no “best choices” when it comes to antidepressants. Patients must be open to trial and error when starting, be cautious to taper off antidepressants when ending or switching therapies, and constantly be under knowledgeable medical guidance throughout therapy.
Be certain to consult a physician about your health, especially with regard to any signs or symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Information provided is not a substitute for the medical advice or care of a physician or other health care professional.
Special Precautions
There is increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive or other psychiatric disorders especially during the first months of treatment with antidepressants. Antidepressants are not approved for pediatric patients except for treating obsessive compulsive disorder.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Consult your prescribing physician and/or obstetrician if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or will be breastfeeding while taking this medication.
Not recommended: People who have had an allergic reaction to SSRIs, sertraline (Zoloft), or its components or who are taking the MAOI class of antidepressants (isocarboxazid-Marplan, phenelzine-Nardil, tranylcypromine-Parnate, selegiline-EmSam) or drugs with MAOI activity such as pimozide (Orap) or linezolid (Zyvox). Potentially fatal interactions could occur between MAOI and SSRI antidepressants so MAOIs must be stopped for 14 days prior to beginning SSRI therapy and vice versa.
Those who are on disulfiram (Antabuse) should avoid liquid sertraline (Zoloft) due to its alcohol content.
Another potentially fatal drug interaction could result from taking another SSRI with sertraline. This may lead to serotonin syndrome. Patients taking sertraline should avoid other SSRIs such as escitalopram (Lexapro) or a SNRI antidepressant (duloxetine-Cymbalta, venlafaxine-Effexor, Effexor XR), St. John’s wort, tramadol (Ultram), and migraine medications (sumatriptan-Imitrex, Zolmitriptan-Zomig). The doctor must be notified immediately if there are sudden changes in cognition (confusion, agitation, headache) accompanied by shivering, sweating, fever, increased heart rate, muscle twitching or tremor.
Carefully monitor: For people who have bipolar disorder and have had an episode of mania, there is a risk that manic symptoms could be triggered by sertraline (Zoloft). Anyone with a history of seizures or suicide attempts must also be extremely vigilant. Family members and other caregivers should help monitor people on sertraline for suicidal thoughts, self-destructive behaviors, panic attacks, impulsivity, aggressiveness, or other unusual changes in behavior or symptoms of worsening depression or anxiety especially in the early months of treatment and when the dose is adjusted. The doctor must be notified immediately in such cases.
People with liver problems may need to start on a reduced dose, as they may eliminate Zoloft less efficiently than otherwise healthy people. Be certain to inform your doctor of any other conditions you may have as it may affect your dose, whether you should even take this medication, or require you to take special tests during treatment.
Taking the Medication
Sertraline (Zoloft) tablets should be taken with a full glass of water roughly at the same time each day (to help you to remember to take it), with or without food.
Stopping the Medication
It may take up to 4 weeks or longer before effects are felt. Do not stop or change doses suddenly without first talking with your doctor. If sertraline (Zoloft) is abruptly discontinued, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, agitation, dizziness, electric shock sensations, anxiety, headaches, and increased manic episodes may occur. Discontinuation is usually handled with a gradual reduction in dose.
Common Side Effects
• Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea
• Dry mouth, appetite changes
• Sexual difficulties, changes in sex drive
Serious Side Effects
Call for emergency help if you have these signs of a potential allergic reaction:
• Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, lips, or tongue, skin rash or hives.
-Call your doctor promptly if you have any of these serious side effects:
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Serotonin Syndrome (rare, but potentially fatal condition in which serotonin levels are elevated to toxic levels by the action of a single or a combination of medications):
• Uncontrolled muscle twitching, tremors, stiffness, or shivering
• Fast heart rate, unusual sweating, fever
• Agitation, confusion
There may be other side effects not listed here. Talk to your doctor if your condition worsens and about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
Drug Interactions
I. DO NOT TAKE WITH sertraline (Zoloft):
The following drugs have additive effects to SSRIs, so may increase the risk for serotonin syndrome, a (rare, but potentially fatal condition in which serotonin levels are elevated to toxic levels by the action of a single or a combination of medications):
• Migraine medications: sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others
• Tramadol (Ultram), Lithium
• All other antidepressant drug classes: SNRIs (duloxetine-Cymbalta, venlafaxine-Effexor, Effexor XR), SSRIs (escitalopram-Lexapro, fluoxetine-Prozac, etc.), tricyclics (nortriptyline-Pamelor, protriptyline-Vivactil)
• MAOI antidepressants; drugs with MAOI like activity: Phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (EmSam) and linezolid (Zyvox). These need to be stopped at least two weeks prior to starting sertraline (Zoloft). If sertraline is taken first, two weeks should elapse before starting on one of these other medicines as potentially fatal side effects could occur.
• Pimozide (Orap): increases risk of fatal cardiac complications.
• Sibutramine (Meridia): not recommended by manufacturer. Use only under close medical supervision, particularly for signs of serotonin syndrome, since effects are additive to sertraline (Zoloft).
