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Zoloft Cognitive Resource
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Zoloft Cognitive Resource in Answers
Should I keep taking zoloft? Does it cause cognitive impairment? i have OCD. My doctor prescribed me zoloft. FIrst i started at 25 mg, stopped for about a month because i thought i didnt need it, then i started getting anxious again so i started up again on 50 mg. i have been taking this dose for 3 days. I feel very tired and sort of "out of it". My question is this. For one someone told me that zoloft makes you "dumber". Is this true? Also, i hear zoloft can change your personality and make you less interesting and basically like a zombie. I have been told i have a great sense of humor, and I don't want to lose it. I am considering not taking this medicine because I am definetly not depressed, and i am happy a lot of the time, but many times I am anxious bc of OCD.

littlleah85 replied: "I was not a zombie when I was on it. I was taking 50ml for anxiety. And although I felt better(less anxiety less irritable) when I tried to get off it it was hell! I had these weird shocks throughout my body, they would travel up my arms and into my head and all over, I had a massive headache for like 2 weeks and I was super irritable! I read online that some doctors say that withdrawal from zoloft is close to that of heroin. I would say no, do not take it. I would tell anybody I know that! Ever since Ive experienced how it made me feel to come off of it, Ive been completely against it! I would rather deal with the anxiety and smoke a little pot! :)"

shaneris5 replied: "Antidepressants often dull emotional states and, if memory serves, Sertraline is no exception. Check out medications at: and and and and also ensure they don't appear on the list at: OCD: If it takes up more than an hour, daily, gets worse, or interferes with your life to any great degree; seek therapy, because it can quickly take over a person's life. See section 7, on OCD, at ezy build, below and also view section 6, (page N first) since some consider it to be an anxiety related disorder - personally, I believe it may be a way of avoiding, or reducing anxiety/fear. Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed. Also, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples). "Even though I suffer from OCD, I deeply and completely accept myself." Section 53, and pages 2, 2.q and 2.o at also refer. A variant of EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is shown on page i, in section 42, at ezy build. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over. Because OCD is considered to be related to anxiety, try getting yourself some "worry beads", (Google: "religious supplies; providers" or ask at a religious supplies store, Catholic church, or Muslim mosque) and deliberately replace your former activity with moving them about between, or around your fingers: it takes about 30 - 40 reps, for most people to instill a new habit. Use a stress ball, or get a balloon, add a couple of tablespoonsful of flour, and enough water to make a stiff dough; tie and squish repeatedly."

ms bell replied: "The only thing I noticed when taking anitdepressants (I currently take Paxil but have tried Zoloft) is that they tend to affect your short-term memory. I can't remember things as well as I used to. I can remember things from long ago easily, but not something that just happened. I don't know why this occurs, but it does. So if that's what you mean by dumber, I can understand. Usually the zombie effect doesn't occur unless you're taking several different meds at once. I've had that happen to me too. Best thing is to take the least amount of meds possible in the lowest dosages possible. Hope that helps."

Nyummy replied: "First off, if you have questions about these types of medications, you ask the doctor and/or psychiatrist. Period. These other sources of information you are quoting are from extremely ignorant. Psychotrophs do not make you "dumber" or "impair cognitive thinking" or change your personality, etc. I'll bet these same people drink and smoke and think it's cool and ok. You will be somewhat tired until your body adjusts to the meds. Zoloft is a good antianxiety medication. It can take up to two or three months for the body and yourself to adjust and see how the meds work for you. It depends. I can tell the difference within days, but I'm different, and I don't give up on these meds. They are important to my quality of life and mental health and well being. If you DON'T take your med"

Some questions about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? I have suffered with depression and anxiety all my life and am currently taking zoloft and Xanax... My anxiety often stops me from doing things as I am too anxious... I have heard that Cognitive Behavior therapy has had great success in treating anxiety... I'm just wondering if anyone has had Cognitive therapy for similar reasons, and if so, what were the outcomes??

Ed D replied: "I had the related Rational Emotive Therapy for my anxiety issues and it really did the trick."

