I have never stopped taking Zoloft but I had a breakdown and Covid and I have been having anxiety like crazy for weeks now. Does this mean it will probably take the whole 12 weeks to work again?
I’ve been taking Zoloft for along time. This winter things have gotten a little crazy.
Question posted by Sad wendy on 20 Feb 2021
Last updated on 21 February 2021
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Answers
kevinb1953
20 Feb 2021
Hello
You say that you had a "breakdown" do you mean a nervous breakdown? Did a health care professional see you about that? If so, you may need a complete blood workup and or an additional medicine.
Best regards
Kevinb1953
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
No. Sorry. Not a nervous breakdown. Just over ridden with anxiety. I couldn’t stop crying didn’t want to get out of bed plus I got covid. A very mild case. But all of that made me crazy. I have blood work to get already talked to the doc but I did not ask this question to her
kevinb1953
20 Feb 2021
I'm sorry to hear this. It's been a very stressful year with the shut-ins and covid. You seam very overwhelmed and should talk to your doctor about adding a different medicine for anxiety, something fast acting that you can use only when you absolutely need it. I'm talking about a benzodiazepine like Xanax or Valium. These meds are only to be used as needed according to the guidelines set forth by the FDA because they have a very high potential to become habit forming and or addictive. I normally would not suggest these for that reason. I'm on Xanax and had a kind of hard time reducing my dose more than 70% because at the time I ignored the "as needed" part. But they do work wonders.
Best regards
Kevinb1953
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
Thank you so so much for answering. I think that’s why I’m nervous to take those. Because they say they make you feel better and that’s what I want. So it makes me nervous. Do you think that exercise can make me feel better? I have been reading about that.
kevinb1953
20 Feb 2021
Exercise is very beneficial for good health. Even just walking daily will add to your overall health, even your mental health. Enjoying the outdoors and sunshine (vitamin"d") is a great way to get your mind off some troubles that haunt you at times of rest. A good diet is important too. Lots of greens and fruits.
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
That’s what I have been reading. Have you been on meds for a while? It’s nice to talk to someone who knows thank you
kevinb1953
20 Feb 2021
It is nice to talk.
Yes, I've been on Xanax for 19 years. They started me off on 1mg. Four times a day. That's 4mg a day, a very high dose to start on. I had just came back from a ten day stent at Ground Zero in NYC as a first responder. I didn't know anything Bout anxiety or benzos but I instantly fell in like of them and was never warned to be careful with them and l wasn't. To my dismay. I'm now on .5mg three times a day AS NEEDED and a prescription lasts 6 weeks. I tried to get to zero but this is where I need to be. Ill probably be on them for life as I need somthing for my generized anxiety.
Hope you get to your doctor and get this sorted out. If he/she does put you on a benzo, ask for the smallest dose to start. Like .25mg twice a day or something similar, it's your and your doctors professional decision to make, everyone's system is different.
Best regards
Kevinb1953
I added you as a friend if you want to ask or talk personally.
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
Thank you. I wanted to ask but was nervous to do so. I can’t imagine what you went through. But you are a very, very strong person.
TyreseTl
20 Feb 2021
What is your dose? And when you say along time, do you mean like over a year?
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
I take 200 mg for about 20 years. I have had a lot of stress this winter too and I don’t know if that has anything to do with it.
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
That was stupid. I do know it had a lot to do with it. I guess I’m just grasping at straws right now. I just feel horrible.
TyreseTl
20 Feb 2021
Your Zoloft has probably "pooped out" on you. This happens frequently for long term use. You should reach out to your health care provider. He/she can prescribe you a medication on top of Zoloft or maybe try a different medication.
WildcatVet
20 Feb 2021
Wendy, the Zoloft is probably "pooping out" like I said above. Your new anxiety may be situational and, as Tyrese said, you may need an additional medication for short term use.
You need to talk to your doctor ASAP and you may need to switch from your Zoloft to another medication.
Seriously, call your doctor for their professional advice.
I hope you're feeling better soon!
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
I have been taking Ativan also for short term help. I see the physic nurse in a month
WildcatVet
20 Feb 2021
Call and tell them... your doctor or nurse... that you need help now and it shouldn't wait for a month.
Sad wendy
20 Feb 2021
Thank you for this. You are right. I need to call on Monday morning and see if I can get in sooner. Thank you I appreciate you responding.
TyreseTl
20 Feb 2021
If you call on Monday. Can you tell he/she what you said here?, because your situation is urgent. Don’t let anxiety ruin you, you need to get help ASAP. Anxiety can weaken your immune system. Making you prone to Covid as you said above.
Related topics
zoloft, depression, anxiety, breakdown
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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