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SSRI help-please!!

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Posted 12/11/2018 6:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I’ve had to increase my ssri dose three times in a year. I had a great response to this med, but seems to lose effectiveness fast. I’m not bipolar. I also had huge hormonal changes due to pregnancy. Has anyone had any experiences with their meds losing effect often? Does anyone know if this could be due to not reaching your therapeutic dose? Also, how do you know when your therapeutic dose is reached?

I’m in the middle of an increase and really looking for some encouragement-thanks a lot!
Posted 12/11/2018 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

It can take a while to find the correct dosage and sometimes you are better changing to a new medication if you feel things are not working out. When you increase the dosage of a medication it can be disruptive and things can get worse before they start to get better again so I would say stick with it for a couple of more weeks and then make a decision with your prescribing doctor on an action plan.

Keep us posted.

Hibee.
Posted 12/12/2018 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply. I find this forum to be very supportive compared to other sections I’ve posted in.

Yes, the increases can be brutal, and things certainly do seem to get worse at first. I just wonder when one knows-do you wait a few weeks and re-assess symptoms? I’ve bumped Zoloft 3 times now, finally on 100 mg. I find this so confusing because it seems I keep needing to increase and not sure why, looking to hear from anyone who has any experience or idea of why this could be?
Posted 12/12/2018 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
F.,

From what I have read...it does seem that loss of efficacy is from one of two issues. One being longevity...which is not your situation.

The other being an unreached therapeutic level as you have already guessed. The members that experienced the same, and increased, did at last find their sweet spot in dosage...and went on to enjoy the benefits of their Rx.

So keep hopeful that this last increase will be the one that finds you just where you need to be!

Keep us updated, so we can keep you encouraged. smile

S.C.
Posted 12/12/2018 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for sharing this with me-definitely makes me feel better! I’ve been on Zoloft since last August starting at 12.5 and working my way up to 75 by February (at 2 months postpartum). The 75 never really fully helped me. I just increased to 100 mg 13 days ago, as I was really putting off going through all of the increase side effects. Really praying! I appreciate how supportive everyone is in the forum. I find myself worrying like many of us do whether or not the dose will work, if 75 wasn’t that effective, will 100 be since it’s only a 25 increase etc etc...thanks again for everyone’s help!
Posted 12/13/2018 6:29 AM (GMT 0)
A seemingly small increase can take you to just where you need to be. Stay hopeful and keep us updated, okay?

S.C.
Posted 1/3/2019 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Faith,

I am experiencing the same issue as you.
My dosage was increased to 100 milligrams and it’s worked fairly well for about a year now. I still continued to have anxiety attacks but they were significantly less than before. However at this time I’m again struggling and I’m certain that an increase is in store. Like you I’m not at all ready to take the leap because of the initial side effects. But you and I both know that once we get thru that part of the therapy we will have accomplished the goal. Take care and let us know how you are doing as I will as well.
Posted 1/3/2019 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all, I just vented on another thread so I am just here to say I wish you the best! I had extreme depression after my second child when I was 40. Finally used exercise and time. Could not get out of the bed.
Fast forward, I never tried antidepressants (Zoloft) until 30 years later. Went up to 100 and am finally (on my own) back to 25mg poqd. It took quite a while as the brain zaps are Yikes. I wish you the best. xoxo Zen
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