Beginner on Zoloft 25mg- Help

[LDavis1993]

Hello, I have just started Zoloft 25mg. I have taken other SSRIs in the past. It has been a year since I have taken anything besides my Klonopin .5mg. I have been on Zoloft for exactly 15 days. Doctor wants to increase to 50mg. Had a terrible panic attack last night with intrusive thoughts. Thinking I was going to lose control and go insane, etc. It was awful. Went on for hours and hours. Doctor called in Hydroxyzine to take along with my Klonopin. It helped a lot after 1 hour. Are panic attacks like this common for beginners on Zoloft? Again, its been a little over 2 weeks. I was told by a friend its called breakthrough anxiety. Please, any advice is appreciated. I was feeling amazing within the first few days-week.

[CAGgmb]

I recently switched from an SSRI that stopped working to the one you're on. It was a direct switch, starting at 25mg, after 5 days upping it to 50mg. I'm having the same issues with high anxiety and panic attacks that last a long time. It's hard to get through the days, weeks, maybe months before the SSRI works well for me. When it's really bad, my coping techniques don't work for me. Do you have things you do to distract yourself? If it helps at all, you are not alone.

[LDavis1993 in reply to CAGgmb]

Thank you for the quick response. I appreciate this. I am trying to distract myself, but it doesn't seem to help because the anxiety is so intense. I keep thinking, "Okay you're going crazy... You're losing it..." Only thing that helps is my Klonopin and Hydroxyzine.

[CAGgmb in reply to LDavis1993]

We take meds we need to help with physical issues. Nothing wrong with taking meds for mental issues. Do what you need to do to get through this. Typically it takes 4 or 6 or 8 weeks for the SSRI to help. It feels like forever, though. Be proud of yourself for reaching out and for fighting for yourself.

[LDavis1993 in reply to CAGgmb]

Thank you so very much. So this is all common what I’m experiencing?

[Hidden]

hi LDavis, I would listen to your doc and increase the Zoloft dosage. It takes 4-6 weeks to reach a therapeutic level. Klonopin works, I used to take it, but eventually it requires a higher dose for same effect. The Hydroxyzine should help too with panic attacks. Yes, it’s a process but it will get better. Best wishes to you👍

[LDavis1993 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. This gives me hope.

[LDavis1993 in reply to Hidden]

I used to be on 2mg Klonopin but I tapered to .5mg

[Hidden in reply to LDavis1993]

That’s great! I took it for 30 yrs and stopped a year ago, thanks to finding the right antidepressant that allowed me to no longer need the Klonopin. I hope the Zoloft works for you. Please update as you go forward.

[LDavis1993 in reply to Hidden]

So happy for you! That is fantastic news. Did you have to taper off the Klonopin?

[Hidden in reply to LDavis1993]

I tried tapering over a 9 month period following an doc’s guidance and failed at the very end. Eventually they switched me to Lexapro and then I was able to do it easily, on my own. Perhaps I just didn’t like being told what/when/how to do. I wanted to do it on my own terms but I know the Lexapro helped. I was off the Klonopin in two weeks. Very happy about this.

[LDavis1993 in reply to Hidden]

That is wonderful. I am so glad to hear that. Klonopin is rather hard to get off of, and you DID IT. Thanks for being an inspiration!

[Hidden in reply to LDavis1993]

Your welcome. Always hear if you need some support.😀

[LDavis1993 in reply to Hidden]

first day of 50mg… anxiety has been terrible the last few days. Ocd and panic attacks. I hope the 50mg of Zoloft helps.

[Gagirl21378 in reply to LDavis1993]

How are you doing? Are you feeling better?

[LDavis1993 in reply to Gagirl21378]

Yes much better. I’d say I’m at 90%.

[Darkhouse]

Can you add a breathing technique to your, "anxiety toolbox" that now consists of simply meds? There's lots online. I use the 4 square technique. I breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, breathe out for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, repeat until better. Meds like klonopin and hydroxizine are helpful, but they are bandaids, not cures. I agree that it can take 4-8 weeks for the meds to fully "soak in" so having some additional coping techniques would be helpful for you. Another thing I've found is Yoga Nidra, it's a type of meditation that's between asleep and awake and can help w anxiety and panic. I like Ally Boothroyd's voice as I find it soothing, she has several vids on YouTube. W continued practice, meditation actually can reteach the mind to have less anxiety. I also like the Insight Timer app, it has 1000's of free mediations you can choose from based on your mood and a journal section as well... I also do yoga and Tai Chi to help rid my body of excess energy and they both serve as body and mind meditations as well....

[LDavis1993]

I try to do breathing techniques, but sometimes the anxiety is so intense. I cannot focus at all. Trying herbal remedies like Kava, Ashwagandha, Chamomile, etc. I do need to exercise more. Thank you so much for your advice. Much appreciated.