• Muscle relaxers and cold, pain, anti-seizure, anti-anxiety and antidepressant medicines that could make you sleepy should also be avoided.
• Alcohol: increases drowsiness and dizziness
II. TAKE with CLOSE MEDICAL MONITORING
• Propafenone (Rythmol): Certain SSRIs, including sertraline (Zoloft), may increase the level of this drug, so cardiac function should be carefully monitored. Or, use an alternate antidepressant, such as citalopram (Celexa).
III. DOSE ADJUSTMENT may be required
• Clozapine, risperidone, cyclosporine, seizure medications (phenytoin-Dilantin, ethotoin-Peganon), propafenone (Rythmol): The dose of these drugs may need to be adjusted if they are taken with sertraline (Zoloft).
• Cyproheptadine: This antihistamine/allergy medication may block the activity of SSRI antidepressants, so its discontinuation may be advised if antidepressant effects seem blunted or the sertraline (Zoloft) dose may need to be adjusted.
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Decreases effectiveness of sertraline (Zoloft), so sertraline dose may need to be adjusted.
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine) warfarin (Coumadin) or other drugs that affect blood clotting: Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and these agents have been associated with an increased risk of abnormal bleeding, so the dose of these agents may need to be adjusted.
Other Interactions
• St. John’s wort (5): Avoid taking the herb St. John’s wort with sertraline (Zoloft), since the effects are additive and could lead to serotonin syndrome. Switching between antidepressants and herbal treatment calls for medical guidance (physicians can find a suggested protocol for gradual substitution of St. John's wort in Hyla Cass's book, St. John's Wort: Nature's Blues Buster).
• Grapefruit Juice (6): Avoid taking sertraline (Zoloft) with grapefruit juice as this may result in elevated drug levels in the bloodstream.
There may be other herbal and dietary supplement or food interactions not listed here. We are concerned for instance, about the potential for bleeding with herbs that may affect coagulation (Ginko biloba, etc). Check with your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other supplements or over the counter medications to make sure you are aware of the risks the combination may carry.
References
1. Khan, A. and Schwartz, K. “Study Designs and Outcomes in Antidepressant Clinical
Trials.” Essent. Psychopharmacol. 2005;6:221-226.
2. Moncrieff, J. and Kirsch, I. “Efficacy of Antidepressants in Adults.” BMJ
2005;331:155-159.
3. Rubinow, D.R. “Treatment Strategies After SSRI Failure—Good News and Bad News.” N. Engl. J. Med. 2006;354:1305-1307.
4. Turner, E. H., et al. “Selective Publication of Antidepressant Trials and Its Influence on Apparent Efficacy.” N. Engl. J. Med. 2008; 358(3):252-260.
5. Lantz MS, et al. "St. John's wort and antidepressant drug interactions in the elderly." J
Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 1999;12:7-10. PubMed
6. Lee AJ, et al. "The effects of grapefruit juice on sertraline metabolism: an in vitro and in vivo study." Clin Ther. 1999;21:1890-1899.
Be certain to consult a physician about your health, especially with regard to any signs or symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Information provided is not a substitute for the medical advice or care of a physician or other health care professional.
I was taking Zoloft but then I was switched to the generic, and my panic attacks came back, so now I am on lorazepam along with Zoloft. Could the generic drug be the issue? The reason I am asking this is because I read the article about the wellbutrin.
Thank you
When I was premenopausal and going through the change, I was not sleeping well, had anxiety and panic attacks and would cry over anything. I don't remember having hot flashes, just felt hot most of the time and had night sweats.
I finally went to see my doctor and broke down in her office. She put me on Zoloft and told me to come back in two weeks to see how I was doing on it. It worked well for me, a bit of a dry mouth so made sure I drank more water, but I didn't feel drugged, I felt more back to normal, like I had felt years earlier. I had more energy and get up and go. It was like a veil had been lifted from my eyes, the world was brighter and my enthusiasm was back. Before I had felt like I was in a big black hole or was trying to wade through quicksand and it was very hard going.
I was finally able to get a good night's sleep and best of all my doctor said Zoloft was not addictive so I could stop taking it eventually with no withdrawal symptoms.
Medicare wouldn't pay for my zoloft so they put me on the generic. I have complained to my dr that it's not as good; I was so much better on zoloft, but I cannot pay for it sence medicare does not have a copay for it.
Thank you.
I too had trouble with one type of generic Zoloft. After taking Zoloft for years, I switched to a generic that works perfectly. One month, I had to take CVS's generic version, and it was TERRIBLE! I really hope the FDA will step in soon and regulate these drugs.
Zoloft and then setraline has helped me immensely.
When I developed very painful osteoarthritis in the neck area, my doctor suggested I switch to Cymbalta because it is supposed to help with pain and depression, whereas Zoloft is only for depression.
As instructed I switched to Cymbalta. Since my doctor said Zoloft and Cymbalta were basically the same thing, I could stop Zoloft completely and begin Cymbalta right away. I had asked if I should switch gradually.
