To treat panic attack can I take my old Sertraline tablets(50mg)? (counteract, Zoloft)

[fantasy09]

I was diagnosed with anxiety in 2019 so therefore I was prescribed Sertraline(generic for Zoloft 50mg). I didn't take all of them so I have plenty left. However, they are old since this is now 2024.


I had a weird panic attack this morning that hasn't really abated. My teeth were chattering(this was really bad for a bit), my heart was racing(really bad), dizzy, tightness in my chest(bad), a tight like band feeling around my head etc. I also have been waking up super stressed out all of a sudden, and I can't really sleep either.

I have a lot of stresses in life(lost job, worrying about rent etc)

I ordered some over-the-counter meds called Nature's Bounty Anxiety and Stress Relief Supplements Ashwagandha KSM-66.

I want to go to a clinic and get some real medication prescribed, but my lost job means I no longer have health insurance.

I'm also thinking about ordering some prescription Hydroxyzine from an online company called Redbox RX.


What do you all think?

Thank-You

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by fantasy09

I was diagnosed with anxiety in 2019 so therefore I was prescribed Sertraline(generic for Zoloft 50mg). I didn't take all of them so I have plenty left. However, they are old since this is now 2024.


I had a weird panic attack this morning that hasn't really abated. My teeth were chattering(this was really bad for a bit), my heart was racing(really bad), dizzy, tightness in my chest(bad), a tight like band feeling around my head etc. I also have been waking up super stressed out all of a sudden, and I can't really sleep either.

I have a lot of stresses in life(lost job, worrying about rent etc)

I ordered some over-the-counter meds called Nature's Bounty Anxiety and Stress Relief Supplements Ashwagandha KSM-66.

I want to go to a clinic and get some real medication prescribed, but my lost job means I no longer have health insurance.

I'm also thinking about ordering some prescription Hydroxyzine from an online company called Redbox RX.


What do you all think?

Thank-You

What do I think? I think you should not mix medications for the same condition, either OTC or prescribed without discussing it with a physician first. Doing so could compound side effects or the different chemicals could counteract or interfere with each other.

What is the expiration date on your sertraline? The packaging or label should show it somewhere. Did it work to control your symptoms before? If so, it may again. If the pills you have haven't expired you could use them but the potency may be reduced and it will take time to become effective. Dosage matters. 50 mg is fairly low.

IME with Zoloft (I used it for many years) it isn't fast acting enough to treat an ongoing panic attack. The beneficial effect takes time to build and that time is very individual. Sertraline can be effective in reducing or controlling the severity and/or frequency of anxiety symptoms but it won't stop an attack in its tracks.

I also think that medication used on its own is less effective for managing anxiety/stress than using it in conjunction with counseling. YOU need to do some of the work. Learn better ways to manage your anxiety behaviorally for the long term. Medication can help you during that process.

[Submariner]

I would not say that Sertraline should be used to 'treat' a panic attack. Rather Sertraline [on a maintenance does] should be used to prevent panic attacks.

[cheka]

Originally Posted by fantasy09

I was diagnosed with anxiety in 2019 so therefore I was prescribed Sertraline(generic for Zoloft 50mg). I didn't take all of them so I have plenty left. However, they are old since this is now 2024.


I had a weird panic attack this morning that hasn't really abated. My teeth were chattering(this was really bad for a bit), my heart was racing(really bad), dizzy, tightness in my chest(bad), a tight like band feeling around my head etc. I also have been waking up super stressed out all of a sudden, and I can't really sleep either.

I have a lot of stresses in life(lost job, worrying about rent etc)

I ordered some over-the-counter meds called Nature's Bounty Anxiety and Stress Relief Supplements Ashwagandha KSM-66.

I want to go to a clinic and get some real medication prescribed, but my lost job means I no longer have health insurance.

I'm also thinking about ordering some prescription Hydroxyzine from an online company called Redbox RX.


What do you all think?

Thank-You

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two family members, one fighting it for 20 plus years, used this to completely eliminate panic/anxiety. there's a TON of new research showing bad gut as the cause.

check out my thread in the 'alternative' section for more info