Zoloft question

My doctor prescribed 100mg of Zoloft to combat ill effects of xanax. I've d/c'd the xanax under her authorization. Sine this time, I've had increased anxiety and panic attacks. I don't know if it's the zoloft or simply withdrawal but my anxiety has increased. I have had the most panic attacks while driving. Anyone have similar experience with zoloft?

[greenlydia]

First of all, how long and at what dose were you on Xanax? Xanax must be tapered very slowly over a fairly long period of time to make the w/d less severe. Did your doctor simply tell you to stop taking it.........cold turkey? If she did, I would suggest you find a new doctor who understands these types of meds better. Going off Xanax too fast will produce the exact symptoms you're describing. Zoloft, to the best of my knowledge, is never used as a transition drug while w/d from Xanax or any benzo. Zoloft does have some affinity for anxiety, but it's main use is for depression. If your doctor is trying to help you transition off the Xanax by using another medication, she would have done better by you if she'd put you on Klonopin or Valium............yes, they too are benzos, but much easier to taper off than Xanax and more than likely you wouldn't even be on them long enough to have to taper.
I'd ask some serious questions.
I take Zoloft and it's never caused any anxiety at all.
I do wish you the best
Peace
Greenlydia

[kimzlosinit]

Thanks again for your comments. I took myself off the xanax cold turkey then saw the doctor today who said that going back on it to taper would not be worthwhile; simply hurling me steps backwards instead of forward. She did offer the Klonopin but said that it would produce similar effects as the xanax. Perhaps I haven't given the zoloft time enough to work. I've just been on it for three days. She said to stay with the zoloft as it would act on the anxiety. If this dosage doesn't work, she suggested I return for an increase or change to another medication. I hate being in this continual cycle.

[greenlydia]

I understand your frustration very well. Most of can relate to it.
I may disagree with your doctors thoughts on w/d, but she is the one with the medical degree, not me, and she is the one you need to listen to. I'm sure if things were to get really rough for you, she would do something to help.
Since you've only been on the Zoloft for three days, you do need to give it more time to reach therapeutic levels which is different for everyone, but you should begin to feel something in about 2 weeks.
Perhaps if your anxiety gets really bad while you wait for the Zoloft to kick in, your doctor could perhaps give you a script for Ativan or Valium to take AS NEEDED for times your anxiety was really bad. You could discuss that with her. Sometimes just knowing you have something to take if it really gets out of control is enough.
You WILL get out of this cycle............changes are difficult with these types of meds.
So hang in, be strong and keep your doctor in the loop on how you're doing. Me too!
Peace
Greenlydia