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Zoloft - Anxiety side effect won't go away

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Posted 7/27/2015 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm new here and I need some advice.

-- BACK STORY --

I have a panic disorder, but I suffer from depression occasionally as a result of my more extreme panic attacks. My really bad ones last 6-8 hours and completely deplete my serotonin, leaving me severely depressed.

I first went on Zoloft several years ago when I had my first extreme panic episode. I was put on Klonopin to help (I had a chain of rebound panic attacks in the following weeks), and found my therapeutic Zoloft dose at 150mg. After just a few weeks on the 150mg I felt wonderful -- no more depression, back to my old self. I slowly tapered down and have been on 50mg Zoloft ever since. Unfortunately, no one explained that I should taper off Klonopin (and only use as needed), so I remained on a continued nightly dosage of 1mg for the next few years. D'oh! At some point I became tolerant to the Klonopin (which I didn't even know was possible). Instead of explaining benzos, my p-doc just switched me to a daily prescription for Xanax.

-- MY CURRENT PROBLEM --

In May I suffered the loss of my grandmother and had a panic-a-thon after her funeral. I reached for my Xanax and -- you guessed it -- no help. The next day I fell into a deep depression. My p-doc upped my 50mg Zoloft to 100mg for a month in which time I had absolutely NO change in my depression. We then went to 150mg since that was the magic number last time, and I felt an instant improvement. I also had a bunch of side effects (including insomnia, anxiety, the jitters, loss of appetite, etc.) but they all went away after 10 days. All except for the anxiety.

I have horrible morning anxiety from the time I wake up... although it does fade as the day progresses. I wake up at 5:30am for some Zoloft reason, and it's a struggle. I am crawling out of my skin every morning because I have no anti-anxiety medicine. I have tried all sorts of natural remedies and nothing has helped. Should I do the unthinkable and try another benzo (for the short term this time)? I'm willing to suffer through it if the Zoloft is going to work, but I don't want to suffer needlessly.

So my question is... why do I still have daily anxiety after 3 full weeks on 150mg Zoloft? Does this mean I am on the wrong dose, or perhaps Zoloft isn't going to benefit me any more? Or maybe I just need to wait longer? I know some people say the medicine needs 4-6 weeks to kick in, but I have heard the side effects stop around 2 weeks.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

-Cat
Posted 7/28/2015 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome, Cat. Sorry you are struggling so right now. I'm glad you found us, because there are a lot of very caring, and understanding people here.

So how long have you been off of the Xanax or are you still on it?

I get confused.
Posted 7/28/2015 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Stacey, I was still on the Xanax when the depression hit so I am still taking it. I don't want to start tapering off now because I don't want to add any withdrawal symptoms with my current anxiety levels where they are.
Posted 7/28/2015 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I get it now. I get confused easily. ;)

Maybe you do need an AD switch. Maybe a switch in docs as well.? I don't know.

Can you take a Xanax when you wake up, and see if that helps?

Do you do any CBT or any other therapy? Maybe check out our resources center at the top of the forum, and see if there are some coping skills that will benefit you.
Posted 7/28/2015 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi again Stacey,

Good idea about switching AD and possibly even docs. I am seeing a new doc tomorrow to get a second opinion. She specializes in anxiety disorders so I am hopeful that she will be able to help me.

I often take Xanax when I wake up, but unfortunately I have built up a tolerance so it doesn't really do much for me. Sometimes I take a double dose (1mg total) and that helps me some days.

I don't currently do any therapy, but I have learned quite a few coping skills over the years. Most days I can handle just about anything, but weeks of this continued anxiety is wearing me down.

I will check out the resources center, thanks for the tip.

-Cat
Posted 7/28/2015 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
BlueCat,
Even with a dosage increase, it does take a while for it to take full effect. I would give it a full month to a month and a half and then if it's not working, consider possible changing of medications. I know what you mean about the anxiety constantly wearing you down. I feel this way often, too.
Wishing you the best!
Posted 7/28/2015 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Blu's Mama. I am/was planning to give Zoloft 6 weeks but I never thought anxiety would be sticking around.
Posted 7/28/2015 5:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi BC and welcome!

I hope that your appointment goes really well with your new doctor tomorrow...keep us updated won't you?

I would not be suprised if you just need a week or two longer with your restart. It is not unusual to be a bit resistant to an Rx the second time around...

I really think seeing the specialist is going to give you a good game plan and some hope...which will go a long way in helping you to feel better!

Here is the link to the Resources full of those great coping skills mentioned above...they really do make a difference if practiced daily!

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206



Keep posting with us...support is key!

Scaredy Cat

Posted 7/28/2015 8:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum but sorry to hear you are dealing with anxiety.

With regards to your Zoloft I would wait a couple of more weeks to see if it kicks in and helps with the anxiety if it does not then go back to your doctor and consider an other AD. Remember AD will only help ease your symptoms so it's best to combine them with talking therapy such as CBT or Mindfulness. It is also a good idea to use self help if you look at our resources thread you will find some useful links.

Have you tried Valerian Root? It can really help with sleep.

I hope you appointment goes well.

Hibee
Posted 7/28/2015 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
I am back from the specialist. She turned out to be no good. She wouldn't listen to me, and refused to believe anxiety is a side effect of Zoloft. I tried to explain that there are many people who have had their anxiety increased when upping Zoloft and she said "I'm the doctor. Who are you going to believe, me or random people on some forum?" I didn't answer because I would not have sided with her.

I'll stick with the 150mg Zoloft for another 3 weeks (6 weeks total) because I really want to kick the rest of this depression. I'm just worried I'm on the wrong dose because I am having such a severe reaction to it. I started on gabapentin today which I'm really hoping helps reduce my anxiety. Have any of you tried it?

