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Posted by michelle41a on October 10, 2010, at 12:26:28
In reply to Re: wondering if increasing zoloft dose will help, posted by morgan miller on October 8, 2010, at 11:49:42
> > > Glad to hear you are feeling better. The side effects should subside and maybe completely go away with time.
> > >
> > > Good Luck!
> >
> > Thanks so much, Morgan! The side effects are slowly subsiding, but I still have issues with feeling jittery and a weird dull pain in my jaw. I had mild jaw pain when I tapered off zoloft in 2005 so maybe it is a weird side effect.. I can't wait to feel "normal" again lol!
>
> Maybe a little TMJ? It could just be your body adjusting and there being some extra tension that is causing your jaw to tighten up a bit. Where is it tight?
>Hi Morgan!
Hope you don't mind me asking again..I have question about increasing my zoloft dose.. I went from 12.5 to 18.75 starting Oct 3rd.. The dosage increase didn't seem to bother me too much until today..
I woke up with some nausea and loose BM (sorry TMI) Usually every day I feel crummy from the time I get up until around 4-5.. Then I have dinner, take the zoloft, and I feel better for the rest of the night..
Could this be just my body adjusting to the med increase? I also took my zoloft a bit later than normal ( I usually try to take it around 5-6pm but I ended up taking it at 8:30)
I also have been trying to taper off the klonopin (I shaved off .0625 every day this week)
Sorry for the long winded post, just wondering if I should give the 18.75 more time to stabilize :)
Sincerely,
Michelle
P.S I am trying to take my zoloft earlier in the day but it seems that there is more anxiety when I take the zoloft with lunch (I don't eat as much for lunch as I do for dinner)
Posted by morgan miller on October 10, 2010, at 12:33:14
In reply to zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 10, 2010, at 12:26:28
I think the side effects you are experiencing are fairly normal for anyone taking any SSRI. I would stick with this dose for a while. It may be 3 or 4 months before you find the right dose and the side effects subside.
I would try taking Zoloft first thing in the morning. Also, eat a good breakfast! If you feel a little anxiety, just try to tolerate it and hopefully it will only last a few hours.
Morgan
Posted by michelle41a on October 10, 2010, at 12:42:31
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :( » michelle41a, posted by morgan miller on October 10, 2010, at 12:33:14
> I think the side effects you are experiencing are fairly normal for anyone taking any SSRI. I would stick with this dose for a while. It may be 3 or 4 months before you find the right dose and the side effects subside.
>
> I would try taking Zoloft first thing in the morning. Also, eat a good breakfast! If you feel a little anxiety, just try to tolerate it and hopefully it will only last a few hours.
>
> MorganThanks so much, Morgan :)
I wish I wouldn't get so nervous about med dosage increases.. I know that the zoloft is helping, it just sucks that it takes so long for it to stabilize lol!!
Michelle
Posted by morgan miller on October 10, 2010, at 14:20:30
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 10, 2010, at 12:42:31
I know it's frustrating and it does take some patience and will power sometimes with these drugs. Try not to get nervous, I know it's hard. Getting nervous may be contributing some to your response.
Are you taking fish oil?
Are you exercising and stretching afterward? I find moderate to intense cardiovascular exercise followed by a meditative stretch goes a long way in the treatment of anxiety and troublesome thoughts and nervous energy.
Posted by michelle41a on October 10, 2010, at 14:47:59
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :( » michelle41a, posted by morgan miller on October 10, 2010, at 14:20:30
> I know it's frustrating and it does take some patience and will power sometimes with these drugs. Try not to get nervous, I know it's hard. Getting nervous may be contributing some to your response.
>
> Are you taking fish oil?
>
> Are you exercising and stretching afterward? I find moderate to intense cardiovascular exercise followed by a meditative stretch goes a long way in the treatment of anxiety and troublesome thoughts and nervous energy.I haven't started any fish oil or vitamins yet, but I intend to when my body adjusts to the Zoloft :)
I also have started stretching in the mornings and trying deep breathing exercises to calm my mind and body (My therapist suggested this as well) I have a large garden that my husband and I take care of as well. I love gardening :D
I work at a recreation center from 9pm-2am (sometimes I can leave around 1am which is good for my sleep) My job keeps me active (I clean the building) so I tend to walk for at least 1 hour a night.. I do feel better at work, probably due to the fact I am moving around..
I was on Zoloft back in 2000-05 but I guess I forgot how long it took to start feeling better lol!
Thanks again, Morgan! You are the best!!
Michelle
Posted by morgan miller on October 10, 2010, at 23:08:51
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 10, 2010, at 14:47:59
I think waiting is a good idea.
