I started experiencing depression, nervousness, and anxiety/panic about 6 weeks ago. Also, symptoms of OCD (intrusive/unwanted thoughts which lead to fear and fear of the thoughts). I was put on 50mg of zoloft a day and didn't start to really feel better until about 3 1/2 or 4 weeks. Then, at about 5 1/2 weeks I took another turn and started having the bad feelings and unwanted thoughts and fears again. It's hard not to fear that I am going crazy or something and that there is no help for me and that this medicine is not going to relieve my problems. I am however, hoping that because I have only been on 100mg for 1 week, that perhaps it will just take another 2-3 weeks to feel the full affect of this new dose. Do you think that is a legitimate rational? Thank you for your feedback.
Will I need to wait about another 4 weeks to get Zoloft's full effect after a dose increase?
- Asked
- 15 Feb 2010 by mommysboyz2
- Active
- 10 Mar 2012
- Topics
- zoloft, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress
Responses (3)
I was diagnosed with Major Depression 14 yrs ago and with Bi-Polar Disorder 6yrs ago as well. I've been on zoloft now for a few months (have reached100mg per day dosage already as well) At first it seemed to be working great for my depression symptoms but then it would start become less effective so my Dr would up the dose until reaching the 100mg per day, of course. It, unfortunately, has never alleviated my anxiety attacks at all (the anxiety attacks returned suddenly after about 6-7 yrs without an attack, and no one seems to know why the sudden relapse) Anyways, my point is Zoloft has never helped my anxiety attacks (and my Dr has told me it isn't prescribed to relieve anxiety either)and it also seems to lose effectiveness after awhile. in my opinion. Even at the max dose of 100mg. . Plus it has caused a loss of libido which can and has made things worse for me.
hey since you allready have zoloft in your system you should notice the increas sooner than when you just started it.at least when i was on it and got an increas i noticed quicker..anyway i wanted to ask you have you talked to your doc about antianxiety meds like ativan or klonipin.my doc gives it too me but tells me too only take when im havin really bad anxiety.i think something like that would be benefishial in your case too.and if your worried about addiction i am an opiate addic and you would think i would get addicted to the ativan too but i have had no trouble with it..well i hope things get better for you
Further Information
- Zoloft Information for Consumers
- Zoloft Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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I agree that an additional med may be beneficial to you. But I think you should give the new dose the time to take affect first to make sure it's not going to fully help you.
Definitely be honest with your doctor about everything. Talk to them about all the different feelings you experience, good and bad. The more you tell them the better they understand and the more they can help you get better. Good luck (and try your best to be patient with time)! :)
Thank you so much for your advice! I definitly will go over this with my doctor. Your right, it is scary... even though I try to rationalize with myself when I begin to feel that way... it starts wearing on your mind eventually. It's like one big mind game or something. I was wondering, if you don't mind me asking, how long did it take you to feel better after your dose increase? I will look into xanax or something like it, though. I will let you guys know my outcome, thanks for caring. :) God Bless you too!
Yes,I would deff get the dr to up the dose,but when he does just give the zoloft some time cause I was on it before and it took 4-6 wks to acutally work... also I cut out anything w/caffeine in it cause that hepeld w/the anitexy... not saying you should but it might help if you drink a lot of caffeine ,I also have ocd and a lot of unwanted thoughts ..I know its hard but once the dr ups the dose such give it some time