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784382 tn?1376931040

anyone take zoloft for anxiety?

dr just gave me an RX for zoloft but i havent filled it yet.....its for 50mg but he said just take half of a pill so it would be 25mg

the past few days i have had good days but today blows.......im scared to be on meds but i dont want to feel like this anymore

anyone take zoloft?.....any advise?.......stories are a great help
Best Answer
480448 tn?1426948538
Hiya turkee!  I'm glad to hear you're still addressing the anxiety...that's great.

Keep in mind that when you ask for input on meds, some of it may be less than favorable.  That's fine as everyone has their own experiences, but don't get a preconceived notion about it either way...let yourself have your own unique experience.

I can tell you about MY experience with Zoloft. First, it is actually one of the the most commonly Rx'd SSRI's for anxiety and panic with a great record of success.  Zoloft was the first med I ever took for my panic disorder and I'll tell you, it gave me my life back.  I went from literally housebound to "back to me" in a matter of months.  I am a huge Zoloft supporter.  I tolerated it pretty well too, a few initial (mild) side effects, slightly increased anxiety being one for which I took an occasional Ativan while I was waiting for the Zoloft to start working.

Generally speaking, these meds take about 4-6 weeks to really start noticing improvements.  Many people report a subtle change for the better after about 2-3 weeks, but the dramatic changes take a little longer.  For some, it may take even a bit longer than 6 weeks.  That's especially true if your doc is going to gradually increase your dose (ie 25 mg for a few weeks, then up to 50)...which may be necessary.  Some people require a higher dose and some do great on the low dose, it just depends.  It's very important to take it every day and to allow it ample time before making a determination that it does or doesn't work.  People that experience side effects are often inclined to throw in the towel before giving it a fair shake.  Which brings me to the side effects....

Zoloft can come with some initial side effects.  Again, it varies, some people don't ever have one side effect, and others have an harder time adjusting.  One of the most commonly reported side effect is an initial increase in anxiety, which stinks, because that's what the med is Rx'd for!  I've had this with other SSRI meds and would describe it more of a "jittery" feeling, like I drank too much coffee.  Other common side effects can be GI upset (nausea, diarrhea), sleep disturbances (either insomnia or drowsiness), headaches.  When I have experienced side effects with these kinds of meds, they have started improving between the first and second week, and resolving all together by the third or fourth week of treatment.  Again, this varies...so don't go into this thinking the worst.  If you do have some side effects...work with your doctor...try to stick it out.  The benefits are worth it.  I cannot stress enough that deciding early on that it either isn;t working or is making you feel worse is not giving it a chance.  Also, 25mg is a great starting dose...it will minimize any side effects.  Some docs will start people out on 50mg.  I feel that less is better, and if dosage adjustments need made later, that's fine.

One day at a time...keep in contact with your doc.  If side effects are bothersome, call your doc.  There are usually different things you can do to help ease those effects, if you happen to get them...before they start going away.  Go into this with an open mind...and be patient.

Of course, we're here for you as well.  This is really a great step....I can't say enough good things about Zoloft.  I was amazed at how it worked for me.  The more positive you feel about you taking your life back, I believe the more successful this will be for you.  Don't be scared...be relieved!

All the best!
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784382 tn?1376931040
yea im deff expecting a increase when i see him in 2 weeks.

did you have these brain zap things?
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
No, it wouldn't poop out that fast.  I typically needed an increase in dose about once a year, twice at the most, once I was on the dose that worked for me.

You may still need a higher dose, like you said, but the important thing is...things are improving!  Yay!  Keep it up girl!
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
well i only been on it for 6 weeks so i dont think it would poop out that fast.....right?...

yea in general im feeling alot better and more like myself everyday, wouldnt be suprised if he upped the dose at the 8 week mark, cause i still getting some anxiety, so im expecting a increase. just yesterday and today been getting the weird zaps, almost like a wave come over me but happing alot it seems. and i been taking my meds every morning. i even write it down in 2 places so i dont forget that i took it lol
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Type in antidepressant poop out into google and look at how many hits you get. Yes you can get tolerance, i did. It is different for everyone as to how fast it will occur.
I became dependent on prozac for 9 years and i believe it caused my conditions to become more chronic long term and less responsive to numerous treatments. Withdrawal is hell worse than my original problem.
Helpful - 0
1719825 tn?1316265832
Hey turkee, brain zaps usually happen when you don't take your meds. Or when you're tapering off.

How are you feeling in general? I am feeling more like myself every day. Sleeping better, eating a ton, and I'm actually starting to enjoy things again. I hope you're feeling good, too!
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
getting weird brain zaps today.......akward.....yesterday was 6 weeks
Helpful - 0
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