My First Therapy Session Yesterday, was interesting

I had my first appointment with a psychologist yesterday morning. It was surprising how fast the 45 minutes went! Basically we went through the patient information sheet I filled out, my background and what brought me there. Talked a little about my childhood, job, health anxieties, and anxiety and panic attacks in general. Overall it was a good start other than there were more things I wanted to mention and discuss. Essentially he thinks I felt trapped and not in control in my life, my job, my health, and now anxiety and panics attack, leading to a spiral effect. He says my situation and symptoms sounds like general anxiety and panic disorder. The best advice he gave me is not to give into the anxiety, do not change your behavior and life style because then you are giving into the fear and anxiety, re-enforcing the anxiety.

He increased my Zoloft dosage from 25mg to 100mg, with instructions to cut in half the first week for 50mg, then take the full 100mg. He said 25mg wasn't going to have an effect for me. He also proscribed Xanax for instant relief when I need it.

After going there I feel more accepting that my symptoms are from anxiety and not a medical issue. The psychologist said based on the tests I've had done it definitely sounds like anxiety and not an medical issue like my heart. I was however a little disappointed that his go to was just to increase the Zoloft and medicate.

I didn't have time to discuss with him my anxiety about the Zoloft itself. I know everyone says its safe but after reading about the rare effects on drugs.com I'm having a hard time convincing myself its safe. I have a worry its going to cause Long QT or some kind of cardiac issue for me for whatever reason.

Right now I'm having sever heart burn / acid reflux, which is causing chest pain from the Zoloft, as well as some minor itching on my face and neck.

Hi Stephanie2014,

Thanks for your feedback. I honestly did not want to take any medication either but I went 8+ weeks without getting more than 3-4 hours a sleep a night, sometimes less. I figured I had to do something because I was really starting to fall apart. My general doctor prescribed 25mg just to help me get through the next few months. Now the psychologist has prescribed 100mg. The 25mg I wasn't too concerned with because it was a low dose and would have been easier to wean off. I do feel my psychologist did automatically go to medication rather than techniques that could help along with the low dose of Zoloft.

If you don't mind can I ask how you got over your anxiety?

I'm leaning toward staying at 25mg, or 50mg. 100mg sounds like a lot.

HI there - I was on Zoloft for 12 years and never had a problem with it. I started off with it at 50 mg then eventually increased to 75 mg and then to 100mg. that was the max dose I ever took. I would slowly increase your dose and if you feel better on 50mg then stay at that doseage. I wouldn't stay at 25 since that's what ur currently on and its not working. Ive taken other meds and Zoloft was my favorite. I wish I was still on it - but it eventually stopped working for me.

Hi G.F.,

I am glad that all in all you are liking your therapist! I am sorry that I couldn't respond earlier...I just did not have time to be on line much yesterday..but I did see your post, and was really hoping that all went well!!

Regarding your increase...

It may not be permanent. Since you are in therapy, and learning some great tools to manage your anxiety...you may not always need to be at your increase level.

Sometimes a person just needs to get a handle on the anxiety, in order to be more open to the effects of other treatment methodes such as therapy and self help.

Even if you do end up using meds as an ongoing treatment...this is okay. It is no different than my diabetic husband using his insulin, right?

I have not used medication...bu that it was my personal choice to try therapy first and see if that was sufficient.

For me it was. However...I would NEVER presume to tell someone else that they could treat their anxiety without medication. Everyone is different...with different levels of need.

I am NOT in their body and mind, so how could I know what they need? This is an individual choice.

I definitely believe that along with meds, therapy and self-help should not be ignored, therefore exploring all options!

Please make a personal and informed decision with the help of your medical/mental health professionals...


....and know that in whatever you decide...we support yoo!!

Hugs and high fives!!

S.C.