Paranoid about zoloft....help!

compassion1 · Jan 25, 2006

Good morning to you. I just called my brother who does drug screens. He said that Zoloft can show up in drug screens, usully depending on the dose in most cases. However, if you state that it is Dr. prescribed, you should have no trouble. Zoloft is a very common drug and many nurses take it including myself. I went through a drug screen before getting my present job and there was no problem. My supervisor is on it, too. So don't worry about taking it as it should help. There are times of stress in life where we all could use some help, be it meds, prayer, family and friends or church family, to get us through. Just remember it takes about 2-4 weeks to get full results from Zoloft. It sounds to me like you've been through the mill and back! God bless you and I'll be praying for you.

Marilyn

RazorbackRN, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2006

Hey, a traveler referred me to this site, and I think I might actually have the courage to ask my embarassing question here.
I've been under a ton of stress lately- 2 of my close friends have died unexpectedly in accidents (unrelated accidents), I switched jobs only to have the job not work out at all, so now am working agency, and hoping to get my old job back. We moved- not across country, but still having to get stuf all packed up and we are still looking for stuff!!!
So, I went to the MD this week and I was complaining of being tired and lethargic etc. He asked me a bunch of questions about all this stuff going on in my life and said that if I wanted to try zoloft for a month or so it might be helpful. He told me he wasn't sure I needed it but that if I wanted to I could try it. He said I had good coping skills and he imagined I'd snap out of it soon, as I have had similar stressful moments in life and done well without meds.
So, I thought well sure, why not. BUt then I remembered I need to do a drug screen in a few weeks to go through the paperwork to go back to my job....so I looked on line and apparently Zoloft does someties show up as amphetamines, or benzo's. Firstly I find it strange that it could show up as BOTH of those sice they are sort of opposite. But The sites seemed legit.
I don;t particularly want the organization to know that I started the zoloft, and they do their own testing (BIG hospital).
Should I wait until I do the drug screen?? or what.
I know a lot of people take these drugs, but I feel like there might be some stigma associated with it still.
Has anyone done a drug screen while on Zoloft? Did you list it as a medication? DId you have a problem.... or am I just being overly stoic and paranoid. I think I can get along ok without the medication but I think i might feel a lot better with it...
What do you guys think???

I have taken Zoloft in the past and never had a problem with drug screens because of it. I also didn't disclose that I took it because I didn't figure it was a drug they even needed to know about.

Lorie P. · Jan 25, 2006

i have been taking zoloft for over 5 yrs now, started it after i suffered depression from my cabg and other medical reasons. even bp meds can cause depression and at first i didn't want anyone knowing i took it, but now it doesn't bother me. i look at zoloft like my bp and cardiac meds, i need it to help me and i have never had any problems with drug screens.

also my charge nurse takes prozac and other co workers take some tpye of antidepressants. so you would be surprised at your coworkers that take these. hope this helps,:yelclap:

mandana · Jan 25, 2006

I agree with nurse hobbit - look at it like you would any other life-improving med. BUT, I do think it's strange that your MD recommended taking it for a "month or so". It's not like a benzo, it doesn't really work that way. Therapeutic effect generally takes 2-3 weeks. If you're just going to stop taking it after 2 more weeks because you're already feeling better then it seems like a lot of effort if you really do think you'll feel better in a couple weeks anyway. If you think you may need a little help for a longer term period, then great - start it and see if it helps.

Amanda

RazorbackRN, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2006

I agree with nurse hobbit - look at it like you would any other life-improving med. BUT, I do think it's strange that your MD recommended taking it for a "month or so". It's not like a benzo, it doesn't really work that way. Therapeutic effect generally takes 2-3 weeks. If you're just going to stop taking it after 2 more weeks because you're already feeling better then it seems like a lot of effort if you really do think you'll feel better in a couple weeks anyway. If you think you may need a little help for a longer term period, then great - start it and see if it helps.
Amanda

I agree with this. It really is a lot of effort to just take for a month. It takes a couple of weeks to really start working. Also, I don't know if anyone else can relate, but when I stopped taking mine, it was very hard to come off of. I had headaches, body aches, and severe fatigue for a couple of weeks, and this was by being weaned off gradually by my doctor.

MsDemeanor · Jan 26, 2006

Yes,

I was wondering about it as well. And my Doctor was a bit hesitant to prescribe it. Then he decided that I might need it to concentrate properly at work...but most of the places I do agency at are really boring, and not challenging...

I tend to do pretty well with stress, and I am already starting to feel human again, soooo....

we'll see. I dont know what to do, cuz I dont want to mess up the drug screen...

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jan 26, 2006

Those meds are wonderful things when needed, but if you are feeling that this is a transient phase and you can work through it yourself or with counseling I would encourage you to try. You never know how your body will react to a new drug and that could cause issues. I once tried Prozac for 3 days during a difficult period and hated the way I felt which was not to feel much about anything. I say take it if you really need it, but you kind of sound to me like you are already coming out the far side of your depression. Feel free to totally ignore my advice - only you can tell what will be best for you!

MsDemeanor · Jan 27, 2006

Crunch, I'm surprised that you had a reaction to prozac in 3 days. Generally it takes several weeks to feel any results according to the physicians and websites.

I just found out I can't do the drug screen until 30 days before I come, soooo, I have several months to get on and off the medication...

so, maybe I'll try it.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2006

I've been on an anti-depressant since 1994 and will never, ever be off again, my choice.

I have been drug screened with no problems. I do tell them what I'm on and have never had trouble.

RENAISSANCE RN · Jan 27, 2006

Zoloft isn't a big deal. 1/2 of the country is on SSRI's.

nhelkhound · Jan 27, 2006

I take Zoloft and it helps me immensely. Please do not let the fear of being stigmatized keep you from receiving proper care and treatment.