I was on Cymbalta for three months and I have never felt worse in my life. It did not help with the pain, and I went into a very deep depression wanting to sleep all the time, cry all the time, and having nothing to do with anyone. And, because I felt so awful, I turned to alcohol to lift my spirits, which of course sent me further into depression.
Doctor suggested I stop Cymbalta and go back to Zoloft. Within a matter of a week, I felt almost back to my normal self. I have been using the name Zoloft, but actually it has been setraline most of the time since it came on the market here in the U.S.
In Europe, I had been given setraline instead so when it became available here, I knew I was still in good hands.
It took less than a month on the generic Sertraline for all my physical symptoms to reappear. I had some Zoloft samples, and when I took them, my symptoms went away. I called my doctor for a "no substitution" prescription. I will talk at length with him on my next visit. I also wrote the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch.
I complained to the CVS Pharmacist in Kendallville, Indiana about my Sertraline problems. He told me..."It is not the Sertraline causing the problems!!" I'm thinking....How the heck does he know????
I have been taking Zoloft on and off for 13 years but ever since I have been taking the Sertraline I have noticed problems. I feel like I am on withdrawal a lot of the time when taking it as scheduled. I also have terrible daily headaches. I wish somebody would do something because it seems we are just guinea pigs here. I want my Zoloft back but our insurance won't cover it!! TOTALLY RAW DEAL!! You shouldn't mess with the brain in this way.
I hope this doesn't cause permanent damage and end up being a huge future lawsuit deal.
miranda : (
I had taken zoloft for 5 years and tried switching to the generic brand from CVS. I tried for 3 months and hated it! It was like I had quit taking zoloft all together! I went back to the name brand and was good to go. Insurance doesn't cover it and it's nearly impossible to afford.
My dr. just switched me to cymbalta this week (30 mg) because zoloft seemed to be losing it's effect on my anxiety after 5 years.
Hope I don't have a bad experience like some of you!
I had been taking the brand, Zoloft, for 14 years when generic Zoloft was put on the market. Three weeks later, I felt as if I was not taking Zoloft at all -- all my depression symptoms returned. I am now back on the brand Zoloft partially paid by my insurance company, and feeling fine again. However, I will soon be on Medicare and will be forced to experiment with many different anti-depressants that will replace Zoloft.
I was on Zoloft (not generic) from 1999-2003 then had to stop because of pregnancy. It worked great back then. Recently, I have been battling depression again. I just started taking generic Zoloft (Sertraline) and have severe dizziness, lasting several hours. This is just the second day, so we will see what happens with that. I never experienced those symptoms before. I have to follow up in 6 weeks, however if these symptoms do not cease, I will have to change meds.
I, also, am a long-time user of Zoloft/sertraline - 10+ years - and have been quite pleased as the drug changed my life (for the better). I was OK with taking the generic when it became available - saving money is great - and I hadn't had any problems until the most recent refill I got from the 'mail away' pharmacy associated with our insurance plan (i.e. 3 month supply). The pills were a different color than the other generic sertraline I'd been sent - white vs. blue (which is the color of the brand name in 'my' strength - 50 mg), but I work as a nurse, I know that it's pretty common to see color/shape differences between different manufacturers.
Like others here, after a month or so, I was increasingly on an emotional roller coaster, irritated, weepy, sad, blah, sometimes 'OK', and even wished I could go someplace and just not have to deal with life anymore - but I thought it was a temporary thing - there are times when stress and other 'real life' factors can pop up and overwhelm me (like ANYONE) and I didn't think a lot of it until one day my spouse mentioned that I seemed just like I was 'in the bad old days.' My closest coworkers (who didn't know me then) also commented that maybe needed to see about getting 'something else'.
I already knew about the 'problem' with Wellbutrin XR from your radio show - and I looked up your site and saw there were some reports of sertraline problems (the only thing that has hit the media are the generic 'SSRI's can cause teenage suicide' warnings) and I immediately called my doc and got a 30 day supply of 'real' Zoloft. The effect (like when I went on it the first time) was almost miraculous. Back to 'normal'.
What scares me (and makes me wonder about SSRI's CAUSING suicidal behavior) is that the effects were so subtle that I missed them - like the proverbial frog being boiled to death in a pot of slowly heated water - and that my feelings of wanting to 'escape' were as close as I've ever been to being suicidal.
Filed report with FDA about a month ago - I urge everyone else to do it, too. Like I said - most of the generics I had were just fine - but I'm too afraid to risk it again - so it's $100 for a 3 month supply (vs. $35 for the generic) and (already) one condescending letter from the pharmacy to tell me 'Don't you want to take the generic and save money?'. Thanks, Graedons, for being there for us!
I was on Zoloft 50mg for about 10 years when my husband, "my pharmacist," decided that the generic was cheaper and I should use that instead. I began to notice that my mouth was so dry, I could hardly speak. I was waking up in the middle of the night to drink water. I was also becoming severely depressed.
