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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
well today i woke up and took my pill and BAM had the WORST chest pain ever!.....i was freaking out!....... it finally went away after an hour or so, still have no idea what it was. and i think that has made me jittery all day long.

again i still feel a lil jittery at times so im think the dr will up the dose next time i see him in september. im hoping not to much, what happens if the dosage is to high for you?.....

and i have read that people say these meds kinda "stop working for them" when does that happen (if it does) a few months? a few years?............

but all in all i would say that i have been doing alot better then from when i started, i do have the set backs every now and then
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
yay!  Sounds like both of you are doing better and better!
Helpful - 0
1719825 tn?1316265832
I slept better last night, too - almost until 7 a.m.! That's the latest I've slept in weeks. Hurray for progress!
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
doing ok today.......slept a lil better last night.....
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
well i got NO sleep last night....i took 2 melatonin but i think i got the wrong kind, it says 300 mcgs NOT mg. and it say vegatarian type if that matters.

today i was feeling a lil jittery so i took a .25 xanax this morning =((( im hoping just cause i didnt any sleep last night
Helpful - 0
784382 tn?1376931040
no worried doll!....i sent i a PM back....xoxoxxo
Helpful - 0
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