Sertraline/Zoloft - Dosage too high? Too Low? Give it more time?
Question posted by janxiety on 12 Nov 2018
Last updated on 7 February 2019 by Rathmullan
Hi,
I have been taking sertraline (Zoloft) for 8 weeks now and would love some advice from anyone who has taken sertraline for a long period and has seen positive effects!
I started on 25mg for 1 week, upped to 50mg for another 3 weeks, and my doctor then suggested that I up my dosage to 100mg as I was not feeling the effects as I would have hoped 4 weeks into my prescription. I have now taken 100mg for 2 weeks and feel worse!
I now feel like my anxiety has gotten a little more intense when I'm at rest, like I need to have a deep breath or breath all the way out to feel some relief from it, it almost feels like a ball in my throat that never goes away!
I have good moments every now and then but pretty much every day is bad.
What do you guys suggest? should I speak to my doctor about upping my dosage to 150mg? should I stick with 100mg? Drop back down to 50mg?
Apart from the worsening anxiety over the last week or so my side effects are still very limited so feel like I could up the dosage if needed if it would help!
Any advice/personal experiences would be appreciated :-)
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
4 Answers
RA
Rathmullan
7 Feb 2019
Hello Janxiety:
As WCV suggested, I'd stick with the current dose and give it more time.
Just a pet peeve of mine but I would have preferred your Doctor move a little slower and lighter - giving the 50 mg a little more time and moving you up to 75 mg instead of 100. No point taking more of these meds than is necessary. But I'm guessing you'll acclimate to the 100 mg in a couple of more weeks.
Take care and all the best.
Votes: +0
EL
elliek69
7 Feb 2019
I started on 50mg. Increased to 100mg and then 150mg. In the end I had to come back down to 100mg due to severe anxiety and crippling fear. Sertraline helped my depression once it built up in my system but I have really struggled with the side effects. My anxiety seemed to last a long time and even now after months it is still very much in the background. I have to say that most people have a better experience than myself but redusing the dose was what worked for me.
Votes: +0
DO
Dodo7511
7 Feb 2019
I’ve just increased from 100 to 150 2 days ago and still have this heart pounding and fear . Will it get better?
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
12 Nov 2018
Hi, janxiety! You're feeling a typical side effect that may occur after every dosage increase and it should resolve shortly. It can take a full 6-8 weeks to feel the benefits of this medication and since you're on a pretty standard maintenance dose perhaps you should give it time... both for the side effects to disappear and for the medication to become fully effective at this dosage before raising it again. "Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood, anxiety, and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve. Sertraline (Zoloft) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness" Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
Votes: +0
JA
janxiety
12 Nov 2018
Thank you so much for that. Do you know WildcatVet if this 4-6 weeks applies for dosage increases?? Do you think allow 4-6 weeks at 100mg before considering changing?? Thanks for your help.
I’m hoping once I get this medication cracked I’m going to help others on here as it’s a great thing to do so thank you!
JA
janxiety
12 Nov 2018
Sorry I mean 6-8 weeks per dosage increase!
JA
janxiety
12 Nov 2018
Hi WildcatVet,
Not sure if my last comment posted so will go again.
Thank you so much!!
Do you advise to wait 6-8 weeks per dosage increase for the effects to take place/side-effects to stop? I heard 2 hence why I posted today on week 2 of my increase.
Will try to discuss this with my doctor as well but I prefer to hear from those who really know what I’m talking about through their own experience.
After your help I’m thinking wait another 2 weeks which will mean a full 8 weeks on Sertraline and a full 4 weeks on 100mg??
Thank you!!
WI
WildcatVet
13 Nov 2018
Jan, I think that's about right. It does take a little time after a dosage increase but about 4 weeks is what I'd give it. At eight weeks total I'd be expecting you to feel pretty good. How are you doing with side effects? Remember you have plenty of room to increase again if needed, but that could cause another bout of mild side effects and, obviously, you'd want to stay with the lowest effective dose. Always feel free to post with updates so we know how you're doing, okay?
JA
janxiety
14 Nov 2018
Hi WC,
Side effects in the main are quite mild, slight issue with sleep but nothing major, just frustrating not knowing if dosage needs to be increased or decreased with my current increase in anxiety. Yesterday was a better day hoping they’re doing the trick. Will see how things are at week 4 on 100mg.