I thought that maybe the "Zoloft" was no longer working. By the way the generic zoloft came from CVS. I noticed other people on this site saying theirs was from CVS. I then had a serious breakdown, and I entered into a 10-day outpatient program. My psychiatrist there told me that she did not recommend generics for antidepressants because of the different fillers and because pharmacies sometimes use different generic companies at different times. My psych. has tried other SSRI's and SNRI's on me, but they just aren't working. I plan to ask her to put me back on the real Zoloft next time I see her. I don't care what I have to pay!
I take the brand name Zoloft for OCD. About a year ago last summer, CVS switched me to the generic sertraline, and it was horrible! I was taking the medicine right before I went to bed, and I couldn't fall asleep because it gave me an awful burning feeling in my stomach? esophagus?
I don't know what the burning feeling was, but I switched back to the brand name Zoloft and suddenly everything was fine. Jlo, I'm with you--the brand name Zoloft is the way to go, and I don't care what I have to pay.
My husband has been taking Sertraline for about 3 months and just last week changed from the Teva Manufacture to Greenstone and he has had terrible sweats and a worsening of the depression/anxiety. Any word on differences between manufacturing companies? Thanks,
As another has commented; I too have an issue with my doctor switching me from sertraline to cymbalta. He figured we could get two things out of one pill instead of multiples; pain for the back and help for the anxiety and depression. Well....as the story goes with my current situation, right as I write this...
I was fine on sertraline. Cymbalta has now caused me, in a short four week period, to have uncontrolled outbursts at family and coworkers. Each time seems to get worse. Anger wasn't an issue before. On top of that I feel that tourets is starting to creep in on me. Tonight I left work after a complete blow out at a coworker.
Yes, the guy is a complete ignorant bastard but still, I would have never, ever, let go of my anger. I told him and everyone in the office to "f...Off" while customers could hear me and I punched out, went outside in a panic, and freaked out in my vehicle while uncontrollably putting the pedal to the floor from a stand still. The thought of vehicular homicide didn't matter if the guy who triggered me off came out for a smoke, but my fiance calmed me down on the phone as I panicked and pulled away.
This isn't me, I'm going to see about cutting back and begging for the sertraline back. This was not all of the issues either; before the holidays I actually had three unmistakable outbursts at family in my home that included my verbal threat of leaving because I continually thought they were plotting to kill me. The side effects of this cymbalta was making me think they were poisoning me; this sucks and I'm out.
RAR
This is all very interesting. Today I had a check up with a new psychiatrist. My old one has moved to Chicago. For four years I have been taking, first Zoloft and at some point CVS or my insurance company switched me to Sertraline. I did not think any thing about the switch to generic because we are always told there is no difference. My doctor today asked how I thought the Sertraline was working and I said It worked so well at first but something happened and it does not seem to be working as well.
She said the Zoloft was working so well and the switch to Sertraline was probably the cause of the decreased effectiveness. Sertraline is inferior to Zoloft and there are studies to back this up. I went to fill my prescription at CVS with Brand only on the script and the pharmacist asked about it. And had the nerve to say that she was wrong and that her information was incorrect.
I said that I will let you explain that to her on Monday. The pharmacies must make much more money on generic brands. My doctor said that I should expect to adjust to a stronger concentration once I start the same amount of Zoloft and it make a few days to get use to.
I've been on sertraline from CVS from the beginning for a year now, take it every morning with no bad effects. Also have a glass of wine every evening after dinner with no ill effects. I've been cutting out as much sugar and starches as possible also and feel a lot better!
Last night I took my first dose of 50 mg of CVS Sertraline and had an allergic reaction to it. Breathing difficulties itching hives, etc. I obviously discontinued and took Benedryl and a puff of my Proventil. My question is with this reaction and others (elavil--swelling tongue-itching) cymbalta (worsening depression)> What would you suggest I try?
I have felt as if I were losing my mind for the last 6 months or so. I had been on Zoloft for several years and I'm not sure exactly when I began getting the generic sertraline. Finding this website and these comments has just lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders!
All the problems that I had overcome for years have come back. The anxiety, depression, sadness, withdrawing from people closest to me has all taken over my life again. My husband and I just had a huge fight because the entire time I have known him I had been on Zoloft and he is so frustrated with my unhappiness and doesn't understand how I have become so miserable to be around. I don't care what price I will have to pay for the name brand drug, I have already called my doctor to ask for a new prescription. Thanks to everyone out there who has shared their problems!
Just want to add my comment to the chorus. Took Zoloft for 10 years. CVS switched me to Sertaline generic and UGH! Night sweats, felt like I had to take much higher dosage, etc. My pscyhopharm said the night sweats were from the higher dose. Well, I finally put my foot down and am on day 4 back with the Zoloft and what a difference! (I also went back to using Wellbutrin, though, but when I switched to the generic Sertaline, I had been just taking Zoloft, so I know there was some difference.) Hope everyone here spreads the word. This is really dangerous and a disgrace.
When I pulled up this link I nearly feel off my chair. A VERY HAPPY Zoloft user for nearly 8 years, it took me a while to trust the shift to sertraline ~ the effects were different, but I adjusted nicely until this last batch from drugstore.com. For over a month I have been struggling with the same sets of symptoms listed throughout this site, and am returning to Zoloft. Period. Many thanks for being here...
