I started taking 50mg of zoloft 8 days ago. The first 2 days were fine, just a little spacy feeling but then on day 3, I started feeling anxiety and kind of a speedy feeling. It got worse on day 4 and 5 then it has slowly declined but I still feel very anxious. I am toughing it out at work but finding it hard to concentrate. I take it at night and I take sleep meds to go to sleep so I sleep good but when I wake up I feel anxious. I keep thinking it will go away soon but it keeps hanging on. Has anyone experienced this and if so what was your experience?
How long does it take for the increased anxiety to go away from starting zoloft?
Question posted by jrlundy on 11 Nov 2015
Last updated on 21 December 2022
51 Answers Page 3
I have definitely felt like this I'm on almost a month now and feeling much better hang I'm there. Good luck.
I started zoloft 50mg for anxiety, first 2 days didn't feel much of a change, only decreased appetite and some minor shaking and nausea, day 3 at night i blew up in a severe panic attack for hours i was running in my house from wall to wall, Horrific!!! even 1mg of lorazepam didn't help much, it is now in the morning and my doc told me to go down to 25mg fir a week so my body get use to it.
I have been on 50 mg of Zoloft daily for 31 days. My primary care doctor prescribed it, mainly because I was having severe flushing and hot flashes, day and night. I don't want to take hormone replacement therapy, and SSRI medication is supposed to help. I also tend to be dysphoric, but have treated off and on with counseling, never medication. Unlike most people commenting, I had only mild anxiety initially. My hot flashes and sleep improved. I also have noticed that I am not ruminating or tearful at all, which I really like. However, in the past week, the anxiety is getting much worse, bordering on panic. I also feel a lack of motivation and desire to sleep a lot--not new but worse. I don't want to start adding medication I think I need to find a good psychiatrist with more knowledge than my doctor. If it weren't for alleviation of the hot flashes, which were debilitating, I would get off of the Zoloft. I'm interested in any other experiences you can share. Thanks!
Hi on day 5 really struggling does anyone get really bad wind and bloating/ shortness of breath please say this will finally be gone when this settles had this for years
"Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, constipation, dyspepsia, FLATULENCE, DYSPNEA"
"Some side effects of sertraline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice as there are OTC's that will help... at least with the gas and bloating. But at least you know you are not alone with these side effects and that they will resolve quickly.
Regards and I think you'll be feeling better soon. Wild Cat
Yes, the shortness of breath was my worst thing. I could get to sleep, but would wake up and couldn't go back to sleep because I couldn't get a good breath. I am on week 5 of 50 mgs, and just now feeling some relief, so hang in there. I used xanax to stop the panic and it really helped. Just 2.5 mg once or twice a day.
Hi everyone. I just read this whole thread and I’m happy to know that I am not alone. So a little back story on me. I was prescribed Zoloft in 2011 for depression/anxiety and was titrated up to 100 mg which ended up being my therapeutic dose. I took it religiously once a day and everything was fine. I stopped taking it early January of last year and then went right back on it a few weeks after I stopped. Well October of 2018 I found out I was pregnant and my doctor told me to stop the medication. I stopped it cold turkey which was foolish. Well I ended up having a miscarriage on November 3rd and after it was over I was supposed to go back onto the Zoloft. I didn’t and two days ago I had a severe panic attack and had to go to the ER. The ER doctor wrote me a script for a 30 day supply of Zoloft 50 mg because she didn’t want me right back on the 100 mg because I had been off of it for three months.
This is day two of taking the Zoloft and I have not stopped having anxiety. My chest is tight, tingling all over my body, the feeling of impending doom. It’s hanging over me like a dark cloud. I don’t have any thoughts of suicide or harming others but I can’t think of anything because the anxiety is consuming my thoughts. In turn I start to panic but can calm myself down enough to not go into a full blown panic attack, but the after effects are brutal. I don’t feel like myself, I feel spacey and almost like the feeling will never go away. I never experienced this when I was first put on it and every time they upped my dose I never experienced this “pre anxiety” while the medication kicks in. I just want to know that this is normal and the feeling will go away with due time. I have taken off of work because I can’t get it together enough to work properly. I just want to feel normal again. I have klonopin as well but I am unsure if I can take it with the Zoloft. Thanks for taking the time to read this and sorry it’s so long!
