Hi everyone! this is my first post ever. I've had an anxiety disorder for around 4 years now and been through several medicines and doses. Some work but had really bad side effects and others didn't. I've been taking Zoloft now for 4 weeks I've noticed a difference tho' not as big as I was hoping, maybe i should give it a couple of more weeks right? What do you think?
I also wanted to let you all know that as vague as it might sound, I am here for you. I've found throughout the years that even if you have loved ones that support you, nothing compares to the words of someone that has been through the same. I'm here for you, we can all heal together, there are always more and new answers lets never give up.

TONS of LOVE for everyone out there, we are not alone.

to DF AntonellaW,
Most AD's take up to 8 weeks to work so yes I would try to hold out a little longer. It is very nice that you want to help others here as well. We can use all the shoulders to lean on, we can get.

Welcome Antonella!

This certainly is a great place to be and a wonderful group of people who can always give great advice and provide inspiration. I know I love it here.

As for the Zoloft, yes, give it more time. I'm on Zoloft for anxiety as well. 3 months ago my wife had a seizure (grand mal) that I witnessed. I already knew she had epilepsy, but I hadn't seen a seizure before. After seeing that first one I went down hill quick. Less than 24 hours quick. The next day I had my first panic attack and since then I've had horrible anxiety and some mild depression. I started Zoloft right away and it took a long, long time to get stable. At 4 weeks, as you, I was feeling definitely better, but not where I wanted to be. It took me a full 2 months to get to a point where I felt like myself again. Even now, after 3 months, I still get strings of days with anxiety and depression. It's no where near as bad as before, but it happens. I think if you give it some more time, you'll notice things do get better. The highs and lows balance out and you feel level and stable again. It just takes some of us more time then others. Even then, little relapses can happen from time to time, at least they did for me.

I think I'm coming out of this funk now, but it lasted for a good week. That was after 3 weeks of being totally fine. I guess it's all a matter of time and learning to cope. The meds get us out of the black hole and worry cycles, the rest is up to us. The bad times have gotten longer and longer between them and lessened in severity each time so I know I'm on the right track. Just having some residuals to deal with I think.

Stick with it and see how it goes. I was ready to give up on Zoloft after 8 weeks, but waited 1 more week. It was a good decision. It's working pretty well for me now and I rarely need my Xanax. I think over time it'll only get better.

Hi A - your post made me cry. I hope the Z works for you. I had to go off it because it gave me terrible side effects. Now, I'm not taking anything & I'm in bad shape.

Wishing you all the best. I have bad depression and anxiety too. Thanks for your post - it's so good to hear from someone who's going through the same thing I am. I do have people that care about be, but they don't understand how I feel.

Hugs,

c

Antonella,

First off welcome. I've been on and off Zoloft for about 12 years give or take. All medicine that you take for depression will effect you in different ways. In it will take time to kick in. Me, it was like a month and I take it along with Lexapro. I have an anxiety disorder as well and it has helped me immensely. When I'm not taking it I really feel bad. Give it some time and talk to your doctor about any side effects. What works for one person may not work for another. I had a really bad rash from prozac. The doctor had never seen anything like it. But that was a allergic side effect. Than was an extremely rare case.

We are here to help in any way we can. So welcome and hope you stick around for a while.

I'm here if you ever need to talk!, I am doing a lot better now, for how long were you on Z? have you thought about trying others? You dont have to live like this. Right me back and if you want to we can discuss other options.
HUGS!!!

My moment of AHA didn't come until 6 or so weeks. It was like I woke up and I felt well. It just happened. I wanted to cry. Knowing that I was better. Or at least on the way to being better. and it is good to have others that know what you are going through.