Zoloft, Anxiety and adrenaline

[Marks470]

I have been on Zoloft for about 10 weeks, the last four at 150mg.  I had been feeling great for the last two weeks and then suddenly, my anxiety came back.  Slowly at first and then pretty hard today.  I had hoped that the zoloft would keep the depression and anxiety away.  I am seeing a therapist for CBT as well.  My depression is still under control but the anxiety is bad.  Shouldn't the zoloft take care of the anxiety?  Also, once my body is full of adrenaline and/or cortisol or what ever the chemicals are that cause anxiety, what is the best way to get them out of my system?  I feel completely worn out and don't know if I should go to bed or go do some vigorous exercise to try to clear my system. Will anything work or does it just take time?

Thank you.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Zoloft sometimes make anxiety worse when it acts as stimulant, and in general, is not as effective for anxiety as it is for depression.  You might ask your doctor to add klonopin.  Exercise is also a good self help approach.

[Vicky50]

Luvox is good for anxiety although it is an antidepressant. I've been on both that and Zoloft. Goodluck x

[Paxiled]

Nobody knows, really, what med will work best for you.  If the Zoloft doesn't work, you can try another.  For the cortisol, you can try taking adaptogenic herbs such as eleuthero and ashwagandha, and an herb called holy basil, which helps lower cortisol levels.  Of course, since the cortisol is a result of the anxiety, the best cure is for that CBT to work.  Good luck with it.