Nervous about Zoloft - advice/success?
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| Mon, 02-05-2007 - 2:32pm |
Hey everyone:
So I am back on this board...much like other people have mentioned, I, too, am the kind of person who goes through waves of doing OK and then long periods of intense anxiety. I have a lot going on in my life right now: just broke up with my boyfriend, new job, transitions with a new boss at the job, etc. So I know my anxiety is rooted in a lot of change, etc. However, it's starting to get to me where I am anxious EVERY day and relying more and more on my Xanax. I spoke to my therapist and my doctor about it and my doctor suggested Zoloft. I tried Zoloft a few months ago, but after 3 days of some side effects (headaches, diarrhea, etc.) - I chickened out and stopped taking the pills. My doctor still thinks that Zoloft is the best choice for me based on the feelings that I describe so he asked me to give it another try at a lower dosage. I filled the prescription and am planning on starting tonight at half of a 25 mg pill. However, I am nervous about the side effects interfering with my daily activities, etc. I work a full-time job and teach on the side, so I can't be calling out sick, etc. My doc also suggested Lexapro, but he was leaning strongly more towards Zoloft for my case. I am tempted to call and say let me try that instead, but I don't want to give up on the Zoloft without giving it a proper chance. Can anyone give me any advice - or even better, some success stories with Zoloft? I have two friends who tried it for depression and were happy with it, but since my situation is more anxiety, I'd love some input from people who know.
Thanks so much!

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I began taking 50mg of Zoloft when I was 17 due to sudden, severe anxiety episodes. I,too, was hesitant about taking the whole dosage. However, 25mg is a child's dose, and the average dose is 100mg for Zoloft. I am still taking 50mg once a day and do not use Xanax. I experience rare episodes of anxiety triggered by drastic change (I think it's a control issue), but even when they do come up I can rationalize my way out of it. The key is distraction, distraction, distraction. Within your anxiety is empty stress, and wallowing in it/analyzing it will not get you anywhere but more anxious. I know it's hard to just distract yourself because you feel like there are feelings there that you need to deal with, but the truth is you cannot deal with those deep rooted triggers while you are upset. If the Xanax helps you, great. But the best way is to take the Zoloft as prescribed and save the Xanax for emergencies. Try exercise, yoga, concentration/meditation (sounds cheesy, but changed my state of mind more than Xanax ever could...and it doesn't wear off), driving, or just doing whatever you have to do to regain stability.
As far as you cutting your pills in half, 12.5mg is barely enough to even make a difference. I'm no doctor, but I do have 3 years experience with Zoloft. Its great in that it doesnt make you feel "numb" or overly happy like some of the stereotypes suggest. I still have control over my mood. The purpose of antidepressants is to allow you to control your mood, but it is not meant to SUPRESS your mood. Regardless, I would take the whole 50mg. Your friends and family will see a difference before you will. It may take several weeks, but don't give up on it. Zoloft has given me little to no side effects, and I hope it ends up working for you.
Sincerely,
carpediem44
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