zoloft side effects

[sk102681]

Hi,
  I have had severe anxiety for over 15 years now. I was on prozac and xanax for 5 years and then stopped the prozac about a year and a half ago. My panic and anxiety has overtaken my life to the point where I don't want to even leave the house and I'm constantly fearful. My doctor started me yesterday on zoloft at 25mg for a week then I'm going up to 50mg next week. I woke up this morning worried about side effects and felt like my heart was racing and going to beat out of my chest. I took 2 xanax (which I've been taking for years) and feel like I'm calming down, but I'm worried this racing heart is a side effect or if it's just my anxiety of taking the new medication. I want to get my life back but I think I'm afraid even this won't work.  Would appreciate any advice or feedback.

[ScalpMassager]

done (you're welcome)

[sk102681]

Thanks for your response and yes, I'd appreciate any anxiety coping tips you can pass along.

Thanks again

[ScalpMassager]

Mood disorder prescription meds usually have side effects, sometimes really troublesome but thankfully they're very rarely fatal.  A working dosage level often needs to be gradually worked up to so our bodies can adapt to such harsh chemicals, and interim side effects may go away as we adapt.  Long term use may lead to a fresh side effect appearing at some point (so, those need to be watched out for).   Meanwhile anxiety can create its own symptoms which can confuse matters in assessing a new med's impact and safety.

May I message you with a selection of links to my recent posts about anxiety coping tips?