Both my husband and daughter are on Zoloft. Last year my husband (self-employed) became very depressed about 2 months after the generic Zoloft became available. My daughter's psychologist said to NEVER put her on anything but the name brand Zoloft. This psychologist works with extremely troubled kids (she's been a friend of mine for years and sees my daughter because of that friendship) and says that she INSISTS that the name brand Zoloft be used.
She says that over 75% of the kids on the generic do poorly. I then talked with a pharmacist at work (I work in a hospital) who told me that not only is there a major difference between the name brand and the generic but that is differences between the generics. The active ingredient is required to be the same, but the different fillers and binders react differently with the active ingredient.
I asked how Joe Q Public was supposed to know these things and he shrugged his shoulders and said he didn't know. I immediately had my husband call his PCP and request a prescription for the name brand ONLY and within 2 weeks he began feeling like his normal self.
I've been prescribed Zoloft/Sertraline HCl for 5 years now. My experience has been as follows:
1 year @ 100mg Zoloft qd (Sxs stable)
1 year @ 150mg Zoloft qd (Sxs stable after a short, 3-4 wk instability)
5 mos @ 150mg Sertraline HCl from Greenstone qd (Panic attacks & reduced functioning overall)
4-5 mos @ 150mg Zoloft qd + 1mg Risperdal qd (Sxs stabilize)
1 mo @ 150mg Sertraline HCL from Apotex qd (Mild panic sxs)
1 mo - present @ 200mg Sertraline HCL from Apotex qd (Sxs stable)
4.27.9 @ 200mg Sertraline HCL from Camber qd (Sxs mild, insomnia)
4.28.9-4.30.9 @ 250mg Sertraline HCl from Camber qd (Sxs stable, insomnia)
5.1.9 @ 250mg Setraline HCl from Camber qd (1st night of restful sleep).
Qualitatively, Apotex, Inc. managed my symtpoms well compared to Greenstone's version. After contract changes with the pharmacy, Camber's version was the only one available as generic.
I began trying generic's because it was financially difficult to manage Pfizer's cost for Zoloft. The last time I paid for Zoloft it cost approximately $160 US for a monthly supply. My Rx coverage was horrendous ($250 monthy deductible before $30 copay). After establishing efficacy, it seemed like a pay raise when paying for Apotex $30 for 90-day supply.
Recently with the switch to Camber, I had insomnia that has negatively affected my work functioning. I slept for about 10 hours from 4.27-4.30. Last night was the first night sleeping more than a couple-few hours. Hopefully this will continue & I'll continue to monitor in the upcoming weeks.
I have been taking Zoloft for 5 years. At some point in time I was switched to generic Teva sertraline and did fine. I was just forced by CVS to switch to Greenstone's version and am having horrible dizziness. I am going to try the brand Zoloft and see how it goes. I am thankful for this website to know that there are these problems with generic Zoloft. I wish that the public was able to get this information more easily.
I feel so much much better now that I read the comments on this site. I thought I was losing my mind. I was doing great on the TEVA 100 mg Sertraline tablets for years now, but CVS just substituted the Greenstone brand of Sertraline for mine 2 weeks ago. I hate it. I feel anxious, irritable, short-tempered. I have sharp pains in my stomach and feel extremely tense. It's horrible. I just called CVS and they told me they don't carry the TEVA generic any longer. Big mistake. I'm going to call my doctor and see if he can prescribe regular zoloft. Thank you for easing my mind!
Was on Zoloft for 3 months did great...felt good like a normal person...went on sertraline for year or more....felt like crap all the time...dizziness, insomnia, zombie-like, foggy feeling....back on name brand Zoloft for 1 month...symptoms have improved..sleeping better and dizziness has improved...foggy feeling gone. These are NOT physiological symptoms...actual physical symptoms.... Something is NOT right here!!!
I could cry after reading all these responses. I have been taking CVS generic Sertaline for 6 months and it has made such a difference in my life. A couple weeks ago CVS changed suppliers and I feel like I'm taking baby aspirin. Anxiety I haven't had in months and a feeling of despair because I was doing so well. I was afraid to complain to CVS because they would say its the "same" pill and that its all in my head. I am glad to know that others have this reaction and that I am not alone. Hopefully I can get this resolved with CVS or my doctor.
I too had been on Zoloft and switched to generic with no problems until recently. The generic I was getting was made by Lupin Pharma. Turns out they are in India. 10 days after starting a new bottle I could have jumped out of my skin and things were not feeling right. Fortunately I was aware of my bodies "signals" and thought to questions my medicine.
After much wrangling with my prescription insurance I am still taking a generic. However, I was able to have my Dr specify to Dispense As Written (DAW) generic but only from Greenstone LLC. Greenstone is the generic subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. As Pfizer is the maker of the brand name Zoloft I feel this is a generic I can trust!! The only part of this whole thing that bugs me is, as far as I know, no one was concerned enough to make any kind of a report against Lupin's generic.