I forgot, is depression or anxiety a bigger issue? If depression is a bigger issue and you feel you need more improvement once you hit your sweet spot with Zoloft, you may want to consider adding 5 or 6 mg of l methylfolate. There is an l methylfolate prescription medication used as an adjunct to medications called Deplin. It may enhance the function of monoamines, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, allowing antidepressants to work better.
I hope when you do start fish oil it helps some. Fish oil can improve brain function, resulting in feeling better and possibly improving the function of antidepressants. The omega 3s in fish oil are for the body what oil is for an engine.
Posted by michelle41a on October 11, 2010, at 0:03:39
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :( » michelle41a, posted by morgan miller on October 10, 2010, at 23:08:51
> I think waiting is a good idea.
>
> I forgot, is depression or anxiety a bigger issue? If depression is a bigger issue and you feel you need more improvement once you hit your sweet spot with Zoloft, you may want to consider adding 5 or 6 mg of l methylfolate. There is an l methylfolate prescription medication used as an adjunct to medications called Deplin. It may enhance the function of monoamines, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, allowing antidepressants to work better.
>
> I hope when you do start fish oil it helps some. Fish oil can improve brain function, resulting in feeling better and possibly improving the function of antidepressants. The omega 3s in fish oil are for the body what oil is for an engine.
No depression, just panic attacks and GAD..
I have had GAD since I was a child.. I am going to a therapist which helps a lot..
The Klonopin has helped a lot with my panic attacks that started in July after being off Prozac since March 2010..I had to stop Prozac because it was too stimulating..
My therapist told me that I should have never been switched to Prozac because it is used more for depression than anxiety..
Zoloft was working great from 2000-2005 but when I was at 50mg, I started to get restless legs and zombie like feelings.. I am thinking that if I can tirate up to 25mg, the zoloft may help keep the anxiety at bay.. I want to wean off the klonopin, but for now I am keeping my .5 dosage 1x/day until the Zoloft stabilizes..
I am also dealing with high FSH and LH levels ( perimenopause symptoms) so hopefully the Zoloft will help with this issue as well..
I was fine until I turned 41 this year.. been downhill ever since GRR!! But I am keeping a positive outlook! 40 is the new 20 LOL!!
I defintely want to try the fish oil, a lot of my friends take it with great results.. Have you heard of krill oil? It is a red gel cap that is supposed to be as good as fish oil but with out the fishy after taste.. Also, the pill is smaller (I hate taking big pills)
Posted by morgan miller on October 11, 2010, at 0:14:04
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 11, 2010, at 0:03:39
Would you mind taking a very mild tasting fish oil in the liquid form? I'm thinking of Carlson's brand. All you would need is a teaspoon a day. Any time you take a fish oil product you want a high quality one and drink plenty of water to reduce the chance of a fish burp or too. And if you feel that much better on fish oil(even if you don't the overall health benefits are enough of a reason to take it), what's a burp or two?
I would not waste your money on krill until there is good evidence that it is really that much better than fish oil.
If Zoloft does not work out in the long run, you could always try New Chapter's Serofin or Kira st. john's wort. They are two SJW brands that are more calming and work well on anxiety.
I think it is important at this point in your life to optimize your health through superior nutrition and proper exercise if you want to maximize your chances of feeling good for a long time.
Morgan
Posted by michelle41a on October 11, 2010, at 0:44:51
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :( » michelle41a, posted by morgan miller on October 11, 2010, at 0:14:04
> Would you mind taking a very mild tasting fish oil in the liquid form? I'm thinking of Carlson's brand. All you would need is a teaspoon a day. Any time you take a fish oil product you want a high quality one and drink plenty of water to reduce the chance of a fish burp or too. And if you feel that much better on fish oil(even if you don't the overall health benefits are enough of a reason to take it), what's a burp or two?
>
> I would not waste your money on krill until there is good evidence that it is really that much better than fish oil.
>
> If Zoloft does not work out in the long run, you could always try New Chapter's Serofin or Kira st. john's wort. They are two SJW brands that are more calming and work well on anxiety.
>
> I think it is important at this point in your life to optimize your health through superior nutrition and proper exercise if you want to maximize your chances of feeling good for a long time.
>
> MorganSounds good to me :) I don't mind taking a fish oil supplement as long as I don't get too many fish burps lol! I am going to look into the natural anxiety supplements you suggested as well..
Hopefully the Zoloft will get my mind calm again but I am not going to rely on just the meds to solve my anxiety issues.. I like a more holistic approach and a good exercise program..
