Breakthrough anxiety and depression on zoloft

[hooterificjoy]

Hi, I've suffered from panic attacks, anxiety and depression since I was a child. I've been on Zoloft(sertaline) 100mg once a day for over 10 years and it has worked fairly well. I've had times where my panic attacks and anxiety have flared back up but I'm been able to control them and go back to normal pretty quick. Recently about 2-3 weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night at work (ER vet so work overnight shifts) with a panic attack. I was able to calm myself down and go back to sleep but it was scary. The next morning I get a call from my ex-husband who even after the divorce I am still very close with telling me that me is not allowed to contact me anymore bc of his girlfriend. After that everything went crazy for me. I've been having episodes of severe depression (bursting out in tears and crying), severe anxiety (always feeling on edge and like I'm about to have a panic attack) and a few panic attacks as well. I have Xanax and Extended release xanax for when I fly alone (have anxiety on planes) and have had to take it several times to calm me down. I've also had thoughts about suicide even though I would never do it. Its scary when I'm so exhausated from work but I can't sleep bc I'm so anxious. I feel so alone at times even though my ex has been talking with me and I have great friends and family. I've made an appointment to talk with a Dr about my meds and just get help. Has anyone had breakthrough anxiety like this before? What has worked or helped? I don't like taking the Xanax bc of its addictive nature but I'm not sure what else to do. I'm very active (Crossfitter), I work alot and I constantly have things and tons of friends but I still just constantly have this dark cloud feeling and anxiety. Thanks for any advice!

[Stumblety]

I’m sorry your going through this. Def can relate. I think your doing all the right things! Keep reaching out for help. You’ll get through it and feel better in no time! Peace and love!!

[Ali_elle]

I know this was posted a long time ago, but did you ever figure out what was wrong? I am going through the same thing. I’ve been on Zoloft 100mg for 17 years, and all of a sudden I’ve been having horrible anxiety, all day long, and feeling depressed. I’ve had two nights where I’ve woken up in a severe panic attack and I can’t calm myself down for hours. I have so many strategies, and nothing was working. Now I’m just anxious and depressed all day. I don’t know what to do. If you figured out what it was, and how to fix it, can you please tell what you did. I am scared, because of my medicine is t working, I don’t know what to do. I’m in your EXACT situation. Please help!

[Jujubeaner in reply to Ali_elle]

I’m going through the same thing. I have been having breakthrough anxiety for the last few days. I have an appointment on Wednesday to see my NP to discuss my medication. I have only been on 150mg of Zoloft for 11 weeks now. The last few days I feel like I need to go back into the hospital. I don’t ever want to do that! I asked a pharmacist about why I could be going through this and she said it could be breakthrough anxiety. It has happened before on other SSRI medications. It would usually go away after a week or so. I have been under a lot of stress lately. My NP may have to increase my Zoloft and I’m ok with that. There are some things I need to work through as I age and my husband and I take on the responsibility of taking care of our father’s. Please feel free to write back. Praying always works.