I did OK on the change from Zoloft 100mg to Sertraline 100mg until the pharmacy began switching generic suppliers. First it was Rite Aid, now CVS, and they both went to the same generic that, in my opinion, is sub-par at best. Both are using Greenstone. I had great success with the TEVA generic. I am surprised to read in the post above that Greenstone is the generic subsidiary of Pfizer. I am so happy that I found this web site. Now I have a direction to proceed to try to feel better once again.
I have been on the generic zoloft from the beginning about five weeks; it was a trial usage for occasional anxiety/panic/stress at work (self employed in tourist town); I take 1/2 a 25mg tablet; I am sleepy all the time; Since I am a morning person this is bad. I had restless leg from first night on this stuff. Even the bars (4) of soap under the sheets is not stopping it; sometimes even my arms twitch.
My doctor wanted me to try this for a while. After reading symptoms, then reading withdrawal symptoms, I realize I am experiencing withdrawal. I am through with the trial; it did not help that much, and the anxiety was situational (playing piano on stage) and work related. I began cutting the 1/2 of 25 mg into half again; oh, yes, one night I skipped the 1/2 of 25 dose and no restless leg at all that night; when I went back to the 1/2 25mg as usual, the restless leg came back; so, I started what would be 1/4 of a 25mg tablet; I now have vertigo and some nausea; some w/d symptoms are horrid but I would rather get off it at a very low dose than what most people take.
Just called TEVA Pharmaceuticals on 6/12/09. They stated their generic brand of sertraline has been discontinued. Great... now I get to go through finding another generic that may or may not work... Greenstone did not work for me.
Kim- do you know which generic you will be switching to? I had the same issues with Greenstone not working and was thrilled to find TEVA only to hear from my pharmacist last week it was discontinued...I believed they switched my script to Lupin...anyone have any experience with this generic?
I too am having problems with the generic Sertraline made by Greenstone. I have been taking the generic by TEVA for almost a year now up until 2 weeks ago when they substituted the Greenstone version. I dread taking the Greenstone pill. I wake up every morning feeling hung-over and I feel anxious all day long. My CVS pharmacist told me that TEVA is notorious for discontinuing medication for no reason. Is there not anything that can be done? It's bad enough to have to take the pills but to now go through switching and shocking my system by starting out with something new....
The generic company Greenstone under Pfizer is bad. My psychiatrist has watched more of his patients crash and burn on it than any brand to generic drug, including me, and it wasn't a small crash. I filed a claim with the FDA, but they pretty much ignored it. The only way they are going to listen is to get bombarded with complaints.
Now Teva and Apotex are no longer making their generics because it's not worth the money for these big companies. My Dr. went on line and filed a claim with the FDA on every patient that came in and it wasn't pretty. Insurance companies are controlling what kind of medications we take and this is becoming a disaster. Something has to be done. Please file a claim on the FDA website. Don't throw your medication out if you have any left. They will want a sample.
SOOO happy to have found this website!! I have been on Zoloft for 15 years and switched to TEVA without incident. When CVS recently switched to Greenstone, I have experienced feelings I haven't had in years.
I will indeed file an FDA complaint as well as with CVS. The pharmacist told me that basically the problem was my hormones or me, not the new drug! (Right buddy - my med isn't working plus I have hormonal issues? He was about to experience the hormonal.)
I encourage everyone to also file complaints with FDA and their pharmacies. If enough of us make noise, maybe something can happen. Meanwhile - I am back to name brand of Zoloft and a $50 co-pay!
I am also a +14 year zoloft person. I was switched a few years ago to the generic also. I do not recall any bad problems at that time as a result of the switch.
Lately, I have had some difficulty in daily conversation pronouncing certain words. This was very few and far between in the beginning, now it seems to happen on a daily basis. The effects of this do not seem to be evident to most people, but I notice them.
I have mentioned this to my shrink and my primary,and both just say that they have not heard of this before. I am also taking Buspar. Has anyone out there had the same experience?
Recently my daughter sent me a SELF magazine (June 2009 issue) with an article about generic medicines. Boy was I surprised when I saw that the generic sertraline was one of the drugs with problems. I too had been on Zoloft for years. I needed to cut costs and switched to the generic version. My 1st prescription was for 3 months. When I opened the bottle I noticed that the pill was so much bigger than the real Zoloft, but took it anyways. It would instantly give me a bad burning stomach ache and tasted horrible.
I started to feel sick all the time and one day I got so sick that I couldn't stand up and was so dizzy I thought I was having a stroke. I was taking 200mg at the time so I worried that maybe the pharmacy had given me the wrong dose. I cut back to 100mg and started to physically feel better. When I refilled after 3 months I noticed that the new pills were small again like Zoloft. I had the pharmacist check to make sure that they had not previously given me the wrong dosage.
They checked and said no but I told them about all the problems I had experienced. Now taking the new generic refill I felt physically better but mentally started to go downhill again. I feel sad, foggy headed, have some suicidal thoughts and withdrawn from others again.
I am switching back to Zoloft and letting the pharmacy know about these problems. I am calling the FDA @ 1-800-FDA-1088 to report this. I think everyone needs to alert them to this problem.
