Hi, just wanted to post my experience because I found it really helpful reading everyone else’s reviews when I started out. Out of nowhere I started having dizzy spells and panic attacks. I was tested to make sure everything was normal and nothing harmful was causing the dizziness. I was diagnosed with panic disorder and given 25mg of generic zoloft to start.
The first 4 weeks were completely miserable. I could barely leave the house, I felt sick, dizziness, insomnia and more anxious than I felt before. I had heart palpitations, I woke up to panic attacks twice. I was prescribed ativan to take as needed and I had to take it pretty often, although I tried not to.
I started to feel better around the 4/5 week mark but, still was having anxiety. At week 6 I finally garnered the courage to increase my dose to 37.5mg. (I was extremely terrified of getting side effects again) Fortunately this time around was much easier. I was a little jittery and had a little insomnia, but it was manageable.
I was still having some breakthrough anxiety though, so at the 8 week mark I went up to 50mg. The first week I had nausea, dizziness and an increase in anxiety, but, again much more manageable than the start up side effects. I am now on week 3 of the 50mg and I am making it through most days with minimal anxiety or at least I can control the anxiety way easier now. Finally after over 2 months I’m feeling relief. I haven’t had to use my ativan in over a week. I didn’t feel a switch like a lot of people said they did. For me it has been gradual. Each day getting a little better with a bad day here and there.
Besides the zoloft I went to therapy, began eating healthier, I began exercising 3-4 times a week, mediated daily/practiced breathing exercises (used Calm app on iPhone, love it!) and read Dr. Burns ‘When Panic Attacks’ (also super helpful).
I don’t think I’m 100% back to my normal self yet, but I feel tremendously better and I know if I keep up with my routine I feel all the way better soon.
Hope this helps like everyone else's experiences helped me!