I have never really liked the idea of using ssri's for my anxiety but they have been the only thing that has worked for me since 1999.. I only hope that I haven't altered my brain chemistry too much in the process :(
I guess it helps that I only drink water and eat healthy.. My therapist suggested that I try yoga as well..
I want to start weight training again but I may put that off because I am 5'8 and 113 lbs.. The yoga may be less calorie burning.. I sure don't need to lose any more weight lol!
I have lost about 20 lbs since July from my anxiety issues :(
I used to weigh around 115 -120 before I started on SSRI's in 1999.. When I stopped taking the meds, I lost the 20- 30 lbs I had gained while on Zoloft and then Prozac.. I crave carbs when I am on too high of a dose of zoloft I guess..
Posted by morgan miller on October 11, 2010, at 1:18:08
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 11, 2010, at 0:44:51
I think you might really like Holy Basil(New Chapter is the best IMO).
Look at one of the new threads below, I made a post listing things good for anxiety/stress/restless mind.
Staying on an SSRI that works well for you is not a big deal. Plus, Zoloft is not as toxic and hard on the liver as other SSRIs. And, it inhibits mTOR signalling, something that might be good for cancer prevention and longevity! If Zoloft ends up making a significant positive impact at a dose that does not cause bothersome side effects, I would just accept that you may need it for the rest of your life. It and a few others are very good non-invasive drugs that you can stay on for a very long time. Chronic anxiety can do a lot more damage than drugs like Zoloft could ever do, at least for most people. Sure there are some that do not do well with many medications, but if you are not one of those people, you are probably better off with it than without it in the long run.
Posted by michelle41a on October 11, 2010, at 9:26:00
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by morgan miller on October 11, 2010, at 1:18:08
> I think you might really like Holy Basil(New Chapter is the best IMO).
>
> Look at one of the new threads below, I made a post listing things good for anxiety/stress/restless mind.
>
> Staying on an SSRI that works well for you is not a big deal. Plus, Zoloft is not as toxic and hard on the liver as other SSRIs. And, it inhibits mTOR signalling, something that might be good for cancer prevention and longevity! If Zoloft ends up making a significant positive impact at a dose that does not cause bothersome side effects, I would just accept that you may need it for the rest of your life. It and a few others are very good non-invasive drugs that you can stay on for a very long time. Chronic anxiety can do a lot more damage than drugs like Zoloft could ever do, at least for most people. Sure there are some that do not do well with many medications, but if you are not one of those people, you are probably better off with it than without it in the long run.I did read how zoloft was being used in treating and/or preventing melanoma.. I really didn't have an issue when I was on it in the past, actually I regret switching to prozac.. The Prozac was defintely too stimulating for me..
My concern now is trying to adjust to the Zoloft again.. I am a heck of a lot better than I was in July, but I am still dealing with morning bowel issues.. I also feel slightly nauseated too.. The general crummy feeling seems to subside by 4 or 5.. Then I feel pretty good most of the evening .. I am not sure what is causing the morning/early afternoon nausea every day.. I am assuming it is my body adjusting to the meds.. I thought about taking a cortisol saliva test to see what my cortisol levels were.. I just hope that I will wake up feeling good again! Maybe taking the zoloft with lunch will alleviate the morning nausea/loose bm issue but I am not sure :(
Thanks again for your continued support and info! It means so much to me!!
Michelle
Posted by morgan miller on October 11, 2010, at 21:40:39
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 11, 2010, at 9:26:00
Are you taking brand Zoloft or generic sertraline?
Posted by michelle41a on October 12, 2010, at 1:55:36
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :( » michelle41a, posted by morgan miller on October 11, 2010, at 21:40:39
> Are you taking brand Zoloft or generic sertraline?
Unfortunately, I am on the generic (camber pharmac) Sertraline.. I asked the pharmacist at Kroger how much the name brand zoloft was and he told me it cost $140.00 Also, it would have to be a special order.. My insurance won't cover the cost GRR!!
Is there a "clean" generic zoloft other than camber? I remember starting out on the name brand Zoloft back in 2000 and it was much better than the generic.. I guess the name brand is more expensive now :(
I take the TEVA klonopin which I like much better than the mylan klonopin..
Posted by morgan miller on October 12, 2010, at 10:40:14
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 12, 2010, at 1:55:36
Have your doctor tell the insurance company you are experiencing bad side effects with the generic and you NEED brand as you did not have problems with it in the past. Ever time I had my doc do this it was approved and my insurance company started covering the brand. Do you have decent insurance? You really should talk to your doctor and push to get your insurance to cover the brand. When I tried generic sertraline my stomach was messed up for a month so I went back to Zoloft. This is your physical and mental health, it's not worth messing around with a crappy generic version of a great drug.