I've been on Zoloft since 2004. When the generic became available, I was switched to that and have been steady with how I feel. Recently, on 06/23/2009 I went to refill my generic of Zoloft at my local CVS. I came home and realized the bottle had a green sticker stating: "This is the same medication you have been getting. Color, size or shape may appear different." I didn't think anything of it and took my meds as usual. I knew I wasn't feeling correct, but didn't think about the correlation to the switch in generic. By Thursday, 07/02/09 I hit rock bottom and was sent home from work because I couldn't stop crying.
I have since gone downhill. Feelings I haven't had in a long time such as anxiety, depression, racing thoughts, crying nonstop, feeling hopeless, have returned. When I compared my prescription that I got on the 23rd to my old prescription bottle I realized the manufacturer has changed. I was now on a generic of Zoloft by Greenstone. I was originally on a generic of Zoloft by Teva which was working great! I had to call out a day from work to go to my doctor to try and figure out what to do. I did research online and found out Teva is no longer making a generic of Zoloft which means I need to switch to a different medication!
Greenstone's generic of Zoloft DOES NOT WORK! I filed a complaint with the FDA online at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/medwatch-online.htm and will be calling Greenstone also to complain! We need to get Greenstone off the market and get Teva back!!!
I am so glad I stumbled upon this site. Thank you for your stories.
My husband has been taking Zoloft for 11 years or so, and doing very well on it.
When the generic became available, our mail order pharmacy switched him over to Sertraline. Things were going along fine until he was switched from the Teva brand to one labeled as NORT. His symptoms of depression have returned and he feels like he did before he started taking antidepressants.
I am now fighting with my insurance company to get them to authorize the return to the brand name Zoloft.
We will be filing a complaint with the FDA.
I have been taking 25mg nightly of generic Zoloft for years for mild anxiety and so I can sleep and not worry all night. It also puts me in a 100% better mood during the day. It had been working great until I started taking a generic by North Star (NStar on the bottle). It took me about a month to figure out that it wasn't working well. I had been going to the lake and wasn't enjoying my wakeboarding, motocross, mountain biking or my normal physical activities- not good.
I was thinking I'd prefer just to stay home versus being outside which is not normal. I was also having issues sleeping at night and was very "short" with my kids. I called my pharmacy (Albertsons Save-On - great service for years!!) and they said all they were buying now was NStar and their hands were tied.
I had to switch to another pharmacy and now just picked up a refill- with Greenstone. Thankfully, I think I have actually had previous success with Greenstone so I am hoping my problems will be solved. The difference in cost between generic and real Zoloft is intolerable. It is $12/90 tabs versus probably $60-70/30 tabs!!
I don't know what I am going to do if the Greenstone doesn't work now. I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am glad I figured this out. I was having a lot of dizziness during the day and was about to go to the doctor for it. I basically felt like I wasn't taking anything and had an added bonus of dizziness thrown in!
I am so glad I found this website! My pharmacy switched my Sertraline from TEVA to NorthStar and I have had nothing but problems ever since. I thought I was going insane before I found this website. Can you guys comment on which manufacturer you find works best for you because North Star is not working for me (and others here as I can see). Thanks
Can anyone tell me if Brand name of Zoloft works as well as TEVA generic? I was taking 100mg Teva generic for yrs. The generic of other companies has no effect or makes me worse. I'm willing to pay more for Brand name if it works like the TEVA brand did. I will be doing as many of you are and filing a complaint with the FDA about this issue. Thanks for all your comments about this issue. I knew the generic wasn't working, but didn't know what to do.
Please let me know if you guys have tried the Brand name and if it works as well as the TEVA generic. Thanks so much
I have been on 25 mg Zoloft for 8 years and it works great for me. When the generic version became available several years ago, I tried the generic version in order to save money. I was on the generic of Zoloft made by Teva for several months. The generic did not work at all for me.
All of my anxiety symptoms returned, and I felt lethargic, unmotivated to do anything, and just basically dragging my way through every day. My husband and daughter both noticed the change in me on the generic. I switched back to the brand name Zoloft and all of the negative symptoms went away.
My insurance recently quit covering Zoloft, but after reading all the comments posted on this site about generic Zoloft, and my own experience using the generic version, I'm not going to take a chance on any manufacturer's generic version of Zoloft.
To help me financially, my doctor wrote a prescription for 50 mg Zoloft instead of 25 mg Zoloft. The tablet is scored down the middle, so it is easy to break in half and take 1/2 tablet each day. This method has worked fine for me. The doctor gave me 5 refills per year instead of 11 refills, but I only have to refill the prescription every 2 months.
Yes, Brand name Zoloft works as well, or better, than TEVA's generic version. I have taken Brand name Zoloft for 8 years and it has worked great for me. I took TEVA's generic version of Zoloft for several months when generic Zoloft first came out, but it didn't work nearly as well for me, and I returned to the Brand name version. I felt like the TEVA version only worked about half as well as the Brand name. If you switch to Brand name Zoloft, you might not even need 100 mg. 50 mg may be all you need. You could get the 100 mg and break the tablet in half to see if it is OK, and if not, then take the full 100 mg.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU DECIDE TO CHANGE THE DOSE IN THIS MANNER.
