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Does Extreme Panic mean this is not the medication for me?

Posted , 3 users are following.

CG1964
CG1964

at 34 days on Sertraline (21 @ 25mg and 13 @ 50mg) I have been experiencing extreme Panic attacks for the last 4 days - i am very agitated and shakey.  Does this mean that Sertraline is not the right medication for me?  I am experiencing a few hours of feeling normal each day usually during the afternoon - and i hoped that meant that the meds were slowly working .... and i want to give them time to be effective before increasing or changing, but the almost constant state of panic is wearing me down to nothing.  

I'd appreciate any advice or personal experiences with this problem.

thanks very much

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • carol91726
    carol91726 CG1964

    Posted

    Hi have been on sert 50 mg per day for 6 weeks I am very agitated very bad when I woke up and I n edge all day today only had a few hours aright I am going back to the doctors this week to see what he says 
  • Rowena41789
    Rowena41789 CG1964

    Posted

    I have been on Sertraline for 18 months and I went through some horrific panic attacks and anxiety at the beginning ( the first 3 or 4 months). I increased my dose from 50mg through 100 to now 150mg and now feel completely normal and am not suffering from the suicidal thoughts that plagued me before. Stick with it it takes a much longer  time to fully settle in to each dosage level than you or your Doctor would think. Good luck!
    • carol91726
      carol91726 Rowena41789

      Posted

      Hi thanks for that info maybe I should keep going maybe 6 weeks isn't long enough did you you have a upset tummy as well thanks 
    • CG1964
      CG1964 Rowena41789

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your response. Sometimes I just need to hear that the side effects are experienced by others as well in order to calm down and take a step back.  Did you take anything for the panic attacks? 

      Also how long were you at the various dosage levels before increasing?reading this forum it seems some people ramp up rapidly while others take a slower approach, giving the meds time to settle.

      thanks again, the support and advice is invaluable.

    • CG1964
      CG1964 carol91726

      Posted

      ive been on for 34 days and I've lost 15 lbs due to nausea and lack of appetite - now I'm trying to eat multiple small meals throughout the day hoping that will work.

      does anyone have any other advice about battling the weight loss? 

      Thanks 

    • carol91726
      carol91726 Rowena41789

      Posted

      Hi could you tell me how long it took to feel alright I am due to go up to100mg but don't want the side effects to get any worse thanks x
    • carol91726
      carol91726 Rowena41789

      Posted

      Hi thanks for that info it gives me some hope I am due to go up to 100mg at the weekend 
    • Rowena41789
      Rowena41789 carol91726

      Posted

      Hi Carol as far as I remember I had some worsening of the side effects every time I increased my dosage but it didn't last more than about 10 days and then I felt better.
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