Pamela replied: "I've had both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotive Therapy (RET). I have bipolar disorder with some anxiety and found CBT very helpful. I took two classes in it. The first teaches about 30 cognitive fallacies that we make in our thinking and speech, such as "I am such a fat pig," (captivation by a metaphor), Shoulding all over yourself, "My social skills are terrible," (black and white thinking), "I barely scraped together the rent money this month. I am a horrible spouse and provider" (polarized thinking, "Everybody sees me as fat" (overgeneralization). There are many others: mind reading, catastrophizing, personalization, control fallacies, emotional reasoning, etc. There is a five-step process to eliminate fallacious thinking and speech. First, learn the fallacies to the point where you catch yourself thinking or saying them. This eventually will become automatic. Next, identify your emotion. Next, describe the situation that gave rise to the emotion. Third, identify your thoughts and identify any fallacious thinking in them. Finally, refute the distortion or fallacy. There is also the practice of "Thought-Stopping," where you ID a stressful thought, acknowledge that it is stressful, dwell on it, interrupt it, then substitute a positive or assertive thought for the negative one. (This takes a lot of practice.) Affirmation in meditating are also helpful: I think and act with confidence. I can accomplish my goals. I desearve the time and space to heal. I am safe and protected. etc. The second class I took took a Buddhist concept and applied it to depressing or angry thoughts or conclusions. First, you observe the situation WITHOUT judgement. Then you deal with your inner feelings, then you learn to make the response that is the best for everyone concerned. I'll give you an example from my class and profession. The judge is screaming at me. I look at his eye color, the redness of his face, the large pores on his nose. I listen to what he is saying, but without reacting or formulating counterarguments. I feel that he is being quite unfair, but we DO have opposing philosophies on juvenile justice. I answer calmly, without bitterness, and explain why I am handling this defendant's case the way I am (for example, the juvenile's father beats him or his mother just died.) The only book cite I have is "The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook." That's what the teacher used. You may want to check CBT with Amazon or on the web for more. For RET, the classic "Feeling Good--the new mood therapy" by David Burns, MD has been recently revised and is out in paperback. It is extremely helpful also in catching unrealistic thinking, and boosts one's self esteem. Hope this helped. Good luck to you!!"

Zoloft withdrawl/side effects? I was on 50mg of Sertraline (generic zoloft) for about 6 months, and decided to quit them. My tapering was, to say the least, a half assed attempt. I cut the pills in half for a week, then stopped taking them altogether. Yes, I know this is not recommended. And now, I can see why. I am dizzy, shaky, extremely cranky (like 24/7 PMS), my brain feels foggy, I want to cry...the list goes on. I guess my question is how long can I expect these symptoms to last? And will it get any worse or is this the extent of it? I am going to try Linda Bassets Attacking Anxiety program, which is like a self help Cognitive Behavioral program. I really dont want to be on medication. I dont have anything against it morally, its just that i fel like taking a pill like that, to me, is admitting to myself I cant do it alone. And I refuse to believe that. :) Thanks in advance for the answers, good or bad. :)

Mike Mohrmann replied: "As a one time user of Zoloft user, the biggest problem I had with it was it worked as a very potent sedative for me. Then I was switched to PaxilCR, and there were no side effects when I made the switch. Then I was on Lexapro for a little while, and that also acted as a very potent sedative for me as I slept A LOT. I strongly urge you to try Linda Basset's "Attacking Anxiety" program, and see how it works for you. Truth be told, you have me interested in it now. I hope it works well for you. Good Luck."

bj replied: "The side effects can be horrible and last for some time. I went to this doctor who gave me some stuff to read about it. He said one lady came to see him and sat down in the chair and then she kept reaching down to pick something up from the floor. When he asked her what she was doing she said her arm keeps falling off so she was bending over to pick it up off the floor!! Another guy I read about said it felt like his teeth were rotating around in their sockets !!"

best herbs or natural treatments to cure social phobia? I'm reading about all these medications and herbs. I'm seeing stuff about cognitive therapy. I took meds like Lexapro and Zoloft in the past without much success. I have to take some steps to change my life, but don't want to hit another dead end.

