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a zoloft question

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Posted 4/7/2017 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
hello all! i'm new to this forum, but definitely not new to anxiety! been dealing with GAD for ten years now, specifically health anxiety. i happened to come across this forum and just want to thank everyone who has shared their personal stories! it makes me feel not so alone with this crazy anxiety. i used to take zoloft and have been off of it for a year, and 3 weeks ago i got a horrible panic attack that has led to a 3 week and still going strong panic cycle that i can not kick myself out of. i was told by my doc to start zoloft and am taking 100 mg but it doesn't seem to be helping, and i'm been on it for 3 weeks already. what is people's experience with zoloft? has it been helpful to most that have tried it? also i have had zanax .5 mg to take when needed. i take at most .5 or .75 mg on a very bad day, and have been for 2-3 weeks now, but not daily. i'm just scared that i will get addicted to it! just feel like a crazy mess... thanks all for listening....
Posted 4/7/2017 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am so sorry to hear of your current anxiety struggles. I know how disappointing a setback can be. sad

However, I am glad to hear that you are currently working with your doctor to get back on track in order to feel your best again.

Sometimes when revisiting a previous medication, a delayed start up is possible. Have you discussed your concerns with your doctor yet? He/she may want you to push through another couple of weeks, to see if you reach therapeutic levels in this time.

Use of your benzo temporarily while you wait for your SSRI benefits to kick in is not really a risk for becoming dependent...especially since you are aware and concerned about it being an issue. smile

How about therapy and/or self help skills? Do you have any to pull from? If you need some new tools to help your overall management plan...please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a big difference in how you feel!

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

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/7/2017 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! I did start seeing a therapist last week, and will meet once a week with her. She also will get me an appointment with the psychiatrist and i will discuss my med options with them. yes, i've been looking through the resources and they are helpful!
Posted 4/7/2017 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome job!!

With your pro-active steps, I have no doubt that you'll get back to where you want to be very soon. smile

Keep up the good work, and keep us updated, so we can be in support!

S.C.
Posted 4/7/2017 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
I was taken off Zoloft last year and I was just put back on it a few weeks ago. There is a little bit of a delay that I'm noticing as well. The anxiety levels are coming down slowly, but they are coming down. I also am on Xanax right now, but am tapering off of it as benzos have been ineffective for my anxiety.

I'm currently at 50 mg of Zoloft, but she is bringing me up to 100 mg. I'm currently at 1.25 mg Xanax and will be taking that down to 1 mg tomorrow.

It is possible that you could be experiencing some breakthrough anxiety with the Xanax. If you take "x" amount of Xanax on one day and less the next, it can bring about anxiety at times. If you're uncomfortable with the medication, there are less addictive options out there for you. Also, I believe a doctor can prescribe up to 200 mg of Zoloft so you may just need an increase.

However, document how you feel and pay close attention. 3 weeks may be too early for you to tell how the Zoloft is working out for you. Let your doc know how you feel. Then you can revisit and see if you need a dosage increase.
Posted 4/8/2017 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
I feel its may be early to feel it but it should kick in soon. Zoloft worked wonderfull for me while I was on it. its also possible it may not work again . this happens sometimes with an ssri.
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