Zoloft causing anxiety

Hey everyone. I'm posting this about my boyfriend. A few weeks ago he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the ER, and that seems to have triggered his anxiety. He has a family history of anxiety (both his parents have it, his grandparents, and aunts and uncles). He himself never have anxiety attacks or problems with anxiety until recently.

I am not asking for help for the diabetes because we get it from the diabetes board. We need help for his anxiety.

His primary care doctor prescribed him Zoloft and Hydroxyzine (this one is to be taken only when he has bad attacks). The night after the visit he decided he was going to start Zoloft in the morning. During the evening he had an attack and decided to take the Hydroxyzine. It made him drowsy, and the drowsy effects made him panic! He said it felt like an "unnatural sleepiness" and that he couldn't lay down or it felt like he would stop breathing. He stayed awake until the effects wore off and he felt "naturally sleepy".

The next morning he took his Zoloft (50mg). He got drowsiness from Zoloft which made him have an anxiety attack again and he couldn't go into work. He just looked like a sleepy drone all day, and said he'd quit trying both pills.

He doesn't really know what triggers his anxiety. He could be 100% distracted by playing a video game, and all of a sudden he'll have the weak feeling in his chest and he'll feel nauseated and drained of all energy. His EKG has come back fine and the only thing wrong with his blood work was his blood sugar (which we have since then lowered a great deal).

He has a referral to a cognitive behavior therapist, but we don't know when we'll be able to take him in yet. He has been alling out of work for the past 2 weeks because of his anxiety.

He isn't on any medication. Have any of you experienced this kind of anxiety where the drowsiness freaks you out? What have you found helps you? This anxiety thing is new to the both of us. He has only taken the Zoloft pill once and doesn't want to continue it because of the side effect.

Thanks for the help.

Post Edited (Tame) : 11/20/2011 9:45:24 AM (GMT-7)

Fox is correct - when starting SSRI medications you may experience anxiety first until your body adjusts.  It may take up to 4-6 weeks for your boyfriend to get  the full therapuetic dose in his system.

Do have him talk with his Dr. re using something different then Hydroxyzine.  There are many choices but no matter what he tries he needs to accept that the drugs will make him feel "weird" at first.  Not to panick as we all have been through the new medication experience. 

I am a sufferer of chronic anxiety. In the past I sought out professional help and still do see a therapist when I need to but now I also use many practical methods on my own to reduce anxiety. The main objective is remembering what you are capable of doing.

You may want to check out our resources at the top of the page as you will find many ideas on how to control your anxiety and perhaps one of these will help you boyfriend.

I think you are pretty special taking the time to look for ideas to help him with his anxiety.  You are luckly to have each other.

Kindly,

Kitt

Hi Tame~

I am on day 6 of starting Zoloft 25 mg.  My anxiety definitely went up a bit, but I also have Xanax for as needed.  I felt on edge most of the day today and decided to take a Xanax.  I felt SO much better!  I'm someone who has health anxiety along with generalized and social anxiety, so side effects from meds freak me out.  I get nervous to try new meds for fear of how I'll react to them.  It's a vicious cycle.  I was hesitant to take the Xanax the past few days but after the positive result today, I won't be afraid to use it as I need it. 

Definitely have him talk with his doctor for something that provides more immediate relief along with the Zoloft.  From everything I've read and posts on here (these people are phenomenal!), Zoloft will cause an increase in anxiety briefly before reaching a therapeutic level in your body.  For me the Xanax took the edge off the couple of times I used it this past week. 

I sympathize with your boyfriend, and commend you for helping him!  That truly is awesome!!!  Best wishes to you both. 

~Tired