Adjusting to Zoloft - Help

[Melisfullofanxiety]

I need some advice and I'm hoping you guys can make me feel better. I've recently been developed some health issues that are not resolved yet. The testing is coming up on Friday. I began to experience extreme anxiety this past week, like something I've never experienced before. I had gone to my doctor last Friday to discuss my stress levels (I have a stressful life and job with kids) and he prescribed 25 mg of Zoloft. Many people in my family take this pill and love it. I decided to give it a try......well wammo! I took the first two pills with no issues, skipped a pill the third day and ended up with the worst anxiety I have ever felt in my life. I took a pill yesterday to get back on track which seemed to help but the jittery and out of body experience I'm feeling is so upsetting. I have a very dry mouth as well. Is this all normal or am I have the wrong side effects from Zoloft??? Any advice is helpful. Thanks.

[Melisfullofanxiety]

Hi, thanks for the reach out. I really appreciate the support of this network. It's been a blessing to me. The past week and half has not been easy, especially last week. I ended up taking the entire week off from work, which is very unusual for me, and it made me feel closed in all week while trying to adjust to new med's. The Zoloft at 25mg was just too much for me. I am 118 lbs, small framed. When I switched to the 12.5mg I saw an immediate improvement. My doctor just called me again this morning and wants me to stay on the 12.5 for 8 full weeks. We will reassess at that time to move me up. I have to say, this week is going pretty well. I feel less anxiety throughout the day, yet in the early morning hours I am anxious. I am getting back to a normal routine around the house and with the family, which I think they all appreciate. I feel about 75%, really looking forward to feeling better in the weeks ahead. That's my goal at least!!!

[4Maddie44]

It is great that you have an understanding and helpful doctor.  I think it is a well known fact that medication can make us feel worse initially and then when our body gets used to it, we feel better.  I do hope that is true in your case.  

[4Maddie44]

How are you feeling now?  Are things improving?

[Brelaxed]

I can relate to what you are experiencing. I've been dealing with GAD and high anxiety for about four years now. I have tried Paxil and a few other saris over the years half heartedly, but recently I got motivated to actually give one a chance. I have a great doc who suggested we try zoloft. I did 12.5mg for 7 days, and I've been at 25mg for the last 5 days. I am noticing a marked increase in anxious feelings, but if there is some relief down the road I'm willing to pay the price in the short run. I have a scrip for Lorazapam - up to 1 mg per day as needed, but starting zoloft has required at least 0.5 mg per morning, and a couple of days I've taken it twice.  I'm worried about the lorazapam use, but I guess it might be the best way to get established on the zoloft. I have heard so many good things about Zoloft for anxiety - I am hopeful for some decrease in my anxiety levels. I hope you the best, and I'm curious if others are experiencing similar effects.

[Melisfullofanxiety]

Thanks again for the feedback. It's been about 4 days on the 12.5 mg and things seem to be settling in pretty well. I still feel anxious is the early morning, mid morning hours. However, I am able to work full days and feel pretty productive in my meetings lately. I'm battling a digestive disorder that is still relatively undiagnosed, and that's what is causing my anxiety. I know that for a fact. I called my doctor today and he is fine with me taking the 1/2 pill until further notice. I'm pretty sensitive to med's (obviously). Do you think I can stay on 12.5mg from this point on or will I need to increase back to 25mg. One thing I noticed today, I could focus better.

[nursegirl6572]

That's fine.  Many people choose to start out at a low dose and work their way up.  It can definitely help to minimize the start up side effects.  You can also talk to your doctor about a short term course of an anti-anxiety medication, like Ativan or Xanax, to help with the side effects while you wait the couple of weeks for them to start subsiding.

Just keep in mind that it's also common to see a resurgence of those start up side effects with each dosage increase along the way, although usually after you're on it for a while, they won't be quite as severe as the initial side effects.

It's tough to ride out those side effects...but for most people, they DO get better, and it really doesn't take that long.  Just keep your doctor notified as to how you're feeling.

Update us when you can!

[Melisfullofanxiety]

I actually decided to take my dosage down to 12.5mg. I don't know if that will actually provide me any relief but it seems the 25mg was just too strong initially. What is your opinion about that choice?

[nursegirl6572]

Yes. the jittery, "drank too much coffee" kind of feeling is one of the more common start up side effects.  That should start to improve after about 1-2 weeks.  

[Paxiled]

There is no normal.  There is only what you feel, as we all have different responses.  

[Melisfullofanxiety]

Thanks for the response. I do not plan to miss anymore doses. I was surprised to see the withdrawal symptoms so severe with 1 missed pill. Is the jittery feeling a normal response to Zoloft?

[Paxiled]

You've only been on it for such a short time, it probably hasn't started to work yet, but you should know Zoloft, like most ssris, stays in the body only a matter of hours.  If you miss doses you will go into withdrawal so if you intend to take this drug you don't want to miss doses.  Dry mouth is common with most antidepressants.  It's not as bad with ssris as with, say, tricyclics, so this might go away, but results vary.