How long before panic stops?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I was on Paxil for 20 years.  My mom had panic disorder and it ended in agoraphobia so I don't want to be like her.

The paxil stopped working.  So now for the last 2 months I have been weaning off the Paxil and now I am on 100 mg. Zoloft.  How long will it take for this to make me feel like myself again.  I am still having panic.  Sue

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    I also on 100 mg. I am 52 and live in Tennessee in the southern U.S. I've been on it for about 9 weeks now for anxiety. While I still have bad days, it has gotten a lot better. Around week 6, all of the side effects started fading, sleep patterns started returning to normal and the anxiety became more bearable.

    For about the first 4 weeks I needed a Xanax almost daily to help manage my anxiety. Now, only take a Xanax every few days. I couldn't even imagine getting through a day without Xanax just three weeks ago!

    Just hang in there. It WILL get better!

  • Posted

    Thanks so much.  I also at this point am still usng xanx to get through the day.  Not a lot and only ever .25 mg.   I guess it maybe take a bit longer for me as I had to wean off the Paxil first and this all started about 8 weeks ago.  The encouragement really helps.  Thanks, Sue
  • Posted

    Hi Susan, I too had to take a benzo, but only if it was unbearable. Like Mark said it does take a bit of time, usually 6 to 9 weeks to get to the therapeutic level, in some cases it has worked in days rather than weeks, now that's a big Wow. People differ but generally it is about 6 weeks. All the best and keep doing it, it will get better 😊
    • Posted

      Thanks for replying.  I am getting at the end of my rope.  My belly is a wreck, i cry a lot and the panic is terrible.  I hate to go places. I pray for this to start to get better.  I feel so helpless.
    • Posted

      Hey Susan, I know where your coming from as i didnt leave my house for nearly 3 months, only to get food etc, which was very hard work for myself. I spent a lot of time here sharing my situation. In those days this site wasnt so alive with folk but it is now it seems. If at anytime you need to reach out to those who understand make sure you start a new thread here. The sertraline will work in time and you will get better, you must believe. This may sound crazy but I use to talk to my panic attacks as a friend and believe it or not it somehow worked. I think if you try to fight it, it gets worse, I think there is something in that. You will get better, be strong and gods speed.😃
    • Posted

      Oh PJ,  I really needed that response today.  I was fine this morning, went outside and planted pansies.  Did some things in the house, then I took my medicine and ate a protein bar.  Since then I've been a wreck.  Crying, panic, thinkingI will definitely be like my mother was and never get better.  I am at 100 mg and it is not helping me.  I don't know what to do?

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.