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Posted 10/7/2015 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
So I took Zoloft 50mg for a week, but after a night of poor sleep and nightmares, I couldn't deal with the side effects anymore. I also think its dramatically increasing my depression and anxiety.
This morning I switched back to Lexapro but I'm concerned it won't do anything for me. Sometimes I feel like taking all these meds is just making me worse and I want to quit.
I don't have an appointment with a psychiatrist until the 19th, and I'm not really sure what to do with myself until then. Plus I know he's just going to want to try new meds but I seriously can't deal with that anymore. I feel like an experiment and I'm done with it.

Does anyone on here not take meds and still deal with their anxiety/panic? I know medication can't be the only answer..

Post Edited (sjennings45) : 10/7/2015 4:01:55 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/7/2015 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
You have to give the medication time to work. It's gets worst before it can get better. It can take up to 4 weeks for the medication to reach its full potential. Switching back and forth will not work.
Posted 10/7/2015 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
I just feel like this would have been a lot smoother if I had tapered off the lexapro first. Instead I was just switched directly to zoloft, and I couldn't tell what were lexapro withdrawal symptoms and what were side effects of zoloft.
I know switching back and forth won't work, but I don't know what else to do at this point.

Post Edited (sjennings45) : 10/7/2015 5:46:34 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/8/2015 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
I share your pain. I just posted an observation about anxiety and medication. The medication does work, though you really do need to give it some time. I had a similar experience with poor sleep and nightmares when I tried Wellbutrin. Everyone reacts differently to each medication. I hope the Lexapro works out for you. I've never tried it but my therapist is a big fan of it for her patients.
Posted 10/8/2015 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately Lexapro was what I was trying to switch for Zoloft, it didn't really seem like it was working for me anymore, but at least I felt relatively stable and not like I was losing my mind on it. I just don't think Zoloft agreed with me at all, it made me more depressed than I have ever been, to the point where it was unsafe. I'm just going to go back to Lexapro for now until I can get in to see the psychiatrist in a week and a half. I'm sure all this switching isn't good for me at all, but I have to hope that it will get better.
Posted 10/8/2015 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
SJ,

It really is an individual thing whether or not one needs medication to manage their anxiety issue.

Brain chemistry differs so vastly from person to person, that it can be said that therapy and self help are sufficient for one....

...but another person could do all the work possible with therapy and coping skills, and still really struggle...and therefore benefit so much more from the addition of medication.

You will want to discuss this with your P-doc for guidance...(and sooner than your appointment by phone might be a good idea, so he/she knows what is going on with your med switch ahead of time.)

...but ultimately the choice and decision is yours.

For me, I feel fortunate that therapy sufficed. However, if I find at anytime that I don't have the quality of life that I want and need...you can be sure I will go through the process of finding an Rx to help me feel my best.

Wishing you the best in your decision, and know that we support you in whatever you do!

S.C.
Posted 10/8/2015 8:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Medication really is a personal choice and what works well for one person may not work as well for an other and it seems to be the norm that when you change meds or increase dosage that things get worse before they get better but things usually settle down again after a couple of weeks so it's a case of sticking with it if you can.

I know lots of people who do not take medication and manage their anxiety well by using self help and meditation but others find it difficult to manage their anxiety without the aid of medication and I include myself in that.

Have a look at our resources and you will find lots of links to self help guides.

Hibee
Posted 10/8/2015 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
I had a similar experience switching antidepressants. The switch was to Zoloft too. With that being says, Zoloft does work for many people. Don't suffer or do your own doctoring until the 19th. Call your psychiatrist and tell them you need to be seen immediately. That's what mine did when this happened to me.

I have been in your shoes and I know it's completely rotten, it will get better. Just please call your Dr & ask to be seen ASAP.

Hugs!
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