Zoloft side effects

I have been taking zoloft for approximately 6 years and stopped taking the Zoloft gradually because of weight gain which increased my blood pressure.  I was taking 25 mg for 6 years the cut back to 12.5 for about 3 or 4 weeks then cut out the zoloft completely.  That was about 6 weeks ago.  Last week I began having increased anxiety, sweaty hands and feet, my heart seemed to be beating harder and breathing seemed more difficult.  I also had an upper respiratory infection, which was affecting my throat and lungs.  I went to my Dr. and met with Physician's Assis. He gave me Ativan for the panic and said the symptoms were more than likely not "withdrawal symptoms" since it had been 5-6 weeks since I had last taken Zoloft.  I asked him to refill the zoloft b/c I had noticed that my mood was becoming more depressed and I thought it would help with the anxiety.  I began retaking the zoloft this past Friday.  I started back at 25 mg. I took 25 mg. on Fri, Sat, Sun night and 12.5 mg last night.  (I cut back to 12.5 last night b/c I thought the Zoloft was increasing my panic symptoms.)My anxiety on Sat., Sun, and Mon, actually got worse-- I began having the side effects of sweaty palms and feet, tingly legs and arms, nausuea, extremely dry mouth, inability to function.  The symptoms would last from the time I woke around 6:00 a.m. until about 8:00 p.m. I would have mental clarity and be free of side effects from 8:00 pm until I went to bed.  To make it through the "panic" during the day I would take .5 or .25 Ativan.  The Ativan made me even more dysfunctional. I had to basically lie down all day, only forcing myself to get up to eat and go to the restroom. Around 8 pm, it was as if  the Ativan and zoloft were out of my system, I was fine.  I have an appt with my Dr. tomorrow.  I was wondering if anyone else has experience a similar situation and what helped you get over the panic/ anxiety/confusion?  Whether anyone else has had these side effects from going back on Zoloft after coming off temporarily?  
Thanks for listening.

Chloe

[Hensley258]

You got a good 6 year run from Zoloft. Call yourself lucky because most people only get about 4 years effectivness from the drug even at super high dosages.

IMO, it's time you look for another antidepressant to replace it.

Also, Psychotropic meds to not cause weight gain, It is scientific fact that they do not change the metabolizm. Placebo effect only.

I take 4 different hard hitting antidepressant and Psychotropic drugs. I am a 40 year old 5' 9" male 175Lbs of rock solid muscle and only 9% body fat.

This is done with extensive weight training and a strict low carb, high protean diet.

Antidepressants stimulate appitite and this is where the weight gain comes from. Change exersise and diet and I guarentee you will loose weight on any antidepressant.

Again remember that Antidepressant do stimulate appitite. This will (if you let it) cause weight gain. Exersise 5 days a week and count you calories.

It is impossible to gain weight or fat if you take in LESS calories than you burn in a given day. That is simple biology.

Also try to understand that our bodys want us to be fat. It is their goal to add fat. As I always say "our bodys hate us."