New year/facing fears: After suffering... - Anxiety and Depre...

Anxiety and Depression Support

96,618 members89,727 posts

New year/facing fears

Worryhurry profile image
1 Reply

After suffering serious complications during a hysterectomy over 10 years ago I began experiencing health anxiety. This lead to my needing prescription meds to deal with my fears after heart palpitations and chest pain sent me to the ER on 2 different occasions. I successfully took Lexapro for almost 6 years, but with that I gained around 35 pounds and began to felt flat/even though I was taking only 5mg for the last year. My DR weaned me off and I was successful with no meds for almost 2 years—no health anxiety- no worries!

Fast forward to Dec 2023—my dog was diagnosed with cancer and quickly went downhill experiencing seizures among other symptoms toward the end. I was not sleeping, stressed beyond belief, and my health anxiety (heart related specifically) returned in full force. Rather than taking Lexapro again, my DR decided to try me on Zoloft. My initial dose of 25mg was too low. I’m taking 50mg, but do still experience some irritational thinking about my health. Even though yearly physicials and EKGs show I am fine, I worry, which makes no sense and I know that, but can’t stop it.

Looking for support in knowing I’m not alone—-sharing makes this easier for me.

Written by
Worryhurry profile image
Worryhurry
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
1 Reply
PadThaiNoodles profile image
PadThaiNoodles

Zoloft can take a while to build up to full effect. You might be considerably better after a month.

I never managed to get off Lexapro; been on it for 10 years now. Though I take it and Lamictal mainly for depression rather than anxiety.)

So sorry to hear about your dog. They leave a big whole when they go.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Coming off of Lexapro

After 3 years on Lexapro 10-15mg I decided it was time to try life without it. My reason for going...
JakeFish profile image

Thinking about quitting Lexapro (escitalopram)

I started taking Lexapro about 3 years ago. I realized that the underlying issue of my anxiety was...
Spa865 profile image

18 on new anxiety medication

Hi, i came back from a appointment yesterday after discussing all of my symptoms and mental health...
celestw profile image

Anxiety meds for life?

I am 60 and only recently developed an anxiety disorder after experiencing a traumatic experience...

Perimenopause and anxiety

I’ve been taking .5 Klonopin once a day for the past 5 years for anxiety and it’s worked great. I...
myradee profile image

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.