KR, that is great news. Maybe the discontinuing of TEVA happened for a reason in my case. I'm excited about trying the brand name now. I found out I can get the brand name for $60 for a 3 month supply as long as I do mail order.
Thanks so much for the reply. I'll let you know how it works for me. I have to say though I am excited about the possibility of it working even better than TEVA generic.
Thanks again!
Have been on Zoloft/sertraline since 1992. Greenstone brand sertraline worked well for me for a while. Switched to TEVA sertraline and started have break-through anxiety attacks. Went back to Greenstone and it worked better for about a year. I'm now having terrible anxiety and my skin burns and tingles along with unexpected anxiety attacks.
Thanks for the info on filing a claim. Greenstone started having a company in India make their generic products in 2008 and I'm wondering if that is the reason for the change in its effectiveness.
I think it is immoral to change "the recipe" of a drug when you are considering life and death issues. My job requires me to function and I can't function with ill effects of anxiety and depression. Thanks for this site.
Has anyone had experience with Sertraline HCL manufactured by Cobalt?
I have suffered many of the same problems recently while using the generic, & am so relieved to have found this site & this information.
I am covered under Medco & using the 90-day program, & looks like going to brand name Zoloft will be extremely costly.
I haven't seen anyone else mention the Cobalt Mfg so would appreciate any information.
Thanks so much.
I have a question about Zoloft and side effects. Thankfully, I was able to switch to the brand name Zoloft. I just started it these last two days. I've been having some dizzyness at times.
Also whether I was on the TEVA generic or any type of Zoloft it seems to make me bloat, especially in the stomach and face. I've tried other anti-depressants, but none of them seem to work as well for my OCD and depression as Zoloft. I just have the bloating and weight gain though.
Thought about trying Cymbalta, but I don't think that would help at all with the OCD.
Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thank you
I think you need to give the Zoloft 3 or 4 weeks to see if the dizziness goes away. It may be just an adjustment to taking the brand name. I think I had some dizziness when I first started brand name Zoloft. Even now, after taking it for years, I have occasional dizziness, but not very often. I don't know if it's the Zoloft or something else. I try to take it close to the same time each morning, right before breakfast. I haven't had a problem with bloating and weight gain on Zoloft. If you continue to have dizziness after 3 or 4 weeks, I'd check back with your doctor. Maybe you need your dosage adjusted.
I was shocked when I opened my refill of sertraline from Medco today and the pill was different. Thank goodness I had the old bottle and figured out that Medco (a mail order company) switched from Teva to Cobalt. I think I've always taken generic zoloft, but am curious how I will respond to this.
I steeled myself (first I thought they sent me the wrong thing!!) and took the pill. Susan, hope you're doing well on the Cobalt from our friends at Medco, who are perhaps looking for the cheapest supplier while charging us (at least me) the same fees!
Wendy
Yes yes yes. I was using the generic by Teva and did great on it, Medco switched to the Cobalt version and I hate it. I get weird headaches and night sweats which I was thinking was early onset of perimenopause (I'm 39) but now after reading other comments I think it may be the medication.
I was going to call around and see if I could get the Teva brand but see that it has been discontinued. For me it will cost about 90 a month to get real Zoloft.
My daughter broke out in a rash all over her body. Has anyone had this experience?
Thank goodness for you all, now I know I'm not goofy. Like many of you, my experience in switching to Greenstone has not been good, after Teva, which was fine. Now I'm back to zoloft, but would like to know if anyone has had issues with Northstar, yet another generic. I'm afraid of the headaches, etc. I had with Greenstone, but wouldn't mind saving some money. My Dr. said generics must be 90-95% as effective as brand and that patients should ask for the same generic if it's been working OK. I'm all for saving $, but won't compromise my health for it.
I also took Sertraline made by Teva and had no problems. My last refill, Medco sent me the pills made by Cobalt. All I do is sleep! 9-10 hours at night and a 2 hour nap in the afternoon as I can not keep my eyes open. I was very disappointed to learn that Teva stopped making Sertraline. I will try taking a lower dose or pay big bucks for Zoloft.
Susan, I just started the Sertraline by Cobalt. I take it at night before bed. After about an hour, I woke up with my heart palpitating and feeling flush. I had a feeling of indigestion as well. I believe that this is due to the generic Sertraline from Cobalt.
Has anyone else had this problem? Good luck everyone. Let us know what your experience with Cobalt Mfgr. is.
Please help. Don't know what to do at this point.
Teva brand worked great. So now I'm totally screwed . Other generics don't work, and brand zoloft is not working for me mentally as well, and is also causing more weight gain, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness.
Only other choices for me are Luvox Cr and Paxil.
Paxil I have to work up extremely slow on due to nausea , and still doesn't work as well as TEVA zoloft.
Luvox causes extreme wt. gain, but works a little better for mental part/ocd.
I really don't know what to do at this pt.
Any help is greatly appreciated.