Hi, sorry to read about your miscarriage. Briefly I have had 3 different antidepressants over the years, fluoxetine about 16 year ago for a few months. I had no problems with it, then about 4 years ago I needed to go back onto medication and was put on citalopram which I was on for a few years, again not many problems once in the system, but it became less effective After consulting my doctor I moved to Zoloft. At the time I was having a lot of problems with my emotional health, so the Dr tried me on a relatively high initial dose, it was awful, so he upped it again, again awful. And so it went on until I said I wanted to change, this was after several months. I’m now on fluoxetine and am gradually feeling better for it. No one can say which medication will work for you, it’s trial and error. My thoughts are, if it’s going to work you’ll feel better ( not great but better) after a few weeks. I didn’t feel better so changed, now I do.
However I need to take into account the time it’s taken and am I feeling less anxious in general ? and would have felt better even without any medication,? and I’ve been active with psychotherapy. Gut feel is Zoloft wasn’t for me, fluoxetine is probably a better med ,therapy may have helped ( but it can also be tough) and time has had an impact, they say it’s a healer after all. Only you know your body, it’s really important to listen to it. Hope that all makes some kind of sense. I try to think that anxiety is a temporary state and will at some stage be better, I have some control, (depending on where the anxiety is coming from )and will explore what control I can use. Do I need psychotherapy, a psychologist, or can I use a program such as CBT. Medication yes, emotional support absolutely, belief in I will get better, hard but yes definitely. Good luck with the journey, you sound positive, and you’re right you’re not alone, absolutely not.
Update, still struggling to get any relief using antidepressants. 20mg of Prozac didn’t work, tried 40mg started to feel a bit panicked, dropped to 30mg, no benefit, first tried 50mg yesterday and felt spaced out, rapid heart, dizzy, tired. Today I’m back on 30mg, still lightheaded. Seeing Dr on Tuesday to discuss. All in all a proper mess.
Started taking zoloft 50mg about 5 or 6 days ago. I get really bad anxiety before work and have OCD. I used to take celexa like 8 years ago for anxiety/depression and i dont remember any of these side effects when starting at least not this severe. Im hoping it will get better, anxiety has become much worse my wife even had to drive my to work yesterday. I feel like i should go back on the celexa but its only used for OCD off label. Trying to stick it out for now.
Hi, it took me a while for the meds to start to work. You may have to increase dose (with Dr) over a period of several weeks, but take it slowly, I rushed increasing and it was awful. Now I don’t feel so bad. Everyone is different though. I know it’s hard but stick with it. Find a happy place in your mind for anxious moments, listen to music and do some breathing exercises. Have you any beta blockers for the short term?
I have alprazolam but i try not to take it every day. Thanks for the input. I think it probably just needs to level out in my system today was a bit better other than mainly just feeling off (although didnt have to work today helped). Almost through first week of taking it so hopefully soon. Seems like the common idea in this thread is give it a couple weeks before giving up on it or changing if possible.
Hi, it is my 4th day on Zoloft 25mg... so anxious/anxiety. I never felt anxiety like this I was going to go to the hospital yesterday but I calmed myself down. I also have Xanaxs but i don’t know if I should take that with Zoloft. Also does anyone experience waking up in the middle of the night panicking I dealt with that 2 out of the four days I’ve been taking Zoloft and it’s scary. You guys all make me feel better knowing that these side effects will subside, I thought it was only me. Please respond back. -MP
Hi MP, did you have anxiety before taking Zoloft? Or did it only come after taking the meds? It took a while for any relief for me, but it’s not the same for everyone, some have no problems at all, going up the scale to several weeks. It’s the problem with antidepressants, the time it takes to be of any help, even then they may not be right. It will have an affect on your sleep, I was waking around 3-4 am but this wore off. You can get help with that from your doctor. There are practices you can try when anxiety kicks in, breathing is one of them, mediation is another and distraction. There is lots of info on these online, try them they may help. Distraction for me is to put myself in my safe place (this is just in my mind). It’s a warm summers day, the garden is in full bloom and the scent hangs in the air.
