I noticed mine working within about a week. I take 50mg a day. I have not had any side effects at all.

I am sweating like it's 130 degrees. My jaw also hurts. I hope it starts to work soon. The doctor just called in a new prescription to go along with zoloft. I'll write back when I remember the name of it.

Did you just start that sweating with the zoloft?

I have been sweating out my forehead for years. It just seems worse now. It might be my anxiety taking over and my medicine not working yet. It just pours out when I think everyone is looking and judging me. I have just gotten so embarrased lately I went and got help. Having a panic attack at my family reunion finally did it for me. I felt like I had to just run away.

First off, i'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. Fortunately, everyone here can relate to your story, and let you know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel!

All ssri drugs take about 1-2 weeks to take effect. I've done this twice now, and for me, the 25mg starter dose doesn't do much -- it's just there to get your body ready for the full dose. Then, once you start the 50mg dose, you should start feeling less anxious in about 2 weeks. Generally, they don't ramp you up to 100mg right away -- i'd wait to see if 50mg is enough to control the symptoms, and after being on that for 2-4 weeks, then consult your doctor about moving up.

Your doctor will probably give you something to help you get over the hump until the ssris kick in. Benzodiazapenes are the most common, and they're essentially a low-level tranquilizer you can take when the anxiety gets really bad. They made me really sleepy, but I have talked to others who didn't have that side effect, so you can see for yourself what works.

Counseling will help you a lot. Look for cbt (cognitive-behavioral therapy) specialists in your area, either in group or individualized therapy. They can help you learn to handle your symptoms. For me, it was feelings of chest pains that I thought were heart attack symptoms (i was 23 at the time) and lately, a feeling like my throat is closing off and I would suffocate. I know these are just symptoms, and are not life-threatening, so when they come, I can remind myself "this is anxiety."

i also recommend the books "the panic and anxiety workbook" and "been there, done that, do this". Don't know the authors, but you can find them in the self-help section of your favorite bookstore.

All the best! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace and blessings,
paul
i also highly recommend some type of counseling along with

Thank-you for your suggestions and sympathy.

From what i've read about the second med you just started taking....Not many seem to have had much luck with it.
Anyways I wanted to say that I can relate to your sweating and embarrasment in a way. I don't sweat but I get flushed a lot. It is almost like hot flashes that a lady in menopause would get but i've had them most of my life. They real problem is when it is just my nose. Most of the time all of a sudden my nose gets bright red and hot. It is so embarrasing. For awhile it was really weird and everyday around 2pm it would happen. I tried to pinpoint if I ate or drank something or did something but I never could figure out any reason. It really stinks in the middle of winter when everyone else is freezing and there I am burning up with a bright red nose.....

I was on 100mg a day of zoloft for about a year. I found that it didn't start working for me until I was on it a good two weeks. I didn't find any problems with sweating but I did have sexual side effects. I've heard great things about welbutrin but I myself am trying to stay off the meds. Hope this helps.

I have been on ssri's for several years now, the new one's used to bother me at first, my Dr. Would give me something else to take them with until I got used to them and he also told me to take them @ night with my relaxer until I got over the side-effects, but I still take them @ night as they do seem to work better. Their were a few ssri's that I was unable to take @ all but my Dr. Kept changing them until we found the right one, as we all know, that everyone is different. I am not telling you to take them @ night, that is between you and your Dr., I am just letting you know about my experiences on them!
Sincerely,
sandy