Skyrocketing anxiety?
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi,
I'm on day 6 of 50mg. I'm really trying hard to rationlise what is happening to me. Yesterday was the first day I felt no side effects, no panic attacks and generally calm for the whole day. The day before this was 3 panic attacks. I went to sleep last night and suddenly awoke to a sensation I've never experienced before, almost like my brain was burning on fire from a nerve-type pain. It sent me into a full-blown panic because I didn't know if this was some harmful side effect of the medicine. I phoned an ambulance (something I wouldn't do normally) and went to hospital. They didn't attribute the sensation to anything neurological but instead think it's a trapped nerve in my neck (possibly due to stiff neck for the past 6 days?)
I don't know if it is the medicine inducing this rollercoaster. It used to be that my panic attacks had an external stimuli (public transport, crowded areas) but now it is my intrusive thoughts alone that trigger them, which is why I started this med. I've been in heightened anxiety and mind racing all morning. Why is my brain against me? Is it normal to be on this rollercoaster? I want rid of this severe anxiety.
0 likes, 12 replies
ali25649 far1002
Posted
I had something similar happen to me while on Cipralex a few years ago. For me, it felt like brain zaps and they occurred at night time. I am on Sertraline now (50mg x 26 days) and just starting to have a lessening of anxiety. I've found Sertraline start-up side effects to be quite drawn out and the increase in anxiety levels were almost unbearable (but lessening now). Do you have other meds (ativan, clonazepam) to get you through the increased anxiety? I think start-up of SSRI's in general are a roller coaster ride and unfortunately we have to hold on and stick it out 😦 Check in with your Dr. if it becomes too much.
far1002 ali25649
Posted
Hi Ali,
Thank you for replying. Yes, it was almost a zapping electrical feeling in my brain. When I went into panic mode and the intrusive thoughts began it was like the zapping amplified at the thoughts, like my mind was "burning". The doctor assured me that the pain was not inside my brain. I have a beta blocker to slow my heart rate and breathing but I've only used it twice. What helped you get through the worst of the anxiety at start-up? I've genuinely felt like I'm losing my mind so many times in the past couple months.
ali25649 far1002
Posted
Honestly....taking baby steps to do everything, lots of breathing and self care. I also had lorazepam but only used a few times. I find some days are worse than others, even still. I keep reading other people's posts to get some reassurance that I'm not alone.
far1002 ali25649
Posted
Those are good tips. You are definitely not alone. We are in the same boat here. Hang in there!
infintelyseekin far1002
Posted
Unfortunately one of the more common side effects of Sertraline is increased anxiety at the start. Do you take it in the evening or the morning. I started out taking it in the morning, and it made me feel awful, seemed like I got every side effect going for a while there. Once I switched to taking it at night, the side effects seemed to lessen, not sure if I was just sleeping through them or what, but it made a difference.
It really is one of those situations where you have to feel worse to feel better. Stick it out with the Sertraline, I know it's hard, especially when they seem to be making the anxiety worse but honestly, after trying so many other things for my anxiety as well as other meds, Sertraline has been the first one that has started to allow me to feel normal again.
far1002 infintelyseekin
Posted
Thank you for replying and the encouragement to stick with it. I have been taking it between 11am and 1pm. I might consider slowly making it later each day. I think the half-life was up to 27 hours. Around what timeframe did you start feeling improvements from intense anxiety?
randy66926 far1002
Posted
I had a similar experience with zoloft and this is the first time ive seen anyone describe it besides myself. I was on day six and up until that day it wasnt bad. I woke up in the morning with crazy anxiety in my chest, neck, jaw things ive never experienced prior to that then I had a brain zap almost like someone flipped a switch in my head and then went into full blown panic mode. I went to the ER as I didnt know what was happening to me and stopped taking it after that. Scared the crap out of me... I've been prescribed another ssri but im so scared to death to have that happen again...
far1002 randy66926
Posted
Hi randy,
Thank you for sharing and I'm sorry you had the same terrifying experience! I googled around and couldn't find what exactly I felt. The ER Dr said he looked into the medicine and that it wasn't a known effect. He advised me to carry on as directed. Were you having panic attacks before that experience too? Has the new SSRI been OK?
randy66926 far1002
Posted
yes I did have some panic anxiety issues before but the zoloft definitely made it worse. Thats just a part of it I guess. I havent started taking the other yet trying to work up the courage..
far1002 randy66926
Posted
Yes it seems like a bit of a Catch22 taking these meds. I hope the new ones suit you better. Apparently "brain zaps" aren't that uncommon now that I've been googling that term...wish that was more known for antidepressant newbies
karin88115 far1002
Posted
i also had brain zaps in the night. only happened twice thank goodness. but woke up in such uncontrollable panic, i made my husband call an ambulance. i was prescribed valium for those extreme days and i honestly couldnt have got this far without it. sertraline is a VeRy slow acting medication and its hard to be patient or see any light at the end of the tunnel but it does get better. and easier
far1002 karin88115
Posted
It's horrible, isn't it? Such a bizarre experience. How far along did things start to improve for you? Glad you are better now.