Peace Love and Understanding replied: "I would go and see a natruopathic doctor and see what they can do for you. I have social anxiety too. She gave to two things to take for it. Pharma gaba plus and Neuro 5 htp. It improves my mood,helps me sleep and helps my anxiety. It took a while for it to help me. It doesn't just suck all the anxiety out of me. I still have to do some work. But it defiantly makes things easier. I also get B12 shots which gives me more energy and helps me feel better. good luck. :)"

whatsherface replied: "Right now im on lexapro 20 mg for severe depression and anxiety, thats not really natural but everyone has a different effect to it, im doing much better now that im on it, but lavender oil is great to calm you down if you start to get anxious, rub it on your temples or if your at home take the time to massage it into your feet or neck, the smell of it relaxes and calms you to a level where its easier to think and fix things. Before i got onto lexapro i bought some St. Jhon Worts herbal supplement make sure to look for "emotional balance" on the bottle its not as powerful or chemically insane as lexapro and other meds but it did help, jsut after about a month the sympoms continued. Im also in therapy, peopole think they are just crooks and a waste of money, but i have a strong connection with my counselor and its really nice to talk to someone about anything without worrying about friends or family members judging you. just a suggestion that has hellped me get over my hurdles."

76th replied: "Marijuana."

dc50isfat replied: "You won't find any herbs that are legal that have any medicinal effect for psychiatric issues. Whilst you may have had a bad run with some doctors, I recommend staying within the realms of science and leaving pseudoscience and hoodoo to the ignorant who believe in anecdotal claims. Whilst mind altering illegal drugs or hops (ie: booze) will rid you of your social phobia, you don't want to be stoned and drunk all the time. You are most likely just in a rut in life, and feel you can't go forwards without external help and need that 'help' before you can go forwards. That help is usually just an excuse or rationalisation construct to excuse your unwillingness to move forward on your own. There are many groups out there that help with this stuff, but as I said, steer clear of alternate medicine and pseudo science."

Rico replied: "Some might look at natural treatments of social phobias/ depression as 'voodoo', pseudo-science and the other stock adjectives but as for me I too had a very bad run of doctors giving me meds that did not provide relief. I do not know if my problems are bad enough to only be treated by professionals but since it seems that they are just throwing darts at a board in treating me through meds what can it hurt for me to try some plant based treatments? Much cheaper and way less side effects. Valerian, wild lettuce, hops, passionflower, chamomile, catnip, linden, st. john's wort are some of the herbs that can help relax a body gently. Won't stop a panic attack in its tracks mind you but that's not how this stuff works- consistent use for a few weeks or months will show results if it is right (except valerian root- the basis of Valium without the addictive quality nor hangover effect after usage). A detox program can help as well to get things started but beware- if you have collected a whole bunch of bad stuff (heavy metals, 'toxins', debris in the colon) the detox process will dredge up some bad feelings and thoughts as your body sheds these unwanted poisons. Don't know your situation, your diet nor your health so can't give firm advice but once again if doctors are shooting blanks in giving you meds to help what can it hurt?"

bacteriapimp replied: "Hello Rain, I just read some of the other answers and they have some very good advice... aroma therapy, message, etc.. try everything. I took Zoloft and I had a terrible reaction, I took some of the others and I don't like them... I am coming from the same place as you, I suffer from social phobias and depression... it is not an easy road to travel... I know about cognitive and behavioral therapy and they are good things, do positive things for yourself. There are no easy answers, no panaceas, it is a war where you won't win every battle.... Hang in. Don't give up. Sometimes things will look hopeless... hang in.. that is what depression is, hopelessness, really unfounded guilt, every thought may be painful.. hang in. It is easier said than done but ... hang in. I am an advocate of kefir, kombucha, omega 3's. They are like folk medicines that toughen you up. You can make them part of the answer along with some of the other suggestions. To be as healthy and postive as you can be. Exercise, good food etc.. There is a new classification of herbs called "Adaptogens" they offer a non specific response to stresses... environmental, emotional, etc... they make you feel better. Google adaptogens and see if you can get some of the herbs they mention..Tulsi tea and gensing are very good adaptogens. They are worth the price you may have to pay. You can get kefir and kombucha at the health food store... If you want to you can make them yourself. That is what I do... I sell them and teach about how to make them yourself...I recommend them... like I said.. there is no one answer and you won't win every battle...I am 57 years old and I suffer but I hang in... please hang in ... if you want to you can email me when you need someone... for what it is worth. There don't seem to be groups for people who suffer like we do; but if you want I will be your support group... don't give up. Try not always comparing and measuring the world.... and yourself. I'm serious about this, it is not a small thing.... give yourself a break, remember it ... don't always be comparing and measuring the world and yourself. Save energy by not opinionating and speculating about the world...let it go. Enjoy the moments one at a time and when things look bad... reach out and don't give up... all the best Mike"

john replied: "medical marijuana is your best bet. all natural and safe."

