How long until I feel better

[JTA Mom]

Hi!

I'm currently suffering from PPD with severe anxiety. I have never felt this way in my life. I have had panic attacks before, I had had depression before, but nothing like this. It's so terrifying. I also feel myself withdrawing from my kids.

I am seeing a therapist, who suggested I contact my doctor for meds. On monday I went in and got put on 25mg of Zoloft and .5mg Klonopin (for anxiety). I'm supposed to take the zoloft every day,and the klonopin 3times a day or as needed.

Compared to monday, I feel better. However, since Tuesday morning I've been on Klonopin. The klonopin makes a HUGE difference. For one the constant anxiety is either gone or dulled (I have had breakthrough anxiety). I feel like I can go out and do things (little things, like walks or the park or just getting off the couch.

The thing is, the doctors were stressing to take it 'only as needed'. Would taking 2 doses a day be bad? I have enough for 3 doses until I see my psychiatrist in 2 weeks. I'm just wondering if that's okay or not?

When does the Zoloft really kick in? This morning I went for 3 hrs without the klonopin (didn't take it at night either, so total of 12hrs without it). It was a bit hard in the beginning then became excruciating. The anxiety just kept building despite my therapist taught techniques.

I only feel sleepy for the first hour of two, then I'm fine. It also takes away my nausea.

But how long until the Zoloft kicks in and I can stop taking this?

Will the Zoloft really fix the anxiety and depression I have?

Ami

[pregnant@40]

Antidepressants generally take 6-8 weeks to reach their full effect, though sometimes people start feeling relief after 2-4 weeks. Unlike klonopin, they are neither sedating or addictive. I believe the klonopin is a short-term solution, since you can develop a tolerance and need higher doses over time to achieve the same effect; but right now, if the doc said you could take it 3 times per day, why are you reluctant to use it twice per day? Regardless, the antidepressants should be working in a few weeks. And yes, antidepressants really do work; in addition to depression, they also treat anxiety. They helped me through post-partum depression, and I consider them to be life-savers.

I'm glad you are getting relief!

[Kristin0105]

Ami, like the pp said the antidepressants can take a few weeks. I am glad you are starting to feel better. While you wait for the med's to kick in you might want to try adding fish oil, with at least 1,000 mg or IU's (sorry can never remember how it's measured) of EPA in it, also I think there is some research suggesting that 1,000 to 2,000 IU's of vitamin D3 might be helpful. NPR's The People's Pharmacy did a program on depression, I think last weekend, and the benefits of vitamin D and treating depression were talked about.

If you can get outside every day, even if it's just to sit on the stoop the fresh air and being outside can help. If you can force yourself to go for a walk that might make you feel even better.

If you are concerned about the klonopin there might be natural alternatives to try.There is some research that shows that Rhodiola may be a great choice for anxiety and possibly depression. I think Dr. Weil has some good info on his website about the different herbs that might work. Also Rhodiola was mentioned during the People's Pharmacy story. Of course check with your doctor if you decide to try an herbal treatment while on the other meds.

For anxiety try some deep belly breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose, exhale just as slowly out of your mouth. When you inhale make sure the tip of your tongue is on the roof of your mouth just behind your top teeth. You might try counting to seven as you inhale, hold it for a count of 3, count slowly to 5 as you exhale. This is an awesome way to reduce anxious feelings. You might try to imagine you are blowing up a balloon and filling it with your anxious feeling, letting the anxiety leave your body. Do this as often as possible throughout the day, at least three times a day.

Good luck sounds like you are on the road to recovery.

[lindsay t]

thought i would share my personal experience with you. with my ds i had terrible anxiety along with depression. i was put on ativan for the anxiety and 50mg of zoloft. the ativan was great but i still had breakthrough depression. after 2 weeks on 50mg i was still a total basket case. i was told by my ob to see a psychiatrist for med management which takes up to 2 months to get into one. finally, i realized i didn't have 2 months and went to a family doc who ramped up my zoloft to 150mg and within 3 days i felt a big difference. i am telling you this so you don't suffer for 6 weeks waiting for it to kick in. 25mg is a low dose so if you are still feeling terrible in a week or two make sure you see or talk to someone. you don't have to suffer like i did!

[kayleesmom]

i have had PPD with all 3 of my kids and my son which is my youngest i was on 100 mg of zoloft right after delivery(bumped from 50) and i would say i felt the least depressed with him. Hugs