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Posted 12/29/2013 6:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hello! I have suffered from OCD and panic disorder for the last 15 years. I have been off. And on Zoloft for years. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago to start it again. In the past, I haven't had any major side effects. This time, I am having a difficult time. My anxiety has been worse! I am taking 25 mg, then was supposed to bump to 50. I took 50 for 3 days and it made me so anxious and made my limbs feel heavy. I've been on 50-100mg in the past, and never had this happen. I see my Doctor on Tuesday. Has this happened to anyone else?
I hate living with this!
Posted 12/29/2013 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, start off slow…stay on 25 for awhile. I hate living like this also. I was doing great for a long time. Weaned zoloft down to 25mg every other day. Then passing out last week and the death of a friend spiraled me right back into anxiety. Now Im taking 25 every day. I hate relying on the meds but I can't handle it alone. Slow and steady.
Posted 12/29/2013 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sunshine. Thank you for your response. I am so sorry to read about the loss of your friend. That would make me go in a downward spiral.
If you don't mind me asking, does 25mg work for you? Do you have anxiety and panic attacks? I understand that everyone is different, but I am hoping for me personally that 25 mg will do the trick. I'm tired of the constant worry, fear, and not feeling good! I have also done well for a period of time, and then it hits out of no where.
Posted 12/30/2013 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Anxious,

See what help/advice your doctor can offer at your upcoming appointment.

I am sorry that you are experiencing these s/e's this time around. It is strange how things can change over time.

I had this experience with birth control. The pill that I had previously taken before having my first child, I could not tolerate after she was born...weird.

Try to hang in there and know that these are most likely temporary, and utlitmately, you should start to feel better after the initial start up phase if over.

Post with us anytime.:)

S.C.
Posted 12/30/2013 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
When I was really bad w anxiety I was up to 75mg…over time I weaned to 25mg which was still helping me. MY anxiety and panic attacks were practically gone--until a trigger strikes. Fainting was my trigger. Ive been in anxiety mode for a week now…nausea every morning. Hate it. As the day progresses I feel better. Im a teacher and I think I need to get back to work to keep the mind busy! Good luck and stick with 25mg for awhile and see how u feel. GL
Sunshine
Posted 12/30/2013 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning,

I have been on medications since 1982 - some have worked, others were huge failures but I know without the right medication and my Psychiatrist I plummet into a dark hole.

I found a link you may find interesting.:

http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-Medical-Advice-on-the-Side-Effects-of-Antidepressants 

Take from the article what ever you choose and I hope you are soon feeling the sadness  lift.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 12/30/2013 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I started zoloft about 3 months ago, taking 50 mg and now on 100 mg. Oh my... I suffered just about every side effect...increased anxiety, increased depression, heart pounding, nausea, etc. The first 4 weeks were awful, but I stuck it out. I started to feel it working at about 3 weeks, and more fully in the 5th week. By week 8 I was feeling better, but no myself, so we increased to 75 and then 100 mg. So for about 2 weeks after each increase my anxiety increased, but then tapered off. So for me I stuck it out and now it is working quite well and I feel content and happy again (most the time, there are still down moments, but that's life!) I may have to increase just slightly to 125 mg to get me back to my baseline mood, but right now I am very happy with the results.

I still feel anxious here and there, but nothing like before which caused me to pace, not sleep and worry excessively. I was exhausted all the time, yet couldn't fall asleep. Now I am sleeping well, cooking, enjoying my family again, and sewing. (I love to sew and create and hadn't been in my sewing studio for months...A few weeks ago I made some Christmas presents in my studio and it felt so good to be back there.) So meds are working for me and I will pray for you that you find the cocktail for you.

Post Edited (loveathome) : 12/30/2013 8:52:05 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/31/2013 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the responses! I have been doing a little better with my anxiety, but I can relate to the nauseating. Lately mine has been tightness in my chest, lungs hurting, feeling like I have something stuck in my throat and feeling like I can't swallow. The joys of living with anxiety! I know it is mind over matter. I just hate the constant battle with myself. I go to the Dr. Tomorrow for a med check. Going to talk to her about my difficulty taking 50mg. I have done okay with 25, but still feel anxious. I am really liking this website. So glad I stumbled across it!
Posted 12/31/2013 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
We like you too! :)

I hope that you have a good and productive appointment with your doctor today...and that you can get the answers that you need in terms of the right dosage for you.:)

Let us know...

S.C.

Posted 12/31/2013 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
I had a good appt today. I really like my doctor. I am going to continue taking zoloft, but slowly work up to 50mg. I am going to take 25mg plus another half of the 25mg to see if it gives me bad side effects. I'm also going to start counseling again. I did this when I was first diagnosed at 19... It's been 13 yrs.
Posted 12/31/2013 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome plan!!!

I am really glad to hear that you are taking these steps...they will surely get you the results that you are seeking for feeling your best.:) Therapy was a huge part of healing for me!

Great job!

S.C.
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