[yellowfrog268]

I asked this question in the anxiety forum but I've not received any responses yet so I'm going to ask here.

Has anyone had experience with Zoloft as treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (with ADD/ADHD)? My pdoc diagnosed me with GAD along with the ADD but wanted me to start Strattera first. I've been on the Strattera for about a month now and my pdoc says that at my next visit he'll want me to start Zoloft.

He does not believe in using benzo's to treat anxiety and I'm in agreement with him on that. What I'd like to know is the prevalence of nausea and/or tiredness from those with experience using Zoloft. Also I'd like to hear some suggestions on how to deal with these side effects if anyone has any tips on that. Thanks.

[DePressMe]

yellowfrog, I have ADD and I take adderal for it. I also struggle with severe anxiety--you'd think the adderal would make my anxiety worse but it actually helps because it slows down my mind. My racing thoughts are a big problem with my ADD and anxiety. I have taken zoloft in the past but it did not seem to work for me. But, everybody is different so it might work for you.....D.

[-jimi-]

I know Zoloft is one of those "cure all" meds, but I really do question using SSRIs for anxiety without much thought. Benzo addiction is hell for many, but people do get addicted to SSRIs as well. They are seen as better because they are "not addictive". Then I wonder why so many people can never come off them...

Side effects for me were the opposite of being tired, I was really anxious and wired on it and I got in under 30 hours of sleep the first 2 weeks of my Zoloft treatment. For me it was my worst side effect. But you don't know until you try, it's also possible to get tired from it. Also had nausea for a few weeks, I think very many people get that.

These days I'm allowed to take anxiety meds for my anxiety. But it took me to be a certain age because they don't want to "ruin" young people with benzos. I just lost my youth to anxiety instead. Zoloft only treated one aspect of my anxiety and not to a huge degree. I realized there are different kinds of anxiety and for me a real anti anx med would have been a better choice.

Still wishing you luck. It is yours and your doctor's choice. Does the Strattera help? I hope so.

[yellowfrog268]

Thanks jimi.

The Strattera seems to be helping with motivation and concentration. I'm now up to 80mg once per day and I've switched from taking it in the evening (supposed to be a 24 hour coverage med according to website) to taking it during the day. Initially I took in in the p.m. because it made me tired but now that the side effects have pretty much gone away, I can take it in the a.m.
I'm hoping the Zoloft does not have too many side effects for me. I hate feeling nausea and/or drugged. I was very clear with pdoc that those are two side effects I wish to avoid as much as possible. I do work during the day and I have responsibility for a 14 year old and pets so I can't afford to be knocked off my feet. Seems like Zoloft is pretty popular for generalized anxiety disorder for those who want to stay away from the benzos. My pdoc did discuss others such as Trazadone but I know that it is a heavy hitter and even if you take it at night you can wind up feeling hung-over the next day. If Zoloft is the one least likely to cause side effects and allows me to continue with my daily routine then I'll give it a try.

[LacunaCoiler]

I took Zoloft before I started with my bipolar treatment and it worked for both my depression and anxiety really well. But like any anti-depressant/anxiety medication it can cause severe manic episodes in bipolar patients. I personally liked it and it did a really good job with treating both symptoms except it messed up my bipolar. The only side effect I experienced was slight night terrors but not bad enough to stop the progress the meds had on me. Hopefully they’ll work for you.