Madame Petunia replied: "I would see a homeopath or a naturopath for sure. You can tell them you've heard that Ignatia is excellent for depression, and ask if it might be helpful for social phobia. One thing I know that is great for high anxiety situations and panic attacks is Kali Phosphoricum 6x - the dosage is on the bottle and it really helps to calm you down. I find it really mellows me out and numbs the effects of anxiety and panic. Now I take it even when Im anticipating stress (i.e. an argument). You can actually find it at good pharmacies that have a natural meds section. But, as with all homeopathic medicines, avoid coffee (especially before and after) and keep the pills away from strong scents. Also, try not to eat or drink anything within 20 mins of taking the pills. Hope this helps. :)"

Puma replied: "Sure! There are healthy alternatives to the medications you mentioned. This may suprise you, but there is an organism known as "Candida" that lives inside of just about every creature. Most of the time this "Yeast" is well controlled by our immune system. But sometimes, it can get nasty and cause yeast infections, anxiety, depression ect. The toxins the Yeast and other organism produce is one of the main causes of the symptoms. Yeast can be controlled by eating an almost sugar free diet, and taking supplements like: Oregano Oil. Oregano Oil can destroy Candida with ease. But not all brands are the same. I take an Oregano Oil supplement made by the brand "Now". Their brand is actually pretty effective. But there is also aromatherapy. Putting some Lavender oil in a vaporizer works wonders in calming the nerves. One thing that I recommend for women is Evening Primrose Oil! I find it can be effective in helping with anxiety and depression. Then there is St. John's Wort. I haven't taken it, but I have heard others say great things about it."

How to work with my doctor to get accurate diagnosis? I was diagnosed as clinically depressed upon my release from a psychiatric hospital in 1999. I also got a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder from two major car accidents in five months. After doing some research online, I feel that I fit much better in other diagnosis categories, including bipolar/manic depression, borderline personality disorder, and a bunch of other personality disorders. I am currently on a break from cognitive behavioral therapy (it's called schema) due to a move, and I take 100mg of Zoloft. Anytime I've been on meds, it's only been one type, and it helps for a while but then wears off. Zoloft has been pretty good to me, I've been on it for well over a year and have felt more level for the most part. But I still have these horrible highs and lows, and I have alot of suicidal thoughts, which while I don't feel that I'm suicidal is annoying to have pictures of you killing yourself in your head all the time.

Taka replied: "Okay, I feel for you, but I don't know."

nerdyhermione replied: "did you tell your doctor all these things you just told us? that might be a start."

extraex replied: "I think you did a great job of explaining yourself. I am surprised no one ever invited you to try a mood stabilizer. It could change your life. I would do exactly what you did here: Explain your symptoms (both ends of the spectrum),the duration, etc. If you've been in therapy and are still cycling, then you're right: depression is obviously not all that's going on. The therapy would certainly help with behavior and thinking patterns and is of permanent value, but if you are still suffering, definetly ask straight up for a chance to try out one of the mood stabilizers. You're doing the right thing by learning about yourself, just be careful not to get so caught up in your disease that your life goes by you. Your disease is not you, but is just a part of you that you manage like any other health condition. I wish you the best."

Chic replied: "My mother is bipolar so I know what you're going through...not personally, but living with her for 19 yrs of my life I have an acute understanding of the type of stress you must be under. Usually what her doctor does for her is switch her off either on a quarterly or bi-annual basis between the Prozac and Zoloft. It is to my understanding that your system builds a tolerance to these meds to where they don't work effectively anymore. By switching off between the two it helps lessen the tolerance affect it has your body. Try suggesting this to your doctor. It maybe that you also need counseling along with the medication. So look into that too. Also, if you feel your current doctor isn't "doing his/her job" you may want to get another opinion from a different doctor. Good Luck hun...I'm sorry for your condition I know it must be very difficult to live with."