Scaredy Cat, thanks for the reassurance on sticking with Zoloft, and the link; I bookmarked it.

Hibee, I haven't tried Valerian Root... just looked it up and it looks promising, thanks. Sleep has been hard to get lately. Last night I didn't even make it to my usual 5:30am, I woke up at 2am with severe trembling and rapid heart beat. I could not go back to sleep because every time I tried, I got rapid heart beat and more trembling. As for CBT/Mindfulness, I am debating trying them because most of my anxiety issues happen either upon falling asleep or waking. I don't know if there is any way to teach my subconscious not to freak out.

I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. Thanks for your support, this is a great community. :)

-Cat
Posted 7/29/2015 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
B.C.,

I am so sorry to hear the specialist appointment was not helpful.:( I was really hopeful for you...

...but it sounds like you are a great advocate for yourself, so well done on continuing on with the plan you believe to be best for you!!

Gabapentin is a helpful add on for many...so best of luck with it...I hope it is a great help.

Yes keep us posted and we will keep you in support!

S.C
Posted 7/29/2015 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, S.C.

My brain is so foggy from all of the drugs and anxiety and everything that I totally spaced on one key point that I think is triggering my terrible anxiety. My dad pointed this out to me today. Yay, Dad.

My doctor had put me on more benzos when I started the higher dose of Zoloft, and I took everything as prescribed for two months until I realized I had benzo tolerance so I stopped taking most of what he prescribed. I bet I am having withdrawal symptoms from those stupid benzos. I looked up the tremor on waking symptom and it is a classic benzo withdrawal symptom. I certainly never had it with any of my anxiety in the past, so it makes sense that is where it's coming from, and it isn't the Zoloft at all.

I am going to take more benzos tonight (as prescribed) and see if I still get such terrible anxiety tomorrow morning. Man, if this is the fix, I'm going to be one happy camper.

-Cat
Posted 7/29/2015 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
blue-how long have you been on zoloft all together? its famous for it to stop working and you dont even realize it. this happened to me after 6 years. it worked wonders while i was on it. no anxiety and i slept great. melantonin and valerian root taken together can really help with sleep issues with out going to an rx . you can try buspar for anxiety tho if you are a long time benzo user it may not be strong enough. also 150 of zoloft is too strong in my opinion and will cause anxiety at that dose. 50mg was the magic dose for me but we all respond to meds in diff ways.
Posted 7/29/2015 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan,

I have been on Zoloft for maybe 5 years? I can't quite remember. I needed the 150mg dose the first time I had depression and it did wonders for me, then I went to 50mg and have been there ever since. Once the depression hit this time, I stayed on the 50mg dose for an entire month to see if it would be enough to help. It wasn't. I went up to 100mg and it didn't help any more than the 50mg did. I went up to 150mg and it started helping me. I feel much better than I did 3 weeks ago when I started it, except for the anxiety.

We posted at basically the same time, so look at my post right above yours... I think I am going through benzo withdrawal due to my negligence because I am a space cadet from all of these meds, and that is where the anxiety is coming from!

Thanks for the tip on melatonin and Valerian root. I am taking melatonin at night currently, and it works to help me sleep. Unfortunately, I can't take Buspar, it makes me hyper. I have some weird chemistry where some meds that are supposed to sedate you give me a boost instead. I tried an anti-histamine called Hydroxyzine a few days ago for sleep and anxiety. I had read reviews and most people were falling asleep on low doses. I got a prescription for 50mg and took two, and I got insomnia and stayed up all night instead. Go figure.

-Cat
Posted 7/29/2015 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Bluecat,


I been taking clonasapam for many years. There is nothing wrong with taking it. A lot of people I know take it daily with there meds. I only take 0.5 mg of it a day and if I feel I need another at night I may take it. Which is rarely. So if you need the benzo take it.
Posted 7/29/2015 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks bambola. I have also taken it for years, and it helped me a lot. Unfortunately, I built up a tolerance to it so now it's like taking a Flintstones vitamin, but not as healthy. :) I don't get any relief from it any more so I need to move on to another drug. This time I chose a non-benzo to see how it will work. Time will tell!

-Cat
Posted 7/29/2015 9:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi BC

Sorry to hear your appointment did not go to well I have dealt with doctors like that in the past and have changed doctors many times until I found an understanding doctor, the doctor I have now is excellent.

I think sticking with the Zoloft for a bit longer is a good idea but if things don't improve then I would consider other options. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that works off label for anxiety and pain I have not taken it but have been on a different anticonvulsant called Pregabalin (Lyrica) and did find it very effective for anxiety.

Do look into talking therapy is it is that which you will find most helpful.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 7/29/2015 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Hibee.

It turns out my heightened anxiety was due to my lack of taking all of the benzos I had been prescribed, and I got a really good night's sleep last night once I went back to what I was supposed to be doing. I'm very happy that it's not the Zoloft causing the anxiety, and I will have no issue waiting another 3 weeks to see if I improve more on it.

Thanks for all of the encouragement... I'll keep you posted about how I'm doing, if there are any changes.

-Cat
Posted 7/30/2015 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
good luck with the benzo taper. here is a web site with help from veteran benzo users who may be able to offer advanced help. benzobuddies.org.
Posted 7/30/2015 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I am pleased to hear things are improving for you.

Hibee
Posted 7/30/2015 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
they are not improving if hes hooked on a benzo. he has a rough road ahead
Posted 7/30/2015 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
SD.,

That is not for any of us to suppose about...

This is a matter between BC and his/her doctor

Please keep your comments of the supportive nature.

That is our purpose here afterall. :)

S.C.
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