[JohnC]

here is my original post early in the week

"Hello,

I was on Lexapro at 40 mg for 6 months. It helped with some anxiety but not with depression. 6 weeks ago my doc had me wean down 10 Mg each week. I have been off Lexapro for 2 weeks. I started Zoloft 5 weeks ago. Started at 25mg, then 50mg and then to 100mg a week ago.
I think my depression is a little better but I am having HIGH anxiety and panic attacks almost constantly that started around a week ago. Is this Lexapro withdrawal (I had many other withdrawal symptoms but this is the worst, or is this caused by starting the Zoloft? How long will this last? I am barely sleeping I am so wound up by anxiety. I have been taking some Clonazepam to try and help with the anxiety but it barely makes a dent in the anxiety. Please help me understand what is going on... will the anxiety settle down? Please help. The panic attacks just spiral me down into depression"


Update: I have now been off the lexapro 4 weeks and I have been at a 100mg level of Zoloft for 2 weeks. The Panic attacks and then despair have been intense the last several days. I was unable to work Wed through Friday and I'm not sure I can make it to work Monday... but I will try. When should the Zoloft kick in to help with anxiety/panic? One doc I talk with says he has seen Zoloft work wonders with anxiety/panic/depression. I'm trying to be patient but the Panic and then despair was so bad yesterday I become very suicidal... felt life wasn't worth it anymore.... felt boxed in with no relief in site. When things settle down I know the main problem now is anxiety/panic.... and then depression comes from my struggle with anxiety and associated worry. which I think is induced by the Lexapro withdrawal and start-up of anxiety... any thoughts on when the Zoloft should start to whittle away at the panic? I'm taking 2.5mg of Clonazepam spread out through the day to help (which it does some) but then along comes a monster Panic attack. Others have replied to say to hang in there since Zoloft would kick in... just hoping for sooner rather than later of course. At times I think my mood is cycling up and down alot through the withdrawal process. Alot has to be going on with Withdrawing from 40mg of lexapro in 3 weeks.

Thanks again for to all for your encouragement and various posts on SSRI research. Helps keep me going. I know I'm impatient but when you are in depair it's hard not to try and move things along... even though giving time is the answer.

A confused and tired John.