I’ve been on Zoloft before, 100mg and it worked really well for me. Eliminated my anxiety and depression. After two years the doctor decided to wean me of to 50mg and I’ve been on 50mg for six months. However I recently had a fall back and my anxiety and depression got really bad to the point were I was having panic attacks. Now the doctor decided to increase it to 100mg. I am on day 2 but I’m so freaking lethargic... is this normal?
Zoloft increasing dosage, is it the same side effects as starting the medication?
Question posted by Mmurcia1029 on 18 April 2020
Last updated on 28 April 2020
3 Answers
Justin N
24 April 2020
Hello. Your situation sounds just like mine. I was on 50mgs for 2 years with great results. I went down to 25mgs for 1 year also with great results but about 3 weeks ago the anxiety and depression came back. Dose increase back to 50mgs for 2 weeks and now 75mgs for past 2 days. I am not feeling good. I’m hoping the Sertraline can work again. I hope yours does also.
Mmurcia1029
28 April 2020
Hi Justin so far I feel decent. However not my 100% self. Still worried and anxious. The thoughts have minimize though. Are you feeling better?
goved6
18 April 2020
I've been taking Zoloft for 12 years, I take 100mg, twice a day, I take it for Bipolar 2 and PTSD, when my psych doc increased the dosage, I did have the side effects you describe, however, they didn't last near as long as when I first started taking them, I felt sleepy for a couple days and that was it, now everyone's different, so it might affect you different than me, but the side effects do go away, I hope this helps a little. Hang in there.
Mmurcia1029
18 April 2020
Thank you! I have been on it for two years, but since I was feeling better I went down to 50mg once a day. Now I am taking 100mg once a day. It’s my third day with 100mg. Still anxious though.
WildcatVet
18 April 2020
Hi, Mmurcia!
Yes, this is very common after any dosage increase and even though you were on your previous dose for six months you, in effect, just doubled your dosage. Your metabolism my need a couple of weeks to re-adjust but the side effects generally don't last more than that and they tend to get better every day.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
Mmurcia1029
18 April 2020
What about anxiety? My anxiety is through the roof. I wake up with anxiety. Does it get bad before it gets better? I keep reading reviews that it does but I mean how long does it take?
WildcatVet
18 April 2020
"Common (1% to 10%): Affect/emotional lability, agitation, increased anxiety, nervousness"
It's ironic but anxiety can be a temporary side effect. It should resolve fairly quickly as goved said above.
Hang in there...
Mmurcia1029
20 April 2020
Thanks for the reply, however I am on day 4 of 100mg and so far I’ve been eating well and sleeping fine. I’m extremely sleepy at night but in the morning my anxiety doesn’t wean off. How long until it gets so what better? At least two weeks. Also I’m doing seroquel at night. 25 mg. To help me sleep.
Related topics
zoloft, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, side effect, dosage, doctor, medication
Further information
- Zoloft uses and safety info
- Zoloft prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zoloft (detailed)
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