Zoloft Advice

[monicadoll]

I have a question to who ever has had experience with zoloft.

I started taking zoloft at first it was 50mg a day for nine days, and then I increased on December 8th to 100mg a day. I didn't experience much side effects besides having the continuous anxiety which I had always started out with. About 7-8 days into the increased dose I started feeling the cloud of anxiety lift and wasn't waking up anxious and was actually able to function more throughout my days. It surprised me and I was getting excited about the outlook on this medication.

Now that just seems like it was short lived a few days ago being on the 20th (December) I again woke up with anxiety and have had it continuously for the past few days and my anxiety is also much more increased / heightened then usual - I was just wondering is this normal?

I am scared but I don't want to give up on this medication because I have heard it works wonders - I also have a scheduled appointment with my psychiatrist on January 7th to discuss this medication, and I see a therapist on a weekly basis.

I also have xanax 0.5mg to take up to three times a day - as needed, the last few days I have needed them more than ever!

Any help would be appreciated!

Thank you and God Bless.

[monicadoll]

It is so hard to give it time when the anxiety is pulling you back so much and it centers its self as a main focus due to what you are feeling.

Where you on zoloft also??

I do exercise but lately have not had much motivation - I just feel like the anxiety hit me, and hit me hard.

[kimberly826]

You need to give it more time!  It took a good two months for my increased dose of 100 to balance out.  Everyone is different.  In the mean time go for walks and start exercising regularly.  We all need to blow off steam and excercise helps boost the happy stuff in our brains.  My first time with anxiety I started walking and it did wonders.  I know you probably don't feel like it but that was the best advice anyone gave me.  Now when I feel anxious and havent ran in four days I run even just 20-30 minutes everyother day and that helps me alot!

[monicadoll]

I was wondering is that possible that the medication is still adjusting within me, due to the fact I experienced that heightened / extreme anxiety that the medication usually causes?

I have usually experienced heightened anxiety within the first week, but nothing within the second week of the increased dose - just so strange to me.

[monicadoll]

Thank you both!

It is just so tough because that feeling of a knot in the middle of your chest due to anxiety makes me feel so awful - almost like a crippling feeling. It even effects the way I breathe almost like a suffocating feeling at times, gives me the feeling I need to breath more to catch that good breath.

It's just the anxiety is so heightened at the moment I don't know what to do. I am hoping to wake up and be able to put these rough few days behind me.

How long does it take for the medication to reach full peak?

I am just waiting for the anxiety fog to lift again because it does bring my spirits down some for the holidays.

Happy Holidays to you as well.

[mele48]

Nursegirl6572 speaks the truth!  We're so lucky to have her in this forum.

I can tell you that I'm 2.5 months in on Zoloft.  I've had a similar journey - did real good for bit, and have been struggling recently.  However, for me, mine is more attributed to just a lot of crummy stuff that hit me at once.  Might be some residual Zoloft side effects since I increased recently, but more likely just that in combination with some tough times.

Be kind to yourself - I know it's tough when we start to feel better, then start to feel the anxiety creep back.  But you were better, and you'll feel better again!  Hang in there - - -

[nursegirl6572]

Hello again!

You have to keep in mind that even when we're on medications, we will still have good days and bad days.  Not everything is related to the medication.  It could very likely just be a surge in your anxiety.  I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that this has anything to do with the Zoloft, and I certainly wouldn't rush to make any changes to the Zoloft.  You're newly on a higher dose, and are still probably adjusting to it somewhat.

Just employ your coping mechanisms, use the Xanax when you need it, and ride it out.  Keep yourself busy and distracted as much as you can.  The more you focus on how you're feeling, the worse you will feel.

Hang in there and let us know how you're doing.  Happy Holidays to you!