Zoloft Encouragement

Hello everyone,

I thought I would post this morning for some encouragement to stick with the Zoloft I was prescribed recently to replace the Lexapro I was taking (I had been trying to get back on it after a 2 month period without it and it wasn't helping me like it did when I first started and the dosage increase made things worse).

During the overlapping period that my doctor had me do (I was weaning off the Lexapro while at the same time adding the Zoloft), I noticed that I had a good week and started feeling glimpses of hope that I was getting better. However, about 3 days after having no Lexapro, I started to have the worsening anxiety again and depression. I also started having scary/weird thoughts about dying and what if I get worse mentally and start getting suicidal (please note, I do NOT want to die and do not have suicide plan). Then, I panic and cry/sob for a period of time. These episodes scare me and make me feel like I will never get better and that this medication will only make me worse.

I am only on day 9 of 50 mg of Zoloft and do have weekly visits with my therapist, but I just need some encouragement that these negative thoughts can and should go away with time. I am trying my best with my coping skills and those that I have learned through CBT, but it is really hard.

Also, any correlation between feeling better while taking two different ssri's? Has anyone ever been on two at once for an extended period of time? I just can't help but wonder if the Lexapro was starting to help and I switched it too soon (I was back on it for 2 months), or if it was he combination of taking the Lexapro and Zoloft at the same time? What a mess...I have no idea what to do!!

S.C.,

Thanks for the reply and kind words. This is one hard battle, that's for sure! But, I had a good afternoon today, so I'm not complaining! My fiancé and I went shopping and ran errands and I was panic free just about the whole time! Keeping my mind occupied on other things has proven to be critical for me; I am not able right now to just sit on the sofa idle. I need to keep moving/thinking about other things. Otherwise, my wicked mind wanders to negative/scary thoughts.

I often joke with my doctor that once I get back to "normal" and my medication is regulated, I will never stop taking it again and some day I'll need to be buried with a bottle of Zoloft (or whatever ends up helping me)! Haha :)

Have a great night everyone!...I'm off to give my two muddy dogs a bath (they decided to play in the rain today...what a sight they are!!)

I am working on that...it's a learning process for me. My mind always immediately goes to "what ifs" or worst case scenarios. I tend to catastophise everything. However, this afternoon was good, so I'm thankful for that! Thanks for the support and encouragement!

Hi cooper2008

I'm on Zoloft also. I actually started 2 months ago after being on celexa for 16 years. I started off with 50 mg and in a month 1 went up to 75mg. I'm doing great. I'm not panicking as much. I do have my days that I'm anxious but not a full blown attack. Think positive. You will get there in time. Also remember medication is not going to cure anxiety but will help you cope once you find the right Meds. You must also do a lot of self help to also notice a difference.kee strong and best of luck :)

I totally understand what you are saying. You will not be hospitalized for having anxiety or panic attacks. You might feel alittle off because your body was use to the lexapro but it should be a smooth transition. I was soo scared to change Meds I have taken most of my life scared of withdrawal or side effects but I worried for nothing. It was smooth transition. Alittle bumpy at first but I'm not in full panic mode.