5 full weeks on Zoloft, advise please

Tomorrow is my start of my 6th week on zoloft for panic attacks and anxiety.

In the 5 weeks it has cut my anxiety down more and more and id say now its 90% gone.

But somedays i just dont feel right, like myself. Im still tired alot also.

My husband has said im not my normal joyus self, but i know ive had moments where ive been happy n loud and normal.

We just moved to my parents last week with our kids, to save and to help me out more. I dont know if its that , that i need to get used to? Im alot better this week then i was the 1st week we moved in though.

Husband stresses me out daily with his complaints about anything n everything atm.

I have an appointment on the 24th with a Psychiatrist, i dont know if i tell them i feel funny on zoloft somedays they will want to change it ? or is it still early days ? I mean the full 8 weeks is still 3 weeks away?

Thankyou so much wayupnorth.

Im taking 100mg every morning.

I just feel so much pressure from my husband to be 100%. He seems to think i should be "fixed" by now.

Hi, Nin!
I was on Zoloft for 12 years, most of them at the maximum dosage of 200mg. It was a godsend for me! It sounds like to me that you are doing quite well, all things considered! Your husband is NOT helping with his bellyaching, but anyone who's not ever gone through what we do/have, can't really understand it and often say stupid insensitive stuff! I remember THAT quite well! Sometimes I'd snap back at my Mom when she'd make certain remarks and other times I'd keep silent and other times I'd cry. Sometimes I'd try to explain how it was...sigh....it was an ongoing battle, but behind it all, I knew she loved me and in a way, it was hard for her too b/c she felt helpless and confused and sometimes very worried. She'd pout, get mad, cry, rant, sigh, etc. I remember her even telling me to "snap out of it" and "to get a life". Those remarks really hurt as I was barely putting one foot ahead the other at the time. But as the Zoloft helped me and time went on, things got better (never perfect...what is?!?!? LOL!!) It sounds like to me that the both of you are dealing with the extra challenge of living with your folks (in addition to your anxiety problem), which is never an easy adjustment even at the best of times. So hang in there and be sure to give yourselves some time to breathe. Take time out for each other and for yourself!
All the best!
jl

Hi Ninlow,

I am glad to hear that you are going to be working with your doctor soon, and I will keep you in my prayers in regards to your biopsy.

I do believe that you can expect to see more benifits from your Rx, as you are only around the halfway mark (approx) for the build up period of this class of drugs. Of course, your p-doc will have more input on this, and you will be able to discuss is at your upcoming appointment.

My anxiety is often (seemingly) random as well. We comparmentalize and push stressors down with such 'success' that it often pops out of nowhere at times that defy reason. I had my first ever panic attack at church! The place where I feel safe and loved...go figure! However, it was the things that were going on in home life (family conflict/teenage behavior issues) that was supplying the undercurrent of anxiety.

Keep working on the issues and the path to recovery. It will happen. We are here with you along the way.:)

S.C.

Ninlow,

Several things you wrote touched my heart today.  Yes, 90% is awesome however remember that stress is still stress and the medication cannot take that out of your life.  Just when we think we are doing great, wham something knocks us down.

You just made a huge move which is stressful for all of you until adjustments to the new living arrangements are made.

To top that off you are having a biopsy which can make the best of us tremble in fear - fear of the unknown.

This is the time to be kind to yourself and pamper yourself. I am meeting with my own psychiatrist tomorrow and she is the one who writes my RX.  Be sure to talk with your Dr. re your meds as perhaps a bump in the Zoloft may be called for or perhaps learning more skills to deal with your anxiety will do the trick.

Cheering you on,

Kitt