Does Intake Of Zoloft Help In Treating Severe Anxiety?

Posted on Sat, 10 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 10 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 3 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I've been dealing with high anxiety with my arms, hands, feet shaking all the time, I can't seem to shake it off, no matter what I tell myself. When I stay busy, I feel slightly better, but then it comes on again. I don't feel normal & I can barely face people. I do have a history of being bi Polar , but I can usually go out & feel fine. Now, I cannot. I've been considering taking Zoloft. I also have difficulty consentratingl. Do you think this would be helpful? Thank you!
Sincerely,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sertraline can help to reduce anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Zoloft is Sertraline and the drug if taken regularly can help to reduce your anxiety, shakiness, poor concentration and other symptoms. Visit a doctor for detailed prescription. The drug should be started with low dose and dose can be increased after one week. With in about 4 weeks you will start seeing improvement of your symptoms.

But if you have been diagnosed with Bipolar and had an episode of mania in past then before using the drug you should talk with your psychiatrist. Sertraline might cause mania switch in individuals with history of bipolar disorder. Other SSRI like Fluoxetine can prove relatively safer in such situation.

Thanks, Hope this helps, you are welcome to ask any follow up doubts.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Can I use Prozac with Zoloft? And use Trazadone for sleep?

Also, is Abilify a good choice? Because I have been on it for 2 weeks now & I am not sure if it is doing anything. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can take Prozac.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question

Prozac can be taken instead of Zoloft, which is relatively safer. Don't take Prozac and Zoloft together.

Trazodone can be used for sleep.

Abilify is not a drug for anxiety control. The drug is an antipsychotic and mood stabiliser and probably prescribed to you for bipolar disorder. So I don't think its good choice if only anxiety is the problem.

Thanks. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar