I truly understand and sympathize with your frustration. I think the wisest step at this point would be to see your doctor again and discuss the insomnia. I believe this problem should take precedence over your anxiety until it has been resolved, especially since it was a major issue before you began the Zoloft. Sleep deprivation is not something to take lightly and can exacerbate a great many other problems.....anxiety being one.
You may want to discuss having a sleep study done to rule out other issues such as sleep apnea.
I am NOT a doctor, but my humble advice would be to put AD's on the back burner for now and focus on the insomnia which, as I stated before, COULD be the root of your anxiety.
If this doctor is not willing to discuss alternatives, then I again recommend you find yourself another doctor.
Keep us posted
RW
Are you doing this with a doctor or a psychiatrist? General docs often don't know much about medication. Some psychiatrists don't either, but as this is all they do, you should have some better luck. As for side effects, remember that side effects start right away while effects usually take between 4-6 weeks to kick in. I'm also wondering if your doc is tapering you up on the drug or just started you at a therapeutic dose. It's as important to taper up so your brain can get used to it as it is to taper down so your brain can get used to not having it. As already mentioned, if this is just too much for you, you can stop now and try a different med or try a different strategy -- we all react to meds differently.
We all react to AD's differently, so telling you how other people have faired on Zoloft really isn't a good stick to measure with.
Most of the side effects you are experiencing can be very common with Zoloft, especially in the initial first few weeks of therapy.
I'm sorry your doctor is not more reassuring. If he is treating you for anxiety, he isn't doing a very good job of it.
It is also possible that since your symptoms are fairly intense on the lowest dose possible, you may have a hypersensitivity to SSRI's.
My advice? Call your doctor (again) and tell him you want to stop the Zoloft immediately. (WE can not tell you to stop or change any medications) He sounds like the type of doctor who won't care, which will make it all that much easier to find one who DOES!
I realize changing doctors is not always easy, but in this case, I think you would do much better with someone who really has your best interest at heart. After only 5 days on the Zoloft, you will have no problem stopping abruptly.
Have you considered trying CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) instead of AD's? Many people who have problems with AD's find relief through talk therapy alone. This is an option you could discuss if you decide to see another doctor.
Not sure I was much help, but I'm totally unimpressed with your current doctor.
I wish you the best
RubyWitch