Posted by michelle41a on October 15, 2010, at 12:37:01
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :( » michelle41a, posted by morgan miller on October 12, 2010, at 10:40:14
> Have your doctor tell the insurance company you are experiencing bad side effects with the generic and you NEED brand as you did not have problems with it in the past. Ever time I had my doc do this it was approved and my insurance company started covering the brand. Do you have decent insurance? You really should talk to your doctor and push to get your insurance to cover the brand. When I tried generic sertraline my stomach was messed up for a month so I went back to Zoloft. This is your physical and mental health, it's not worth messing around with a crappy generic version of a great drug.
Hi Morgan!
If I can't get the brand name zoloft, is there a more effective generic other than camber pharmacy that I can take?
Thanks again!
Michelle
Posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2010, at 15:21:54
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 15, 2010, at 12:37:01
Hmm, I really don't know if there is a superior generic out there. You may want to make a new post/thread asking this question. I know people have ideas what may be better Prozac generics, but I'm not sure about Zoloft.
I really think if you fight for it enough and get your doctor involved, the insurance company will pay for most of it. Unless, your insurance company is really about accommodating their customers.
How have you been feeling?
Morgan
Posted by michelle41a on October 15, 2010, at 16:53:41
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :( » michelle41a, posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2010, at 15:21:54
> Hmm, I really don't know if there is a superior generic out there. You may want to make a new post/thread asking this question. I know people have ideas what may be better Prozac generics, but I'm not sure about Zoloft.
>
> I really think if you fight for it enough and get your doctor involved, the insurance company will pay for most of it. Unless, your insurance company is really about accommodating their customers.
>
> How have you been feeling?
>
> MorganHi Morgan!
I will create a new post about the generic Zoloft today.. I have Blue Care Network so they try to push generic on their customers :( But if I can't get a generic version that works as good as brand, I am going to push them to let me get brand name.
I did raise the dose to 18.75 on Oct 3rd. From oct 3rd - 9th my brain felt like mush and I had TMJ pain. My mind started to clear on the 10th, but by the 13th, I started to become nauseated more often.. So on the 13th, I dropped the dose by 3.125 (I split the 12.5 in half, then split the 6.25 in half) I took the 15.625 dose for 2 days, then went down to 12.5 Unrortunately, the day after the 12.5 dose, I had extreme panic and sweating upon waking..My abdomonal cramping came back as well. So, I bumped the dose back up to 15.625 dose yesterday. This morning, the panic and sweating was there, but not as bad as yesterday..
I am starting to take .25 klonopin when I wake up now to help with the morning anxiety. The klonopin is really working well for the panic..I do believe the Zoloft has helped but the side effects are annoying :(
To be honest, I can't believe that I am so sensitive to dosage changes when I am well below the "normal theraputic dose" My therapist thinks it is due to my high metabolism, hormonal imbalance (premature menopause) and the bad reaction I had to Prozac. Maybe Zoloft is just too stimulating,like the prozac was.. Ahhh the frustration of it all LOL!
Sorry for the long winded post lol! I have been on zoloft for almost 6 weeks now, but I guess I should give it another couple weeks before I go to lexapro.. I just want the abdominal cramping to stop and have a decent appetite again..
Michelle
Posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2010, at 17:12:34
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by michelle41a on October 15, 2010, at 16:53:41
If you get brand Zoloft, I would give it 4 to 6 more weeks.
Lexapro is a great drug. It is possible your insurance might insist on you taking Celexa instead, I hope this isn't the case.
Sorry you are so sensitive to drugs, that definitely sucks, especially if the change in sensitivity came about in part because of Prozac.
I would look at Klonopin as a temporary treatment if I were you. For several reasons, mostly because it can become increasingly mind numbing(it was for me), klonopin is best to use periodically as needed or for a short period everyday.
What you want is to be on one drug, in your case either Zoloft or Lexapro, and for that one drug to treat your anxiety up to 50 or 70 percent. Then, you need to do other things like exercise, yoga, and meditation to try to treat the remaining 30 or 40 percent. You can also try more natural treatments/supplements to help treat some of your anxiety.
Personally, I would try to stay as low as .25 mg klonopin. This will make it much easier to get off of when you choose to do so.
Morgan
Posted by michelle41a on October 16, 2010, at 19:15:54
In reply to Re: zoloft dosage increase issues again :(, posted by morgan miller on October 15, 2010, at 17:12:34
Hi again!
