PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS! I just went to the dr. today. Told her I was having crappy side effects with the Zoloft. So she UPPED my dose! Where's the logic behind this? (I'm on it for my anxiety.)
Also, is there any ANXIETY SPECIFIC MEDICATIONS out there? I'm sick of being put on anti-depressants for this s***. I mean, I know Zoloft can be prescribed for anxiety AS WELL, but aren't there any medications that are prescribed SPECIFICALLY for anxiety?
None of this makes any sense...Since she upped my dose, won't my side effects just be doubly worse?
Has anyone had success with Zoloft for anxiety? If so, how many milligrams are you taking or have you taken? Thanks everyone.
2006-08-24 19:01:30 · 8 answers · asked by ? 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
HI ....
I have been on Z since 1995 and feel qualified to answer your question. First, for me anyway, Z made me MORE anxious at first. I was already having full blown panic attacks that mimicked symptoms of a heart attack! Sent me to the hospital emergency room. No heart attack......Anxiety! Anyway, after this, I was given Xanax. No more problems unless I forgot to take it. I use it to PREVENT anxiety and panic attacks. If I wait until I am already in it, it takes much longer for the symptoms to go away.
Back to Z. I am a genuine bi-polar, and the zoloft finally stopped the racing thoughts that were a real problem. I couldn't concentrate, had trouble sleeping. In the span of 10 seconds, I could have as many as 50 to 100 thought cross my mind. Zoloft cut that down to around 15 or so...I could deal with that. I remember the first time I went to a restraunt and could actually LISTEN to my companion without being overwhelmed by all the din in the room! I was amazed. Without Z, all the converstions around me blended into the already racing thoughts to a level where I just felt trapped and uncomfortable. Couldn't even enjoy a dinner with friends!
I am on 200mg, the max dose, up from 50 originally. Many doctors ( mental health doctors, not GP's ) try Z for anxiety because for some it helps. But often it increases the problem, and then you must address anxiety from a diferrent angle. Xanax works for me, but if you have an addictive personality, it can be dangerous. I take .5mg 4 times a day for prevention and stablity. It works well for me.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-25 05:25:39 · answer #1 · answered by The Oldest Man In The World 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the exact and specific mechanisms of anxiety/depression/bipolar, etc. are unknown
what is known is that drugs for one often in clinical trials show some efficacy for more than one symptom, in this case, they found when they were researching the drug that zoloft can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, as well as more uncommon problems such as obsessive compulsive and borderline personality problems. As such, there are VERY few drugs that would be specifically labeled for 'anxiety,' especially since the mechanisms which may be responsible for anxiety (still, i repeat, not exactly known), are probably the same mechanisms which cause depression for instance.
These drugs are often designed to encourage more seratonin to float around in the brain. This is not necessarily the CAUSE of the problem, but they have found clinically that increasing free seratonin can help alleviate the symptoms.
If you're not satisfied with the care you're receiving from one doctor, get a second opinion--you may find another doctor is better at explaining to you.
In my own personal opinion, not my scientific opinion, I think anxiety, depression and the like are seriously over-medicated, and I think doctors are sending the wrong messages to patients by just giving them a pill. When you offer someone a pill, to the layman it seems like it's an automatic cure. Doctors as a group should be encouraging their patients to work through anxiety and depressive issues with therapy, counseling and the like BEFORE even attempting medication. Of course, this is my own opinion, and not my professional opinion.
2006-08-25 02:17:45 · answer #2 · answered by banzai 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I suggest you drop the stupid pills and find away to conquer your anxiety.
24 years ago, I was terrified of attractive women by my shyness but I made myself stay and talk to them even tho I blushed and stumbled on words the whole time.
I conquered my anxiety problem by pure will and you can do the same if you want to get anywhere. You can't stay behind closed doors forever.
99.9% of the doctors that we have today are total quacks.
All they seems to know is what they have been programmed to believe and prescribe. That's about it.
Anxiety is in the same category as shyness and/or nervousness.
Please note: That some anxieties are bipolar disorders which are a type of schizophrenia. But most anxieties are not this type.
By-the-way, you have been reported by your unwelcome email that you have sent me.
Good Day.
2006-08-25 02:19:50 · answer #3 · answered by Harry Cat 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The following books give good info on depression and alternative ways to deal with it:
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine - Murray and Pizzorno
Prescription for Natural Cures - Balch & Stengler
Dr Whitaker's Guide to Natural Healing
Let's Get Well - Adelle Davis
2006-08-25 07:01:35 · answer #4 · answered by Mad Roy 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
yes, increasing your dose is going to strengthen your side effects and make you weaker.
how about changing your doctor? someone who actually listens and offers other options that are healthy.
i have been on some meds but not zoloft. the side effects were too much for me. i am now on nothing and i was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and mild ocd. i choose to fight it with my mind because at one time i didn't need meds for this crap.
honestly, it is a daily battle for now, but i use running, stretching to ease myself plus daily positive affirmations. these are better than meds and are free, baby!!!! they work and they can for you too.
hope i was helpful
2006-08-25 08:46:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
My friend died last year from klonopin I would give to my worst enemy!What you said is the truth!!Doctors {some of them}are over prescribing this type meds. because they don't know what they are doing.I feel for you,and understand what you are going though.And would love to give you a bottle of this juice for you to try.It really works.Check out my site,and IM me if you like.www.andyhinson.com
2006-08-25 02:40:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
stratera helps me out it isnt western medecine jist a stupid doctor
2006-08-25 04:06:35 · answer #7 · answered by theflyingtaco393 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask your doctor about Klonopin ... ummm ... you need it in a bad way!
2006-08-25 02:14:48 · answer #8 · answered by GVD 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