There are birds singing and I’m listening to Vaughan Williams “The Lark Ascending”I’m sitting in my favourite reclining garden chair, which has large comfortable cushions, drifting in and out of a gentle sleep. You can make your own up, just think of somewhere sometime you were completely relaxed and happy, and relaxing music playing in the background. Set the scene in your head, make it real. When you’re not feeling great go to that safe place and concentrate on your breathing. Tell yourself, this is temporary, nothing will harm you, it will pass.
Thank you burnig for the advice. Yes I’ve been having anxiety for awhile now probably about 2 to 3 years. Just started treating it with xanaxs this March that my primary doctor prescribed me but everyone knows that xanaxs is only a temporary fix so I took the next step and saw a psychiatrists and psychologist and the psychiatrist gave me Zoloft and this is where I stand now. I’ve never been on a antidepressant before but I have to start living my life and stop hiding in an Eggshell
Well that’s a positive, working towards getting better, well done you. If you’ve seen a psychiatrist and you’ve been prescribed Zoloft then that is also a step forward. Have a look for any local or online support groups, we think we are alone with this but we are not. I’ve started Art therapy, I’m no artist but for the time I’m painting my mind is on nothing else... it’s very therapeutic. Have you heard of mindfulness? I’ve not tried it myself but it gets good reports. I would recommend 2 books (audible) 1 The Chimp Paradox, 2 Rewire Your Anxious Brain. They both cover the same subject which is about how the fight , flight or freeze part of your brain works. I found them interesting and helpful, I get how I’m anxious,(not why) and understand that I can’t use logic to sort myself out. The why I’m anxious is what I need to figure out, I’m seeing a psychotherapist to work on that.
Burnig, that’s good that you’re seeing a psychologist to figure out why you’re feeling what you’re feeling, that’s what I’m exactly doing I saw my psychologist today and it felt good. It’s is good to vent to someone that completely understands you. I’m on day 5 of Zoloft and I feel kind of alright. Thank you for your advice it’s been helping me truly especially knowing that I’m not the only one experiencing this.
I had postpartum depressions with both kids and each time I took lexapro 10mg and clonazepam, after the second child I didn't take it seriously and stopped taking a.d. after only 6 months, after that I have been on and off lexapro for 3 times but only 3 or 4 months, then I stopped. This time I tried lexapro 10 mg and it didn't work after 3 weeks, so the doc switched me to Zoloft, I started with 75mg and went through some anxiety and other side affects, but i didn't know where the anxiety was from: zoloft or my condition, in 2 weeks I felt slightly better and doc said to increase up to 100mg to feel the benefits faster. I started to have same anxiety, jittering, worse of depression due to all this. only 2 days into increase - is that normal?
Ufff, yes it’s normal I’ve been on Zoloft for about 2 weeks now and the first 3 to 5 days were hell but once you get pass that week everything should subside and you should start feeling the actual effects within 4 weeks they just upped my dose to 50mg I feel ok thank god for xanaxs thiugh because if it wasn’t for that I would be getting up still in the middle of the night. So to answer your question yes it does happen but it will calm down sooner or later and have you ever tried to listen to ocean waves to calm your anxiety down or even just take a xanaxs if you have any that really helps trust me.
thanks for you answer, it's just so weird that with the increase you have to go through almost the same thing again; it discourage me so much. I don't feel any benefits at the moment, everything before the slight improvement after two weeks came back with the increased dose. I get so impatient to feel better, and scared because before the doc kept saying that if lexapro worked before it should every time, and now I'm on my second ssir and reading people's comments that that's so common to not feel the benefits from second or third, etc. I hope that's not the case. I do take clonazepam for sleep (which is like xanax) and when very anxious (very small amount during the day because I have to work and not sleep :) ), when I started the 75mg i didn't have to take it during the day after the first week or so, now with the increase had to take some yesterday. I keep taking it for sleep as I can't fall asleep without it or would wake up in an hour. I also try to meditate with sounds of waves, etc etc. :)
Well after several months on Sertraline, I’ve given up on it and have switched to Prozac (fluoxetine). Still early days yet only been on Prozac 20mg for a little over a week, and I’ve had a slight improvement. Dr has asked me to try for a month and go back, probably to up the dose to 40mg. I hate with a passion how ling it takes for these drugs to decide if they are to work or not. All the while I’m doing talking therapy, which is difficult, I need the support of an effective drug. I’ve beta blockers to help tide me over, but it’s yet another drug. One which reduces blood pressure, and who knows what other side effects??? Christmas is almost upon us, a time when you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself, but a time that also brings great pressure on you. However it’ll soon be 2019, a new year, hopefully Prozac will start to do its thing and I can figure out with the help of therapy, what exactly is causing my reaction to stressful situations.
