Here I am again

Hi there, my name is Tiffany I am from Michigan and I am not new to healingwell as I used to post in the Lyme forum after being diagnosed with lyme in 2014, remission, now possible relapse... right now I am trying to heal my mind, I have been on 25mg zoloft for a couple years and 3 weeks ago upped my dose to 50mg per Dr. I have always had severe anxiety but this year has been a struggle, and I also have ativan, since the summer I have been taking .5mg of ativan everyday, my Dr. Said that should be ok every day for now, and. 75mg when I need it, well my grandfather suddenly passed away unexpectedly the end of November and I've been having to take .75mg ativan daily and .5mg before bed, this is why my zoloft has been increased, I am a mess and zoloft is just not doing it's job yet 3 weeks in... I am super anxious and felt the need to start smoking again, anyone else have this with zoloft? Anyone take ativan daily? I feel guilty for taking a benzo every day... help I just want to be normal...

Panic disorder
Lyme disease
Lichen sclerosis
OCD
General/health anxiety

Hi

I am sorry to hear about the sudden passing of your grandfather.

I would give the Zoloft a couple of more weeks as it can take a while for things to settle after an increase. If things don't start to improve in a couple of weeks I would go back and speak with your doctor about other options which there are many to choose from.

I take a benzo every day and as long as you are taking it as prescribed you should not have any problem.

Have a look at our resources section for some good links to self help sites on the web and keep us posted on your progress we are here to support you and understand what you are going through.

Hibee

Tbohl,

Welcome back...although I am sorry to hear it is due to sad circumstances and returning challenges. May you find heal from both your loss and the anxiety as soon as is possible.

I second the opinion that if you need your med, and are taking it responsibly...that you really have no reason to be concerned about it. Especially since you are also working your coping skills. Also, since a lot of your anxiety is situational...it is likely that you will be able to discontinue daily use soon enough.


However, if you are really concerned, you could ask your doctor about the possibility of switching to and Rx antihistamine, taken off label for anxiety. There is no risk of dependency with a med such as Vistaril...so this could be an alternative to consider.


Wishing you the best in whatever plan you go with...and know that we are always here to help keep you encouraged...so keep posting!

S.C.

Turtle sends strength and healing thughts to ya. am glad ya posted for support. My condolences for your loss. HT