hello

[Jazz417]

59 year old man who retired at 56 and has struggled since. Bouts with anxiety have become crippling, making me want to curl up in the fetal position and sleep. Just doubled my Zoloft prescription per doctor and it has not helped at all, in fact, may be hurting if that is possible. Looking for a support group vs one-on-one therapy.

[Agora1]

Welcome Jazz417, Oh I so remember sleeping in a fetal position each night.

That was my escape from my own emotional pain. I think subconsciously wanting

to be back in the protective womb. Finding and addressing the issues behind these

feelings is the "key". Medication and Therapy are normally used at the beginning

to break down that wall we have around us. Once we find a way out by Acceptance,

we can go forward. Working on our issues and finding answers that works for us

can sometimes be found through sharing other's life journeys on this site.

It helps knowing that we all have experienced some of the same issues. You've

found a kind and caring community. I wish you well being a part of our virtual community

of friends. xx

[Jazz417]

thank you for your replies. I appreciate you and the community and I look forward to participating more in the future.

[Midori]

Hi Jazz,

You seem to have found us OK, so pull up a chair, and dig into the coffee and cookies! (or Tea and Biscuits if you are a Brit!).

We are a friendly and supportive bunch, here, but can I just ask you to lock your post to the community, please? It helps to stop everyone's sensitive info getting out onto the Web and attracting trolls. (we have had a few just lately).

We are all here because we have had problems of the mental kind, and we offer suggestions and support (we aren't Medical professionals though) although I used to be, but I am rather out of date.

Welcome to the Community!

Cheers, Midori

[Pineapple1986]

Here is what I think.

First and foremost, I am sorry you have to go through this suffering. Good thing, it will end, and you will feel better. It always goes away over time; make sure meds aren't the only thing you rely on to help you. It would be best to have therapy and all other good things to help you recover soon and fully.

Zoloft is the drug that personally pulled me out of depression and anxiety; however, this is not a drug that works for everyone universally, and neither do any other drugs. Sometimes you must experiment with a few to find the drug that works for you.

Zoloft itself is an amazing drug if it works. However:

You do not simply double the dose in one shot; I am a bit puzzled as to why your doctor has allowed such a thing to happen, making me question their proficiency in the field. Such medications can only be increased or decreased in quarter increments. Zoloft starts with 25 mg, and every time you go up or down; you should increase or decrease your dose by 25 mg every three days (at minimum) recommended dose up or down has to be executed every seven days. The first week you take 25 mg, and the next week, 50 mg, which goes up until you reach the dose that works. The highest dose of Zoloft is 250mg. This drug is not for you if it does not work at 250 mg. The highest I personally ever went was 100 mg, but I am a younger female. Doubling your dose in one shot will send you spiraling and amplify your anxiety and depression by 2. I am not surprised that you are experiencing and your doctor should've known better.

Again, I am no doctor, but I recommend looking for another specialist. Also, Zoloft needs time. If you do not feel the difference after 3-4 weeks of taking at least 150 mg, this might indicate you need an additional med or a new med altogether.

I recommend giving this drug more time and never doubling the dose in one sitting. This is just simply wrong.

Good luck! I hope you feel better!

[designguy]

Hello and welcome here, i'm sure you will find it helpful and supportive for you here. If you are looking for an in person support group you might check out the local NAMI Chapter in your area for support groups. I think they are now doing in person groups again after covid and maybe even online groups.

[Annapolis123]

I tried Zoloft. It didn't work for me. I had trouble sleeping and felt like a zombie all day. Tried Doxepin which worked but I gained 20 pounds in a month as well as pretty terrible sexual side effects. I moved onto Wellbutrin which seems to be working. I only mention the change in drugs because everybody is different; what may not work for you may work for someone else. The key is working with a psychiatrist rather than a general practitioner. Regular follow up with a good psychiatrist really helps in addition to a psychologist to talk you through the struggle.

Hope your feeling better!