Fist reaction to Zoloft

[pbsml]

My doc prescribes me Zoloft and told me that it should help with my anxiety once it builds up in my system. I was to start by taking half a pill for the first week and then move up to a full pill from there on. So, I took a half on the first day, around 4pm, and that night I had the worst sleep, tossing and turing. By 6am, I was wide awake and FREAKING OUT. I spent the next 10 or so hours on the phone with friends, family, my doc and anyone who could help me take my mind off of it. I refused to take another pill. I couldn't deal with it. I can honestly say it was the worst day of my life.
My doc then prescribed me a small dose of Paxil to start off with, which I have yet to take. I am so scared that it will have some crazy effect on me just like the Zoloft did. I would love some advice if possible. I like to take the natural route on everything and I'm having a tough time finding the right solution.

Please donate any advice you have... whether it's that i should start taking the Paxil, or if I should continue on my search for the natural way... tea, valerian root, etc...

thanks

[foxyboy]

zoloft is the top ssri there is so how much did you take, in mg . the first tablet is the worst , plus meds always make you worse before better, you have a drug changeing your brain pattern. It take week,s for a med to work mean time you have arough ride. valerian root an alternitve meds dont work on real illness , just mild stress

[Chiliphil1]

Zoloft did the same thing to me, I started with half of a 50mg tab for a week, then a whole when I started it made me so anxious, almost paranoid. The first night I took a whole pill I had to take an ativan and just walk around for about a half hour until it kicked in just so I could go to sleep, the panic attacks on zoloft were monstrous but they go away, if you can make it about a month on the zoloft it will get better, you may want to speak with your dr and see if you can get a benzoate (ativan, xanax, etc..) just to get to the point the zoloft kicks in.

[homebird]

I had a very similar experience with zoloft. I understand that some SSRIs make you feel a bit worse before you feel better, but I seriously thought I was going to die. I was so anxious I couldn't speak or walk or anything.

I stopped taking the medication immediately. My doctor had me try lexapro next and it was much better. Yes, I had some increased anxiety for a few days, but it was MUCH more tolerable than the zoloft.

If it doesn't feel right to you, ask your doctor if you can try something else. There are a lot of options out there! Hang in there, I know how hard this can be.