* first time poster*
Hi there, I have been on Zoloft for a lifetime and for the most part it works like a charm. I went on them after experiencing PPD with my second born (which coincided with the time of 911 and my husband is a firefighter so that freaked me out even more) but I've probably always needed something for anxiety.
Every few years, I have a dip in mood (increased anxiety and/or the blues) that lasts about a month and the last one was 4 years ago. At that time, my doctor upped my dose from 50 to 75 and within a month's time, everything levelled. I returned to 50 mg a year later and all was well. Now, four years later, I am experiencing another dip and am back up to 75 mg (as of 6 days ago) I would just like reassurance that the side effects will go away because they are brutal. My biggest complaint is lack of appetite, lack of desire to do much, and inability to fall asleep (even though I am very tired).
I am mostly worried about the appetite because before Christmas I intentionally lost 12 pounds (I wanted to slim down before the holiday pigout), then had the flu over the holidays and lost another 8, and am now scrambling to try to keep weight on despite not wanting to eat anything! If ever hunger surfaces, I go to town in the kitchen, but it's a rare thing.
So obviously Day 6 is early days - but I am hoping to reach out for assurance from any of you who have had a similar experience with dosage increase. I keep reassuring myself, but it would be comforting to hear from others.
Many thanks,
Jo
I’ve had every side effect you could possibly have with my increase in anxiety meds. Including the ones you’re having. THEY WILL PASS AND GET BETTER. Six days is not long at all. Unfortunately it might take up to 4 weeks. Meanwhile, have you tried protein shakes. I know you have no appetite, but you know you have to eat. Also, possibly melatonin to help sleep. Hang in there! I know what you’re feeling, but you know it’s because of the meds and it will get better. Stay strong and stay positive.
Thanks for your message, Mary - I keep telling myself what you are reinforcing and it really helps to have another person's reassurance. I am nibbling throughout the day, and yes, smoothies are a big thing in my life right now! And I have a bottle of melatonin by my bed - I just didn't know if I should try it with my newly increased dosage? Thank you again for reaching out - it means a lot. I hope you are doing well - do you have much experiences with dosage increases? I would've guessed that because I was already on 50mg, that another 25mg would be a mild transition. I guessed wrong.
Joanne
You need to give the medication time to work on top of the original dose, allow two to three weeks, eventually the early side effects should reduce as the medication builds up It is better if you stay with it because if you change medications you will start afresh and it will take time to get back to a new working level. However if you do have problems all is yours and your GP decision
Be patient, good luck
BOB
Hi Joanne - It is nice to get support from people who are experiencing the same thing. My first increase was from 20mg to 40mg. You wouldn't think it would be a big deal, but it was. Hallucinations, drug feeling, dizziness, insomnia, no appetite, etc. It was awful and scared me. I stuck with it just for two weeks and couldn't handle it. So my doctor brought me down to 30mg. So the "10mg" increase wasn't as bad. I had myself more freaked out from the side effects than the anxiety, that we only increased in 10mg increments. I could "feel" the increase, but not nearly the "terrible" side effects. I gradually worked my way to 50mg. It is long and slow, but like I said, I was soooo afraid of the terrbile side effects, that it was worth it to me. I'm feeling much better. Not 100% yet, but anxiety is definitely better. I actually take Ambien to help me sleep. The only bad side effect I'm having now is ringing in my ears. I'm not sure if it's from the fluexating or ambien. Hoping it will go away. Obviously, I'm not a doctor, but I really don't think the melatonin with react with the other meds. It would be worth a phone call to your doctor or pharmacist. Another thing I do is keep a daily journal. Just jot down how your day was and rate the day 1-10. That way you can go back and see the progress and improvement. Any progress, even small, is a step in the right direction. Celebrate the small victories. Hang in there. Stay strong and stay positive!