I want to be able to cope with whatever life throws at me, I want to be there for my family. Here’s to the future, and seeing some light.
I was taking 50 mg of zoloft about 8 years ago, it took 3 1/2 weeks to start working. One morning I woke up and for once I wasn't able to feel my heart pounding. I'm on it again but only on day 11.
Give it some more time & good luck.
I know last time, years ago when I started Zoloft that it took several weeks to get in my system and level out to where I didn't panic or have anxiety, was at 100mg. I had taken myself off of it back in 2010. Now, I have restarted on this medicine back in Aug on 12.5mg and 2 weeks after that went to 25mg. I know I will get better but it takes time. I'm now taking 50mg, day 3 of it. Today I have had anxiety just about all day. It just gets me when all I can think about is the symptom (left side of neck and face gets tingly and when my throat feels like it's closing/ too dry) that I'm having and the anxiety keeps going. I don't go into a panic, so I know the med is working.
My question is - Should I keep upping my dosage every other week to get to 100mg or should I wait till I get antsy to up it again? I only up it 12.5 mg at a time. I try to stay on a dosage as long as I can and when I feel antsy after a couple good days, I up my med again. Then I go through the same symptoms of headaches, tiredness, feelings of being on a cloud in my head, night sweats, ears being sensitive, and the constant fast beating heart. I do call my grandma, parents and both my sisters, as they have panic/anxiety attacks, and I seem to feel comfort for a bit. They remind me that it will soon pass, that I'm taking the medicine and to give it time. My mom had said that I may need to be back on 100mg or possibly higher.
I have the exact same symptoms, and then I start to feel the tension in my neck and shoulders. The other day I felt like I was going to pass out and just needed to sit.
How are you doing now?
I am doing a lot better, thanks. I was on 62.5 mg for a long time. Now I'm taking 100 mg. The tingly feeling has gone away. My doctor did give me Xanax a while back and I only had take 1/4 of a pill out of 30 pills. I just kept saying to myself "I will get better. Been through this before and got better." Just takes time. I do get a little anxious here and there but I think it's when I eat too much sugary things.
Hi, I've been on Citalopram for a few years, but never felt great taking it, the best I was was just neutral. I was taking 40mgs of Citalopram but when you are over 60 the recommended dose was 20mgs, so I dropped to 20 and felt a bit better. I had discussed the efficacy of my drug with my Dr and he suggested switching to Sertraline and prescribed 50mgs. I was reluctant to change over at first as I was feeling ok with the 20mgs of Citalopram, but things kind of got worse one day and I sank into a very low mood. I decided to switch to Sertraline, after a week I felt no better so the Dr suggested upping to 100mgs. I was now getting awful feelings of anxiousness and dread, a week later he upped to 150mgs, I had propranolol 10mgs to help settle my nerves, and had taken before and it was kind of ok in the past, but wouldn't even touch the sides of my now panic and anxiety.