Oobily Ghepp replied: "A wild guess: Could those suicidal images symbolize something different? I am in no way a professional,but my uneducated guess would be that there is something or someone you don't want in your life anymore, but it would be really upsetting to admit it. So your mind is substituting you for that someone/something. If you realize that this is the case, I bet that the images would stop. remember I am making the suggestion and I am not professional"

Jzero7 replied: "first things first,talk with your doc be honest as possible, back up your findings online print things out see if the doctors is really helping you or not, if you find that your doc isnt listening, CHANGE doctors!! secondly, if youre having highs and lows, youre probably bipolar. again let your doc know this. id say dont stress to much on your suicidal thougths, doctors (that ive come in contact with) like to admit you if they hear that; if you decide to start acting on them tho, tell someone!! as far as ptsd, i suffer from that as well; theres not a lot of meds out there legally qualified to help with that, so goodl uck to you!"

melrix_2000 replied: "stand up for your self and tell the doctor he needs to listen to you or with will get another doctor, that is your right tell the doc everything , he can't read you mind or tell what you are what you should be fell. If you don't like the medication you are on tell him you want off. You have to be a advacate for your self"

Jennifer F replied: "If your doctor is not willing to listen to your concerns, it is time to get another doctor. My son (who is 9) was diagnosed as having early onset bipolar, and it took 9 years to get that diagnosis. Don't give up. There are always online support groups and there might be someone in your area in those chat areas who has a caring, doctor who actually LISTENS to his patients. If you feel that the med's aren't right for you then chances are they aren't and you should listen to what your body tells you."

Smilingcheek replied: "As with a lot of anti depressants, if they alter your thoughts enough to bring on suicidal thoughts (or urges) you are supposed to talk to your Dr. There is something that it is doing to your brain that is not just balancing you out, but causing abnormal thoughts. You seem very eloquent in your way of laying out your life and history. I think is takes persistence with the Dr. which means possibly some psych. care over the next several months, where they will see changes, you can lay out how you are feeling and just verify normal for you vs. abnormal due to meds. The hardest part is when you d not have a Dr. that takes the time to listen and figure out your problem or make adjustments. They are so willing to give you meds, give you more, try something new. Sometimes it can be a small minor fix that does not require throwing your life in chaos. Make sure you have a Dr. you feel like you can work with. Take care of yourself, and congratulations for working so hard to get control of your life. It is hard, and I wish you he best."

Has anyone got good help for social anxiety? Any particular meds. Does cognitive behavioral therapy work? I have tried prozac, celexa, welbutrin, zoloft and lexapro. Only lexapro helped at all but not that great. I have seen books and audio tape advertised, has anyone tried these and did they work?

parshooter replied: "Just get out of the house more."

Kelly replied: "how long did you take the lexapro? im on it and it took a while to actually work really well. you might want to give it another try and definetly see a psychiatrist."

maria d replied: "Effexor XR 150 mg a day. Oh, and believe or not, Yoga."

lost_but_not_hopeless replied: "I have had limited experience with Ativan or Lorazapam.. same thing.. brandname or generic.. it worked very well for me at the times when social issue related panic got to be waaay out of control for me.. But I have been told by many doctors and psych people that it is not to be used as a long term solution to anxiety issues.. it has some nasty effects with repeated use that go far beyond addiction and the subsequent weaning/withdrawal process.. if you are looking for something on a 'take as needed' basis for overwhelming spikes in social anxiety.. Ativan may be a worthy alternative .. look into it .. doctor knows best.. but most will accept the input of a well informed patient and take your ideas into consideration. Wasting life away hiding in your bedroom makes for a horrible existence. I have been there for more than I care to admit. Good Luck.. :)"

luckistrike replied: "When I was taking xanax, that helped my social anxiety. Well, it helped alleviate ALL of my anxiety...! Anyway, I have found that if I just remember to breathe and stay calm, the anxiety will lessen. A lot of self-talk for me.... Good luck."

