just started zoloft and ativan - Panic Disorders Message Board

munky · 01-16-2003, 03:15 PM

i went to the ER last week for a very bad panic attack..

i ve been having panic attacks on and off for about a year.. im 21 ..

so doctor puts me on zoloft 25mg a day for now .. and ativan.. which i take .5mg 2 or 3 times a day..

the ativan really helps.. but i feel like the zoloft is causing me anxiety..

is this a known effect of zoloft? or at least side effect at beginning of treatment? i donno if i should stop zoloft or keep taking it.. it makes me kinda anxious..

im glad i found this board.. =]

[This message has been edited by munky (edited 01-16-2003).]

brysonav · 01-16-2003, 05:12 PM

Give the Zoloft some time. At first (at least for me) it had the opposite effect that I was looking for. I did notice increased anxiety after first starting, but after about a week or so, my body adjusted to the med and the anxiety subsided.

Just push through the beginning phase and you should notice a difference. I do believe my doc said it could take up to 6-8 weeks for it to really make a difference.

GOOD LUCK

munky · 01-17-2003, 12:54 AM

yeah i notice the anxiety somewhat from zoloft .. thats why i been taking ativan .5mg 3 times a day.. which i hope to cut down to "as needed" once the zoloft kicks in..

campbon · 01-17-2003, 09:46 AM

munky, hang in there sometimes it can take up to six weeks for the zoloft to kick in. I take xanax for the side affects. I started to take zoloft to cut down on the xanax use. but go ahead with the ativan if you feel you need it. I feel pretty good now, the only days I feel lousy is when I drink alcohol (which is a no-no) but that was my way of dealing with the panic attacks before my doc thought the zoloft would be a good choice for me. I tried going up to 50mgs but I felt really wierd and went back to the 25mgs. when I behave and don't drink I feel absolutly wonderful and don't even think about xanax. good luck to you
bon

melissa79 · 01-18-2003, 08:46 AM

Hi there 24 female . just giving you my insight , i take .5 of xanax which really helps me . i take that 3 4 times a day . but sometimes if i feel better which I have been lately . i take it when i needed mainly at bed time. I have been on zoloft on n off for about 3 years , and im back on it again . needless to say the other ten million meds I was on . Im on 200mgs of zoloft. Im doing Great ..... I feel much better . my soct started me off with 50 then 100mg and then 2weeks 200mg the higest dose. I havent had an aniexty attack in about 4 months and I drink too which is a no no but when u have panic and aniexty .for a period of time you get to know how it works and when your about to have one . watch with the xanax they are addicting ....good luck

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MELISSA