I met the Dr again to discuss and he said there was nothing he could give me to help, he gave me the telephone number of the mental health crisis team 'in case I needed it'. In the meantime I was trying anything and everything to self help me, meditation, online apps, seeking out depression groups, counselling etc. I called the crisis team (this is in the UK) who said he should have given me something like Diazepam to help me out but hadn't, but they would send an email to the Dr requesting him to prescribe. 5 days passed and I'd heard nothing, I called the Dr, they hadn't had any email... back to the crisis team who said they would send off again, with the advice I need to 'distract' myself. I contacted my pharmacy who still haven't received a prescription for me. Every morning I felt like I was having a nervous breakdown, I was reaching out but no one was helping. Yesterday (saturday) I called the non emergency helpline who arranged an urgent appointment with a different Dr, my Dr's is closed on a Saturday. After 20 mins of explaining what was going on, I was given 21 x 2mg Diazepam. I took my first one yesterday which calmed me down. Today I've taken my second in the morning, I still feel like I'm breaking down, but the advice is to stick with it. The Dr I saw yesterday said he thought I had gone to 150mg too quickly, but to discuss with my Dr. I have a family gathering in 5 days time followed by a trip to the US, the way I feel at the moment I cannot see myself going but that is causing no end of problems with my family. I'm encouraged others have felt the anxiety and have got through it. I'm now into my 4th week of changing over and feel as bad as I ever have, I just hope one day I wake up and it's over. Thanks for listening.
Update, entering week 6 and still have daily feelings of tension and occasional anxiousness. I tell myself this will soon stop and it is better than it was. But still feeling pretty miserable, and not enjoying going out with friends. They call it flooding when you dive into the anxiety and not try to avoid it. Hard hard work. I’ve been away for a week and have had a few drinks every night but I must stop as it’s not doing me any good.
Further update, after 10 weeks and upping to 200mg I’m starting to see some results, anxiety is much lower.
Has your anxiety gotten any better? I have been off celexa and got completely on Zoloft 4 weeks ago and last week my anxiety panic disorder got so bad again.. I am not sure if the Zoloft isn’t working or is it me switching off celexa to Zoloft... I am on 150 and taking it at night and waking up with anxiety.
I was interested in your mention of Propranalol. I have been on beta blockers for decades and have major labile hypertension issues. I also started Zoloft 9 days ago. My doctor is switching me over to Propranalol and am concerned about trying to get used to two new meds. I also have a trip planned to eastern Europe the third week in July and am wondering if I will be able to go with the way I feel. It would affect other family members if i don't go. This adds to the anxiety. Hope you are doing better now. It sounds like you went through hell.
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
I am on day 8 of Zoloft and just yesterday my anxiety went through the roof. I’ve never felt so panicked in my life. I felt like I was losing control. I was experiencing the worst episodes of my life. These stories I’m seeing do help subside the anxiety some. I really hope in a couple days my anxiety subsides more. My wife and I are having a baby in 5 days so I don’t have time for this. My OCD isn’t helping either. Thank you everyone for sharing! I’ll respond back in a couple days and give the update on my situation! God Bless to all
I had very similar side effects. Days 5-10 we're horrible. My anxiety was debilitating. I was in bed. It does subside by day 14 I was slightly better. Stick it out!
I had very similar side effects. Days 5-10 we're horrible. My anxiety was debilitating. I was in bed. It does subside by day 14 I was slightly better. Stick it out!
Hang in there. My hubby had trouble with this & is suffering this week after increasing dose but he does level out after a couple of weeks! He uses diazepam too but has found meditation really helpful, lots of apps to help you do it, took a while to get into but definitely helps the anxiety & ocd. Good luck with your new arrival too :-)
Hang in there. My hubby had trouble with this & is suffering this week after increasing dose but he does level out after a couple of weeks! He uses diazepam too but has found meditation really helpful, lots of apps to help you do it, took a while to get into but definitely helps the anxiety & ocd. Good luck with your new arrival too :-)
Hello Bkwatts08 I was wondering how you were feeling,you and I have similar experience on zoloft My Anxiety got worse around day 9.Im on day 13 and am still catching anxiety attacks.Just wondering if you are too? Congratulations soon to be dad
I am on day 2 of Zoloft and also day 2 of the most ridiculous nighttime anxiety/insomnia EVER. I’ve tried several different daily anxiety meds in the past, each with similar outcomes, and have quit them within days of starting due to not being able to cope with the increased anxiety. This thread gives me hope that I’m not alone, these feelings will subside, and I WILL start to feel like me again sometime soon. Has anyone tried taking it during the day instead of at night? Even though it says “may cause drowsiness”, it seems to have the opposite effect on me. Any advice or encouragement would be appreciated!