po danks replied: "hey.. im on lexapro now too...20 mg/day. i dont know if it really works for social anxiety... i dont think any medication really does. lexapro (as i understand) just decreases your sensitivity to things around you... including people. it doesn't help you deal or talk with people, tho. i was on klonopin, but that did nothing for me. i'm on risperdal now which is a mild anti-psychotic.. i feel the effects of it right away; it is very calming and relieves my anxiety so i can leave my house. The price for that is feeling kind of zoned out and a little tired.. which is fine if i don't have to feel like everyone is stalking me. exchanging alcohol for actual medicine can be difficult.. but do NOT drink while on this stuff... trust me. hopefully medication is all just temporary. as for actually dealing with social anxiety rather than masking it with medication, i've also heard of these tapes and audio books ect. i found that there is a lot of this stuff available online since most people with genuine social anxiety (myself included) have a really hard time with things like talking to total strangers about your most personal problems. in my search, i found this site: there are some testimonials on there from some people who got good results; unfortunately i dont have $300.00, so i dont get to find out the secret to these people's success. i am on the mailing list of this group, however, and i keep reading about how wonderful this particular programme is. i see a shrink once a week. we occasionally touch on cognitive stuff; i have found that introspection is something i already do a lot of, since i am constantly worrying that there is something wrong with me personally. its important to beable to reflect on your introspection... i find it helpful when my shrink points out how irrational my fears are. sometimes i need to be reminded that everyone else is fine... and i am just one of them. he has also tried to help me figure out why i am messed up; i find this helpful, and sort of fun. today he reminded me that it takes will power to do anything at all. that seems kind of obvious... but it reminded me that every person is on zer own level. im scared to take a walk around the block because someone might see me... but its a step further when i just do it, and i feel better afterwards.. just like i am just going to send this really long "answer" even though im scared someone will actually read it. it just takes practice! feel free to contact me good luck"

Zoloft plus Klonopin? Hi, guys. I have been dealing with a lot of anxiety and irrational worries lately and I have been consulting doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and family members about it. I have been telling myself that I am schizophrenic and it has interferrred with my life trememdously. I tell myself that I will never have a job, I won't be able to graduate from college, let alone succeeding in learning in college, and that I won't be able to play college football. I saw a psychiatrist today and she recommended that I have ocd and anxiety, along with maybe a little bit of depression. I have had mild cognitive deficits lately. She has prescribed me with .5mg Klonopin and I am currently taking 25/50 mg zoloft, but it gives me nightmares sometimes, so that's why she gave me klonopin. Will the klonopin make me feel normal again? or lethargic and drugged up?

L replied: "This is a great course/product which helped me basically CURE myself of anxiety and stop it for good, check it out below: StopAnxietyInMinutes dot com (remove spaces, replace dot with .)"

Patrick S replied: "the medications work differently on different people. if you keep up with the negative thinking it will be much harder to get well. try positive thinking and deep breathing. It sounds like you have your goals set. do not let this minor inconvenience get in the way of your dreams. If you don't finish college your going to be working at Mc D's, don't let your dreams slip away, your better than that."

ChiLady replied: "That is a low dose of klonopin--and it should not make you lethargic and doped up. You can always take a half a pill, if you feel drowsy. Do you take the zoloft and klonopin together? When do you take them--in the morning or at bedtime? The nightmares will go away--some people get them--if you can take it in the morning that may help. Klonopin works right away--within a half hour from taking it. Zoloft builds up in the bloodstream and takes 4-6 weeks to make a differ5ence sometimes. It is a cumulative thing. Anxiety can really do a number on a person--It makes you think all kinds of negative thoughts and have worries. I have found that taking life one day at a time helps tremendously. Do not worry about "ever" graduating--or getting a job--or playing college football. You live each day, on it's own terms and you get through it the best you can. You don't know what tomorrow brings--let alone next week--or next month! Seriously , it makes life MUCH easier to concentrate on getting through each day . Don't fret over what happenned yesterday--it is over. Don't worry and 'anticipate' what "might" happen tomorrow! Depression, anxiety and OCD can all be helped and controlled and you are on the right path. Good luck to you. One day At A Time"

