Anxiety and Zoloft

[tj2007]

I need to know if it is normal to get withdrawl type symptoms starting zoloft. I tryed paxil and lexapro started getting withdrawl like symptoms {chills ,irritable ,cold feet}.So the Dr. said lets try zoloft same thing im sticking with it cause i need some relief from the panic/anxiety. started 25mg for one week now im three days into 50mg still feel withdrawl like symptoms.I was on paxil 3yrs ago don't remember getting these symptoms ,but i was on methadone at that time maybe thats why i did't get the symptoms the Dr. can't tell me yes or no to that. Maybe someone could give me peace of mind and tell me this is normal and how long this will last.i know about withdrawls coming off the drugs {chills ,irritable ,cold feet}but starting the drug ?

[spade22]

Absolutely normal!  There are MANY side-effects of starting an SSRI which range from flu-like symptoms, to insomina, to pain/tingling in extremities and even worsening of anxiety/depression symptoms.  

In my case, I experienced severe depression (I was not depressed before taking the medicine), a "buzzed" feeling (like I was on a caffeine drip), and loss of appetite when I began zoloft - the effects lasted a about 10 days.  When my dosage was increased, I experienced the same side-effects again for about a week.

It takes 2-6 weeks for SSRI's to begin working.  Side effects can last a few weeks while the body adjusts to the medicine but usually decrease in intensity over this time.  It sounds very much like you are experiencing some of the common side-effects of Zoloft and I wouldnt be suprised if these have subsided dramatically within the next week (unless you start a higher dose).

[spade22]

I forgot to add, that different SSRI's can effect you in a different ways.  In other words, although you may not experience any initial side-effects when taking one SSRI, this doesnt necessarily hold true regarding other drugs in this class.