Six weeks on Zoloft, having problems with increased dose.

Hi everybody.

I'm new to Zoloft. For the past 6 weeks I've been taking half of a 25mg pill. I recently decided to start taking the entire 25mg, and I think it's causing me problems.

I'm shaky, anxious, and am having difficulty staying still. Today - day 4 - is the worst of all. Is this normal for a dose increase?

I felt like I got almost immediate relief after one day on 12.5mg, but that is no longer the case. Should I persevere, or should I go drop back down to 12.5mg, then quit?

Sorry I'm sort of disjointed here. I'm just not used to feeling this way, and I'm a little worried.

Hello SISOZ and welcome!
I am sorry you are feeling the undesirable effects of your increase. However, as B.C.mentioned...this is not unusual.
Some people have a difficult initial start up...some experience difficulty during certain increases...everyone is different.
However, if you can tough it out, you may end up with a med that performs really well for you.
So we encourage b you to try and give it more time, while using coping skills to get you through the challenge.
Here is the link to our Resources. Inside you'll find many stress relieving exercises that can make a difference if practiced regularly.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We care, understand and support is key!
Scaredy Cat

I agree with the PP, if you already have seen results, hang in there a week longer. The jittery shaky feeling is awful but it does subside! Sometimes it's hard to sort out what's the anxiety and what is side effects.

i second the suggestion of walking outside, keeping busy, talking to people about other things, distracting yourself for a while so you don't focus as much on the 'Ickies'.

yes, it isn't recommended to stop an SSRI cold turkey, but I don't think that getting off of 25mg Zoloft will be a huge problem if it doesn't work out. I've had great results with it for most of 18 years (!) and I have tapered and gone off of it several times just fine.

What happened with Ativan?

I'm so sorry that you've had problems with getting off Ativan. Not to be nosy, but what dose were you/are you on? Is the doctor of any help at all? He/she just said to go back on it until everything is stable again?

Hi

Welcome to the forum I am glad you have found us but sorry to hear you have been dealing with anxiety.

Unfortunately it seems to be the norm for things to get worse before they get better when increasing or starting a new medication. I would stick with it if you can and things should settle but if they don't go back and speak with your doctor.

Weaning of these medication can be difficult but is doable you just need to wean off very slowly.

Keep us posted.

Hibee

I don't have personal experience with this...but have read it's not unlike a short shock like sensation within the brain...

Did you say your doctor has you on Fish Oil Supplements? (or maybe I am getting members mixed up again!!)

These can be helpful in dealing with the zaps...if you find this is indeed what you are experiencing.

...asking your doctor or pharmacist about recommended dosage could be a good step.:)

S.C.

Scaredy Cat,

I didn't mention it but I am on fish oil supplements.

I don't think what I was having were brain zaps, just a headache trying to break through.

Thanks to everyone for their help here. Today is totally different from yesterday; no anxiety, no depression, just a "normal" day.

I'm sorry I'm so dense about this AD; years ago I was on lexapro and it didn't do a thing for me. I just quit it CT because no one told me not to, but I had no side effects from doing that. Zoloft seems to be different.

Also, I'm used to posting on the benzo forums, which are quite different from this one. On them, all benzos are evil and should never be used for any purpose whatsoever. Since Ativan worked wonders for me (until I decided to stop using it), I have a somewhat tenuous presence there. It's good to be on a site where it's acknowledged that these meds do have a purpose and can do good for many people.

Thanks again, all, and I'm sure I'll be bothering you with more questions as they arise.

SISOZ,

So glad to hear that things were improved for you yesterday!! May this progress continue...

...and know that we are here for your support anytime....so as far as questions go...ask away! :)

S.C.

Haa haa...sarcasm noted. ;p

While they do great things for many people...

...Rx's are not without their challenges!

Best wishes on your adjustsments/increases and decreases! Keep us posted and we will keep you cheered on.:)

S.C.