What is the maximum effective dosage for lustral/zoloft? I am currently on 150mg which has worked well for the past year. Recently I have been overwhelmed with anxiety (ongoing pandemic and now war in Ukraine). Will increasing to 200mg settle my current anxiety?
Sertraline - What is the maximum dosage for lustral/zoloft?
Question posted by Tony54 on 12 March 2022
Last updated on 19 March 2022 by FreddieD
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5 Answers
FreddieD
19 March 2022
I am on Zoloft 150mg for GAD. Also 1200mg Neurontin, and 2mg Klonopin for sleep. Very satisfied.
Rather than increasing Zoloft to 200mg, you may be better off adding a med (Neurontin, Klonopin, Remeron, trazodone, or Seroquel).
The palatte of meds, in different classes, to treat anxiety has increased tremendously.
Find a smart and compassionate doc to help you.
IMO the talk of addiction potential from BZ's is very over stated. You are not seeking a high. You are treating a very real and debilitating illness. Let's hope basic research soon provides new meds for anxiety and pain, that are effective without causing tolerance and withdrawal. The stigma against mental health is still keeping millions from getting good treatment and living a happier life.
Good health to you!
WildcatVet
12 March 2022
Tony,
Since your current anxiety seems to be situational and transient you might not want to increase a dosage that was working well for you.
Have you considered seeing a therapist? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective in teaching coping skills to control anxieties.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly,
Tony54
12 March 2022
Hello wildcat.
Yes, I am coming to that conclusion since I put my situation online. I am not sure how long the war will last or if it will escalate, but I can't allow that fact to rule my life.
I had several CBT sessions at the start of the pandemic and regularly employ the techniques I learnt. For whatever reason, it hasn't helped in this case.
MotorPurr
12 March 2022
Hello Tony,
I am a 100 mg a day user which controls my PTSD, and I would be hesitant to add more in your case. Of course, all changes should be discussed with your Dr. at length. I am a personal believer in using any Rx drug at its minimum effective dose, not necessarily more, as "more is not better" in many situations in life. I would support others' suggestions to find more holistic ways to supplement the soothing of your anxiety. Such a simple one is the 1-2-3-4 deep in/out breathing exercise you can do anywhere to calm yourself, as well, refrain from looking at the I-phone every time it sends a message. You own IT, not the other way around! The pandemic is easing, you can always still wear your mask as I do as I am a surgical patient, and nobody is judging you for doing so. Let the Government handle the war situation. Best Wishes, MotorPurr
Tony54
12 March 2022
Hi MotorPurr.
Well if 100mg is sufficient for someone with PTSD, I should be heading in that direction rather than looking to max out at 200mg. My doctor is keeping my intake under review every 3 months, I doubt if she would recommend going any higher. I have been doing breath meditation meditation for the past year, but recently I have been overwhelmed by monkey mind.
As for war, I take your point about letting the government deal with it, but that doesn't change how I empathise with the people in Ukraine whose lives are being destroyed.
MotorPurr
13 March 2022
Hi Tony,
I encourage you to continue keeping up w Dr appts is very important when taking any Rx med, and if 3 month interval is too long, investigate if monthly or bimonthly visits might be a better time table to monitor changes. My PTSD is generated from a 73 car/truck pile up that injured me slight handicapped, 11 soon to be 12 corrective surgeries in 6 yrs. That is a heavy load, and i saw things no one should ever have to witness that crash day. I am not looking for sympathy telling you this, only to let you know "Healing" is a long journey, but there is, and will be, light at end of tunnel waiting for you, sometimes that journey is long. Very Long! But not impossible. I personally find little gain in some Psychologist telling me CBT, I am a much stronger woman than that. The power of internet research brings so much useful information to me to figure things out. Zoloft med is best viewed as a "helping hand" not "cure all" medication.
Use it in conjunction w other modalities. Yes, of course, we all feel helpless we can't do more for the innocent Ukranian people, that is a feeling of emotion. The fact you care shows enough strong character trait in yourself--- Spring is coming, outdoor fresh air walk will do wonders to clear mind and body. My screen name generates from my Konja cat, who purrs like a machine just by touching him. I find that experience very soothing and calming. My journey has been 6 yrs already, but I am managing IT and trying very hard not to let IT manage my mind and body--do recall, those 2 entities work as one symbiotic relationship. I don't profess to know everything, I only share my personal thoughts to help other sufferers feel better with themselves and enjoy each precious day. MP
jakyoga65
12 March 2022
Hi Tony. The maximum dose is 200 mg. But I would agree with the other post. Try to get out more, spend time doing things that make you happy and decrease time looking at the news. If you haven't given it a try yet, yoga and meditation can be very helpful along with spending time out in nature. Best of luck.
Tony54
12 March 2022
Thanks jakyoga65.
Much appreciated. I have tried yoga and meditation and once the weather picks up I will be back in the hills walking.
janiebme
12 March 2022
Hi Tony-
Just from my own experience. I would consider other options. My anxiety and adrenaline used to run 24/7. Our brains think everything is a fight or flight. Thinking about the things you can control over the things you cannot may help. The pandemic is almost over, the war in Ukraine is out of our hands. It is human nature for some of us to stress about others, or life situations. It may be time for Tony to take care of Tony so he can help others if he chooses to. You are the most important person. It is not selfish, self centered, or a bad thing to take care of you. Take small steps. Maybe cut down on watching the media and focus on the small things that give you a sense of relief?
Tony54
12 March 2022
Hello Janiebme.
Thank you for your reply, I hear what you are saying. Two years ago, prepandemic, I was very active, lots of hiking, hill walking, gym etc. I had even planned to walk the Camino. The pandemic knocked me for six, I couldn't cope with the isolation and uncertainty. My doctor refused to give me xanax and suggested sertraline. I started on 25mg as recommended and after the 1st year I felt OK on 100mg. Last year I have been up and down to 150mg and pre Ukraine I was considering working on getting off them completely. The horror of what is happening in ukraine has affected me deeply. It has also started me cathastrophising about nuclear war, famine, crazy stuff. I am relatively OK during the day, but the nights are difficult. I have mindful audios that I listen to, which help, but only get me so far.
I know that 200mg is not the answer, but I have always been an all or nothing guy. It took me a long time to get alcohol free too, I don't want to go back there, but the thought of embracing numbness is very appealing!
janiebme
13 March 2022
Hi Tony-
Your comment "It took me a long time to get alcohol free too, I don't want to go back there, but the thought of embracing numbness is very appealing!" Was alarming! I used to work in the drug/alcohol field. Do you really believe going back to alcohol will be a solution? You may think it is just a thought, but we are what we think. This could be setting you up for relapse. Stinken Thinken! You have put the hard work in to become sober, which is no easy feat! You have courage and strength. Do you have a support group, AA, someone you can call (sponsor, friend)? Can you get a 'Big Book", you may not subscribe to all it says, but maybe, just maybe there will be something in it that gives you a Ahhh Haa moment. Going back to drinking is the easy way out, staying sober takes the courage and strength you know you have.
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zoloft, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, sertraline, dosage, anxiety and stress
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