As some of you know, I bumped up my zoloft dose on Oct 3rd from 12.5 to 18.75..
For the past two days, I have been having some serious anxiety issues.. I forgot to mention that I switched from mylan klonopin to teva klonopin on Oct 5th.. Ever since I switched klonopin generic brands, the anxiety has been worse.
I wake up with sweating, heart pounding ,nausea, loss of appetite and general weirdness has increased..
Could it be possible my increased anxiety is from switching generic klonopin brands?? I can't imagine that a small dosage increase of zoloft would cause this much anxiety!
I was thinking of going back to mylan klonopin to see if it helps.. Any info/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
((HUGS))
Michelle
Posted by Phillipa on October 16, 2010, at 22:32:50
In reply to Possible issues with klonopin brand switch :(, posted by michelle41a on October 16, 2010, at 19:15:54
I feel an excellent idea then you will know for sure. Please let me know how it goes? Phillipa
Posted by michelle41a on October 16, 2010, at 23:32:03
In reply to Re: Possible issues with klonopin brand switch :( » michelle41a, posted by Phillipa on October 16, 2010, at 22:32:50
> I feel an excellent idea then you will know for sure. Please let me know how it goes? Phillipa
I will definitely let you know, Phillipa :)
I appreciate your input and support!
I am also wondering if my premature menopause and ovarian cyst is interfering with the meds.. I am going to ask the doc about going on birth control to calm down the hormones.. I didn't think that turning 41 was going to be this darn frustrating!!
Posted by morgan miller on October 17, 2010, at 11:31:45
In reply to Re: Possible issues with klonopin brand switch :(, posted by michelle41a on October 16, 2010, at 23:32:03
That sucks you are experiencing issues with switching clonazepam generics. I'm wondering if sertraline is more the cause of your symptoms, and less the switch with clonazepam.
Hopefully your doctor can contact your insurance company and talk them into approving coverage for brand Zoloft. I'm really interested to see if it makes a difference.
In a month or two, if things are not improving with Zoloft, it might not be a bad idea to consider Lexapro.
Hope your feeling better today.
Morgan
Posted by Phillipa on October 17, 2010, at 19:18:46
In reply to Re: Possible issues with klonopin brand switch :(, posted by michelle41a on October 16, 2010, at 23:32:03
All I know is that menopause caused me to be very anxious. Phillipa
Posted by michelle41a on October 17, 2010, at 22:52:31
In reply to Re: Possible issues with klonopin brand switch :(, posted by morgan miller on October 17, 2010, at 11:31:45
> That sucks you are experiencing issues with switching clonazepam generics. I'm wondering if sertraline is more the cause of your symptoms, and less the switch with clonazepam.
>
> Hopefully your doctor can contact your insurance company and talk them into approving coverage for brand Zoloft. I'm really interested to see if it makes a difference.
>
> In a month or two, if things are not improving with Zoloft, it might not be a bad idea to consider Lexapro.
>
> Hope your feeling better today.
>
> MorganHi Morgan!
I am calling my Pdoc tomorrow to see if he can help me get the brand name zoloft.. I am sure the generic zoloft is causing some of my issues..
I did find a pharmacy that has mylan klonopin so I will be going there today to pick it up..
I am going to post a thread about benzo tolerance..Hopefully I don't need to take more klonopin! I am at .5mg a day..I would like to stay there..
Unfortunately, I had a really rough night. I was basically in the fetal position most of the night and maybe slept 4 hours total.. My appetite the past 2-3 days is horrible again.. I am so hungry but I have to force myself to eat..
I have that sinking feeling that the Zoloft is becoming too stimulating like the prozac.. I took 15.625 tonight and I am feeling wired up.. I don't feel as bad as I did last night..
The abdominal pain is not as frequent so hopefully I can get a decent night's sleep.. I wonder if I can just wean off the zoloft without having withdrawals.. I was on ssri's for so long, I am afraid that my body needs it now in some form.. I guess lexapro will be next..I just hope it doesn't have the harsh side effects that Zoloft has..
Michelle
Posted by michelle41a on October 17, 2010, at 22:54:52
In reply to Re: Possible issues with klonopin brand switch :( » michelle41a, posted by Phillipa on October 17, 2010, at 19:18:46
> All I know is that menopause caused me to be very anxious. Phillipa
I also have a cyst on my left ovary the size of a ping pong ball.. My friend has a cyst as well.. She is going on birth control to shrink it.. I wonder if I can try birth control as well.. Might even out my hormones :)
Michelle
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