stay on zoloft or switch.

[nowhopefull]

I would love to have some feedback and possibly reaasurance.  I've been back on my zoloft (after not taking it properly)..4 weeks on 50mg per day (baby dose) and tomorrow will be two weeks on 100mg per day.  I have been so anxxious that i've been taking a baby dose of xanax (.25mg) one time per day.  Twice at the most but not usually.  I think the zoloft has made improvements however very sutble and i'm so discourged.  A little history..i've been on zoloft for about 15 years and it really worked wonders for me. The one thing that i'm worrying about is when i originally went on zoloft it worked in two weeks.  I know it could be pooping out but should i give it a little longer because i don't want to have to switch meds if i don't have to.  And I want to give it a fair chance..I go see the doctor on friday but wanted to just get some opinions.  Also, if the zoloft did poop out on me that doesn't mean that somethign else won't work right??
please nothing scary or negative.

[mrspillpopper659]

You could always try Effexor.

[nursegirl6572]

Hey hon.  Good to hear from you again!

I think I told you before that even after each dosage increase, you have to give the med the same amount of time to work, 4-6 weeks.  Now, usually with the increases, the improvements will be noticeable a little faster than the initial adjustment period, but it's still recommended to give it ample time.

I also recall that you were previously on a pretty substantial dose of Zoloft right? Like 100 or 150mg?  If so, then it's probably the case that you will need at least that dose, if not something a bit higher.  If you were on 150mg the last time, it's reasonable to assume you may need at least that same dose, if not a higher one to acheive the same level of effectiveness.

My opinion with the adjustment of these kinds of medications is that one should exhaust all possibilities with one med (including dosage increases, and allowing enough time to adjust after the increases) before throwing in the towel and starting over with another med.  You've come this far with the Zoloft, I think you should stick it out.  You may be surprised that when you get to a higher dose, and after you adjust, that you'll see some real improvements.  The fact that you HAVE seen some subtle improvements is an excellent sign.

I know it's hard to be patient, because you so desperately want to feel better, but this process unfortunately DOES take time.  It's not unusual for it to take a few months to adjust to a med, and get to a therapeutic dose.  

My vote is to keep working with the Zoloft for a while.  It's only been two weeks on the 100mg, I think it's premature to switch to something else.  Give this some time, and be patient with yourself...okay hon?  If you're still having a lot of anxiety, I would ask the doctor about temporarily bumping up the Xanax dose too.  You take that just "as needed"?  Are you in therapy?  If not, that's a must...if you are, you may need to increase the frequency of your sessions too.

And, as to the question about the Zoloft pooping out.  IF indeed you decide after a fair shot with the Zoloft that it's just not working, that is NO indication that another med won't work too.  While all of the ADs are in the same class, they all actually differ quite a bit in their mechanism of action.  That's why, for many people, one med will not work , yet another works great!

We're here for you, you know that!

[BluCrystal]

I say take the zoloft as directed, and bring up your concerns with your doctor.  There are many antidepressants out there, and most of them do take weeks to work.  I know that's frustrating.  I suggest asking your doctor about the possibility of adding Vistiril: it is a fast-acting antianxiety med that is mild but works well.  It might take the edge off while you wait for the antidepressnts to work. Blessings - Blu