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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Paul on March 15, 1999, at 16:19:34
Approximately two months ago, I experienced a moderate crisis in my life which precipitated an episode of ongoing acute anxiety (not panic). The crisis resolved, but, as has been the case at least five other times in my life, the acute anxiety continued. In the past, the acute symptoms have always resolved within four to six months.
My family MD initially started me on a very small dose of Zoloft and I worked my way up to 100mg which I have been on for 4 weeks now. I have had only mild side effects including some nervousness and anxiety, a bit of tummy upset, some mild headaches, and a some reduction in libido. Over the course of the last several weeks, there has been a considerable improvement in all my symptoms, although I still experience some mild anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, I can't tell if the improvement is a result of the medication, or the fact that the anxiety is simply running its course, as it always has in the past. In any case, because I continued to have some residual symptoms, my doctor and I decided that I should up the dosage of Zoloft to 150mg, again, on a gradual basis. I began taking 125mg yesterday and throughout the day, I noticed some increase in my anxiety. Again today I took 125mg, and have had more anxiety (not just jitteriness or nervousness) than I have had for some time - very discouraging!!
If the current increase in the intensity of my anxiety is likely a result of the increase in the Zoloft, I will be greatly relieved and will gladly take a small amount of Klonopin to control the symptom. However, if the acute anxiety is returning on its own, than another strategy will likely need to be taken.
I have two questions. First, what is the likelihood that an increase from 100 mg to 125 mg of Zoloft could significantly increase the emotional symptoms of my anxiety including increased worry, fear, etc.( I have also experienced an increase in my stomach upset since increasing the dose). Second, does the overall decrease im my symptoms over the last month likely mean I am responding favourably to the Zoloft, or that this episode of anxiety is simply running its course as it always has in the past.
Thanks to all for your responses.
Posted by Julia2 on March 25, 1999, at 1:38:32
In reply to Zoloft & Anxiety - Toby, Matt & others, please!, posted by Paul on March 15, 1999, at 16:19:34
> Approximately two months ago, I experienced a moderate crisis in my life which precipitated an episode of ongoing acute anxiety (not panic). The crisis resolved, but, as has been the case at least five other times in my life, the acute anxiety continued. In the past, the acute symptoms have always resolved within four to six months.
>
> My family MD initially started me on a very small dose of Zoloft and I worked my way up to 100mg which I have been on for 4 weeks now. I have had only mild side effects including some nervousness and anxiety, a bit of tummy upset, some mild headaches, and a some reduction in libido. Over the course of the last several weeks, there has been a considerable improvement in all my symptoms, although I still experience some mild anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, I can't tell if the improvement is a result of the medication, or the fact that the anxiety is simply running its course, as it always has in the past. In any case, because I continued to have some residual symptoms, my doctor and I decided that I should up the dosage of Zoloft to 150mg, again, on a gradual basis. I began taking 125mg yesterday and throughout the day, I noticed some increase in my anxiety. Again today I took 125mg, and have had more anxiety (not just jitteriness or nervousness) than I have had for some time - very discouraging!!
>
> If the current increase in the intensity of my anxiety is likely a result of the increase in the Zoloft, I will be greatly relieved and will gladly take a small amount of Klonopin to control the symptom. However, if the acute anxiety is returning on its own, than another strategy will likely need to be taken.
>
> I have two questions. First, what is the likelihood that an increase from 100 mg to 125 mg of Zoloft could significantly increase the emotional symptoms of my anxiety including increased worry, fear, etc.( I have also experienced an increase in my stomach upset since increasing the dose). Second, does the overall decrease im my symptoms over the last month likely mean I am responding favourably to the Zoloft, or that this episode of anxiety is simply running its course as it always has in the past.
>
> Thanks to all for your responses.I don't know your size or body weight and I'm not an expert, but these drugs are so potent it's best to keep the dosages to a minimum. No one can feel like "King of the World" all the time. I find the dosages and combinations touted here rather frightening, but then I'm suffering under the load of 2mg of valium and taking acupuncture for the rest. ButI know from past experience that many of these psychotropics can acutally cause the freaky feelings they're proported to suppress. Stay with the lowest dosage possible -- and feel better!
Posted by Mark T on March 27, 1999, at 12:20:50
In reply to Zoloft & Anxiety - Toby, Matt & others, please!, posted by Paul on March 15, 1999, at 16:19:34
I experienced the same anxiety while on Zoloft..I also tried Serzone and Wellbutrin..I had increased anxiety with those three..I finally settled on Paxil..You may want to try this class of drug..You seem to have the same reaction as I did to the class of drug that Zoloft is in..Good luck.. Let me know how you do.. But try the Paxil for awhile..I also take Ativan for some periods of anxiety..But only as needed..
Posted by Matt on March 28, 1999, at 5:54:54
In reply to Zoloft & Anxiety - Toby, Matt & others, please!, posted by Paul on March 15, 1999, at 16:19:34
Paul,
Sorry to take so long in responding; internet access has been scarce as of late.
I *always* experience an increase in anxiety when I up the dose of an SSRI, and I've been on all of them. The increased anxiety upon upping the dose is fairly common. The test will be to see if it resolves itself in (at most) a couple weeks. Probably it will. If not, you may want to consider returning to 100mg. A higher dosage of an a-d isn't always more effective, especially when it comes to anxiety (and esp. panic).
Anyway, seeing as though it's been almost 2 weeks since you posted, how did things go?
Matt
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