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Posted 11/28/2013 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
So I am new to this condition and have been on zoloft for the past 10 weeks. It has helped a lot, but I could feel it wearing off each evening, etc. after about 6 weeks. So the doc upped me to 75 mg and then to 100mg. Is it normal to have side effects of increased anxiety and loss of appetite when upping the dose? The side effects for the first 4 weeks were pretty bad, but I stuck it out and started to get relief at about 5 weeks on the stuff. The side effects aren't as bad as when I first started taking meds, but wondering how long to wait and what others experience as first time users of anti-depressants.
Posted 11/28/2013 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi loveathome and welcome!

I have heard that it is normal to have s/e's with a bump in dosage of an SSRI.

However, it should not be as pronounced as it was upon initially starting your Rx. How long have you been on your increased mg's? Not more than 4 weeks right? I would give it a little more time, trusting that these symptoms will fade.

Until then, using coping skills could help to get you through. We have some great ideas in our Resources on the main page here (1st post)

The breathing, progressive muscles relaxation (in the stress relieving exercise link) and meditation video could really decrease your over stress levels, allowing your meds to benefit you the most.:)

Keep talking with us as well. We are here to encourage and support you anytime you need it. Having the understanding of others is a key part of recovery!

Scaredy Cat
Posted Today 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the support. I live a good life and have everything I want or need. So this condition is hard to take. My life isn't perfect. My husband and I have a great relationship, but we do argue here and there, but we always work it out. My children are doing well in college and high school and I love my job as a teacher.

So the anxiety is just frustrating and puts thoughts in my head that don't need to be there. It then leads me to be depressed because I so want to feel better. The meds helped to a point after the side effects wore off and the doctor felt I needed more. I had increased anxiety and depression for the first 3 weeks of taking the zoloft and then it started to lessen and by 8 weeks I was having more good days than bad days. Then I had good days and by evening it seemed to wear off, so I was functioning at school. Now with the increase in dosage I am experiencing an increase in anxiety and depression. I know it's the meds and not my situation or character, but I want to feel myself again. The doctor wants me to try the increase of dosage for another 8 weeks and if I don't get myself back we can switch meds. He thinks the increased anxiety at this point is a side effect and it will wear off like it did after 4 weeks in the beginning. I am 47 and this should be a good time in my life. I guess I am rambling now. I am still holding out hope that it will get better.

Thanks for listening...
Posted 12/1/2013 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Go ahead and vent...it is good to let it out!:)

It is frustrating to have symptoms return...either from circumstances, or med tweaks....or reasons unknown.;(

A small consolation is that you have a good idea of why you are feeling this way...and that it is most likely temporary.

Keep up the positive thinking, try some of those ideas in the Resources and keep posting with us!

Reading other's posts and responding when you feel you might lend some encouragment is also very healing...and a great way to feel a part of this community.:)

We are glad that you have joined us!

S.C.
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