Hang in there. I have seen hubby go through this, he upped his dose last week & is having awful insomnia, when he does sleep the night sweats are awful! Anxiety really bad but he knows it will get better when levels out! He finds meditation has really helped too! Keep positive & hang in there :-)
I stopped taking lexapro that i have been on for 12 years .. and got put on zoloft , Anxiety is threw the roof i have been on zoloft for about a month now .. The Panic attacts every day . I called my doctor he says stick it out for another week , easy for him to say .. i have been reading this tred and it is giving me hope , but why must you go threw this for a pill to work .. how many weeks does it take
I feel the same. Day 14, and it's been a rough go for me. Currently I am on insomniac mode and tried falling asleep just to get woke up by increased anxiety. This wave of body tingling and numbness comes over me and I'm restless and can't stop thinking about how I feel, so I'm up waiting it out to finally get sleep. I've actually had maybe 6 hours of sleep in two days. It is quite frustrating to say the least, and disheartening. It is no fun. I shouldn't be smoking cigarettes, but I smoke like a chimney when feeling like this. I was on 25mg for four days, then upped to 50mg after that. Four days ago I felt the side effects were a bit much, and was lowered to 25mg. I actually had one day, where I felt my mental acuity as normal, and seemed to be rather calm and feeling well. Go figure, that following night it was anxiety and insufferable insomnia.
I'm biding my time here to hopefully feel some more consistent relief, but I'm growing wary, and want to switch meds, but I don't want to go through another trial and error hell storm of side effects. We shall see how it goes.
Relieved I am not the only one! I am switching from 300mg of Wellbutrin that had my anxiety only getting worse and worse after several weeks so just started the switch over to ZOLOFT. Yesterday was my first day and had the most terrible anxiety ever. Today was rough too. But not quite as bad. I will be so glad when I can feel halfway normal again.
I’m getting the impression it increases anxiety then levels out! I hope so.
How are you feeling today?
My husband increased dose to 100mg as instructed & 3 days later, horrific anxiety, using diazepam to help.
Hang in there!
It’s getting better, still not great... but I have accepted the fact that I am going to have to get used to taking alprazolam to function until things level out. I also lowered my dose to 25mg until I am totally off the Wellbutrin. I was on 50mg my first couple days.
I am very discouraged. Been on my increased dosage of 75mg of Zoloft for 18 days and having heart palpitations and naseaus. I felt slightly better for like 3 days after increased side effects and now this. I'm so afraid this won't work for me. How long should I wait to up my dose again or see if this will work?
How are you doing on this now? My husband switched from duloxetine to sertraline 8 days ago & his anxiety is through the roof!
I did end up raising my dose to 37.5. I am 11 days in to the higher dose and still experiencing some side effects. Morning anxiety and my joints still hurt. I'm waiting 2 more weeks and if I don't feel better may try something else. It definitely raises your anxietu initially. I have Xanax to help but not bug on using that cause it makes me feel weird and I have to work. Praying it gets better.
Hope you are feeling brighter & the medication side effects have settled down. Hubbys settled & then upped his dose to 100mg & 3 days later the anxiety really bad again. Trying to hang in there hoping it will level again using diazepam.
How is your husband doing now? I am up to 75mg and only 10 days in and having horrible anxiety and crying spells. I feel awful. Please tell me this will go away soon.
Oh bless you! It’s so tough!! My husband was on 100mg & had a good month of stability, last week the dr said go to 150mg as they want to get him off diazepam but surprise surprise the increase has raised the anxiety. Insomnia but when he does get some sleep the night sweats are awful & very emotional. Hang in there, like I said to hubby today, keep strong & hopefully in a week or so it should settle down! Keep positive. He finds meditation helps, just started it so may be worth a try?
I have started taking Zoloft 25mg 14 days ago.I am having alot of increased anxiety especially in the morning. My doctor wants me to up my dose to 37.5 cause she thinks the anxiety is caused from to low a dose. Should I stick it out a bit longer on the 25mg or try uping the dose? I'm miserable either shaking or crying. I just want to be normal.
How are you doing on this now? My husband switched from duloxetine to sertraline 8 days ago & his anxiety is through the roof!
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