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Panic Attacks

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Posted 8/9/2013 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi my name is Maria. This is my first time here. For months I've been dealing with what the doc now says it's panic attacks. It seems to happen more often when I'm out. I get so nervous, my heart races and I want to run out. It's happened in my car too. On Monday the doctor gave me Zoloft. I'm taking 25 mg. does anyone know how long before it starts to work. I hate feeling like this. Thank you in advance!
Posted 8/9/2013 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
10-12 weeks
Posted 8/9/2013 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi N.M. and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your panic issues...but glad that you have found us here.:) We will try our best to always be here to listen and understand.

To answer your question, the typical building up and leveling up time for most SSRI meds is anywhere from 6-12 weeks. It does take time for this type of Rx to start to be theraputic, and for benefits to be noted.

There are also side effects to be aware of...but not anticipate. One is the ironic fact that sometimes the anxiety symptoms can get a little worse before they improve. However, if you can stick it out through the intitial start up phase...you could end up with a medication that works well for you.

Another treatment option that I would recommend considering is therapy. If it is a possibility for you, ask your doctor for a referral for this long term anxiety management activity. You will learn skills and tools for dealing with your panic in a pro-active fashion.

Self-help is another great idea, and can be done on your own time at home. This makes it a great plan for anyone who wants to take their recovery to a new level. You can gain coping mechanisms such as breathing and relaxation exercises to help you shut down and attack, and possibly prevent future episodes.

You can find a lot of great self-help activities and information in our Resources. (main page, 1st post)

Keep posting here with us as well. We are a close group, and support and caring is very healing in and of itself!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 8/9/2013 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mom, I'm what they call Old Navy.
1959-1984

Larry ***
Posted 8/9/2013 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
Wow Larry...that is a long time!

If I haven't said it before, thank you for your service to our country!

S.C.
Posted 8/9/2013 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
I know, not very smart, was in Army first, then got out and joined
the Navy, seems like it happened to someone else, guess I'm a
different person than "gunner mandrell" long time ago.

Larry
Posted 8/9/2013 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Not different...'New and Improved'!! You are still full of courage and fighting spirit...but now you have added compassion and empathy to your list of attributes.;)

S.C.
Posted 8/9/2013 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
But...we don't want to highjack N.M.'s thread...

So, let us say that we are a close knit group as you can see!;p

Please plan to stay awhile and join in the fun! (and caring and understanding and support!)

S.C.
Posted 8/9/2013 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome!!! This and my re-found faith in The Lord is the only thing that gets me thought everyday. You have come to a wonderful place. I hope it helps you as much as if has me.
Posted 8/9/2013 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for replying! I will try breathing exercises and distractions until the meds kick in. I hate depending on the meds, but I want a sense of normalcy. I've had the mild attacks for a while but lately they've been bad. It may be due to the fact that I just returned from taking care of my 30 year old daughter after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Thanks to the good Lord, it was all removed during surgery.

Thanks again for responding. It helps to communicate with someone that understands.

Larry, thank you for your service!

Maria
Posted 8/9/2013 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Maria, thank you for being a Mother, thats dedication to duty!
Prayers for your Daughter!

Larry ***
Posted 8/9/2013 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Maria,

Welcome to HealingWell and the Anxiety/Panic forum.  The great part of belonging to a peer support group is meeting others that know where your coming from and what your going through.

I have a 31 year history of GAD as well as major Depressive Disorder and the majority of this time I have been on Antidepressants. Zoloft treatment, to the best of my knowledge,  should be initiated with a dose of 25 mg once daily. After one week, the dose should be increased to 50 mg once daily.  However some people may never need more than the 25 mg dose especially if they do well with the initial dose.

Some patients may experience increased energy or activation of Zoloft early after initiation of treatment. Onset of therapeutic actions usually not immediate, but often delayed 2-4 weeks.

If it is not working within 6-8 weeks, it may require a dosage increase Do keep in close contact with your Dr. as your body adjusts to this medication. Resource: Cambridge University Press

Do check out our resources and ask questions as we are here to help you in any way that we are able.

Again a warm welcome,

Kitt

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