How long will it take for my Zoloft levels to build back up?

I had been taking Zoloft 50mg once a day since Sept. 1999 for panic/anxiety attacks and PTSD.  After the first week of Zoloft and 0.5 mg. Xanax, I was able to stop the Xanax and I never had another panic/anxiety attack in almost 9 years of taking 50 mg Zoloft.  In August of this year, 2008, I stopped taking the Zoloft-cold turkey- because I felt so happy having just fallen in love after being alone for 11 years. This is a long distance relationship at this time.   On Aug. 29, 2008, I crashed badly.  I started right back on 50 mg. of Zoloft, ended up Sept 6th in the ER in full blown anxiety attack and was prescribed 0.5 mg Xanax bid.  I am still having daily crying spells, with intense fear and anxiety.  I have been back on Zoloft for 4 weeks and Xanax for 3 weeks.  Shouldn't I be seeing more improvement by now?  I also have nausea,hot flashes,  loss of appetite, sleepiness most of the day, which I fight for fear of falling asleep but, I sleep all night with no fear. I started menopause in 1999, with cessation of menses in 2001.  

[cj29]

It is never a good idea to quit an SSRI cold turkey and without direction from your doctor.  It can cause undo anxiety and can be downright dangerous.  Remember, that it can take 4-6 weeks to really 'kick in.'  Also, anxiety levels can rise whenever you adjust your dose.  With the return of anxiety, have you gone back to see a therapist to talk about it?  Anxiety can return, but you have the knowledge to know what to expect this time...keep us posted!