Anxiety/Depression and Zoloft

I have been dealing with anxiety and depression since the end of February after being off of my Lexapro for 2 months prior to that (it had worked wonders for me for 12 years and I foolishly stopped myself because I thought I didn't need them...didn't realize how much they were helping me!!).

I am now on my 13th day of Zoloft 50 mg and am unsure if I'm making any progress at all (I'm scared because some people say that you should start to feel relief at the 2-week mark...I'm there and am not close being better). I'm sad for most of the day and have intrusive negative thoughts which in turn, lead to panic attacks. I am so afraid that I will be stuck in this state forever! I desperately want to get back to normal...I feel like it is taking an abnormally long time (I had tried to get back on the Lexapro for about a month with no improvement prior to being switched to the Zoloft). I'm worried that I will be one of those people who is stuck in this state forever and no medications will help me ever again!

Also, I've been experiencing strong emotions lately; like crying at the drop of a hat. A lot. When I panic, I always cry...this happens to me daily. Is this a part of my anxiety/depression, or is this the Zoloft trying to work? I have never felt so out of control of my emotions in my life! This is scary! I will say that when I was trying to get back on the Lexapro, the same thing happened, but I was then switched to the Zoloft. I also find that I am very jittery and constantly in a state of nervousness (not total panic attack mode, but not far away either). Is this to be expected when getting back on an ssri??

Thanks S.C.,

I actually work for my prescribing doctor (I'm a medical assistant), so I see her everyday (not necessarily for lengthy appointments, but she checks up on me and I can always pull her aside for a quick eval/questions if I need to in addition to my routine follow-ups).

I spoke to her yesterday after seeing my therapist and she wants me to try to stick it out with the Zoloft for a while longer before we change doses or add anything to augment it...this is just so frustrating and sad.

I know I need to be patient, but when you feel like this everyday, patience doesn't seem to be an option. I pray that I will find relief soon. I have been trying my best with the coping skills and am trying to take it one day at a time. It is also hard because I have a very demanding and stressful job that requires that I am mentally available to speak with patients when needed...I cannot be in a panic and crying all day long!

I am sorry you are going through this.

My thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.

Keep posting so we can keep you in support.

S.C.