Anxiety - will cognitive behavioural therapy help? About a month ago I had a couple of sleepless nights, which made me feel quite anxious about getting to sleep. Suddenly, I started feeling anxious all the time. It's like a gnawing, nervous feeling which starts in the morning and is there all day. My stomach aches and my pulse races, and I just can't get the feeling to go away. I went to see my GP who prescribed me some Valium but have been trying not to take it because I know how addictive it is. I've been doing deep breathing exercises and going to meditation classes and last week had a session with a psychologist who specialises in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Has anyone had success with CBT? I'll also be seeing a psychiatrist this week - I'll do anything to make this feeling go away, even if it requires meds. I have tried zoloft but had terrible side effects. Please someone tell me there's light at the end of the tunnel? I have two beautiful kids under 2 and this problem is stopping me from enjoying this special time.

sctag1015 replied: "CBT has a fairly high rate of success, especially when done in combination with pharmacotherapy."

Will I have withdrawals if I stop taking Zoloft after only three days? My doctor started me on 50mg of Zoloft a day for my anxiety/panic disorder. I took 50mg on Friday and Saturday, but the side effects (nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite) were so awful that I went down to 25mg yesterday. After deep consideration and talking with my parents, sister and boyfriend, I decided that I would rather try to work on my disorder through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy rather than taking a medicine I might have to be on for the rest of my life. Today I have stopped taking it. Will I experience withdrawals? Also, when will my appetite come back and when will I be able to get a good night's sleep? :(

Mc Shane replied: "You won't have withdrawal from only 2 1/2 days, but you may want to reconsider. Your doctor felt the zoloft side effects were acceptable vs the good the drug would be doing you. Also you may discuss another option instead of the zoloft with your doctor. My wife is on zoloft, the initial start up was a little rough, but the overall outcome has been beneficial for both of us. Normal sleep patterns will return shortly as well as your appetite. Good luck on whatever choice you go with"

Does anyone else have or know about social anxiety and sweating profusely when you get anxious? It is really putting a heavy burden on my love, social, career, financial...all aspects of my life. Example. I go in for a job interview and I start sweating like really sweating where sweat is dripping down my face like a waterfall. I've am on meds (Zoloft), couselling, self-help books, cognitive behavioral therapy, faith in God.....My question is has anyone gone through what I'm going through and have overcome this disability?

Always Right replied: "yes"

curmudgeon replied: "it is more common than you think."

Lin s replied: "I used to get horrible panic attacks so I know where you are coming from. The doctor just put me on Lexapro for it because I wanted to wean myself off of the Xanax. So far I hate the Lexapro and feel like a zombie, but I will give it some time."

Nick replied: "well i haven't overcome social anxiety, but generalized anxiety disorder with a little bit of OCD. I know what you are going through, i mean, not specifically the social anxiety disorder but you know what i mean. what i've done is maintained my faith in god, i've gone through counselling, and im on both lexapro and wellbutrin. so hang in there, it'll get better."

kckmellons replied: "you are an the right track however maybe the drug that you are on is not working for you although it does take a while for them to kick in. maybe you should ask you doctor about maybe some ativan or something that helps for the time being until the drug kicks in. however ativan and xanex can be addictive so you might want to be careful with those. also before you go in those situations try some breathing techniques and that too might help. good luck"

allisonalphaphi replied: "I've suffered the exact condition you're talking about... and overcome it. It's a hard condition to even admit to yourself, because of its embarrassing nature, but you're on the right track. After suffering from the social anxiety and sweating for nearly six years, I thought I was just going to have to accept that it was part of my life and learn to live with it. But then I decided that I was not going to succumb to it, because I knew I would never be happier and have a better life if I did. I started seeing a counselor, taking Zoloft and truly believing that I would overcome it. After a few months, I was pretty much free of the anxiety and the symptoms. Four years later, I still can't believe I almost gave into it, because I am so happy now. The anxiety returns from time to time, but I know how to deal with it and know that it will go away. It might take longer for you to get over it completely, but it WILL happen; you just need to have faith and truly believe that you can overcome it. Also, using Certain-Dri can also help with the sweating. I used it almost every day when I first started, but now I use it once a month at most. You will overcome this condition, and you will feel so free and happy once you do and start living the life you've always wanted to."

Advice Please replied: "Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression, ... if not you could be suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_anx... There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself. Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group. Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in. The program that finally worked the best for me is this one:.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups. I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy. Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!"

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