For how long do you need to stay on Zoloft? My doctor said i need to stay on it for at least two years, but i can start tapering Mirtazapine (for sleeping) in a few moths. My doctor also said there are some people who need to stay on medication for the rest of their lifes.
I think two years is a long time and i wonder what it will do to my body.

Hi Christopher,

It's hard to answer this question because the length of time we need to take medication is different for everyone. Some people may only need to take Zoloft (or any other anti-depressant) for a period of several months. Whereas others may need to take it for years or for life. It is very individual.

Personally I have been taking Zoloft for about 3 years now. I don't anticipate coming off this medication any time soon. I have come off other medications in the past and sooner or later I always end up feeling much worse again. Of course this is NOT the case for everyone. This is just the way it is with me.

I think the bottom line is, is Zoloft helping you? If it is, then I hope you can feel good about that and not worry too much at this point about how long you will need to take it for.

Wishing you all the very best.

Joanna

I have been on it for 2 years. And since I seem to being doing so well, Im not going to change a thing. I don't ever want to go back to where I was.

This post has been edited by Ajumbledmess: May 27 2008, 07:27 PM

Christopher,

From what I have read if you have had two or more depressive episodes in your life, often they recommened that you stay with a medication for a longer period of time. Especially if it is working! I think it also depends on your situation. I know that I will most likely have to take something the rest of my life....and I am praying that it will be the Zoloft. I have yet to experience the full effects this time around and may be looking at an increase. I did take Zoloft many years ago and really wish I would have stayed with it since it was working so well. It would have saved me a lot of pain. Anyway---everyone is different and you should really discuss it with your doc.

Take care,
Heather

I couldn't do the poll because I just started taking zoloft when I was in hospital.

(((((LWBPD)))))

I was on Zoloft and Wellbutrin (100 mgs each) for about 10 years. I didn't notice any long term problems, except my moods flattened out more over time and my sex drive gradually declined. It really helped put the brakes on the hamster-wheel of negative, self-lacerating thoughts in my head.