I just started taking 100mg of sertraline about 3 days ago and i've been taking .25mg of alprazalam. i still have the underlying anxiety and get some panic attacks still. when will this go away?

Patience: If will take the sertraline at least several weeks to get to the blood level that is needed.

Wait 2-3 weeks: You just started taking sertraline only 3 days back ,it may be too early to expect effect of the medicine ,it takes2-3 weeks to show its effect .wiat and watch to see the effects, your anxiety and panic attacks may go away . Continue both medicines . If still you have problem then see psychiatrist

Anxiety: Please also reach out to a Psychologist expert in treating anxiety disorders. If you have any trauma history(trauma as relevant to you) please see a trauma specialist. More experienced Psychologists with trauma training can help best. As a long term solution the therapy may be able to help you later taper off medications! Check on Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

SSRI's take longer: to work than three days--usually 14 to 21 days, but in some, months. The Xanax (alprazolam) will work within 20 minutes on an empty stomach, but the risk of dependence is higher. Have patience with the former and be careful with the latter. Why are you anxious? Next thing to do is seek out some psychotherapy and get to the bottom of this. <a href="http://psychologyproductsandservices.com/page2.html"

Maybe 2 weeks: It may take a couple of weeks for your body to get adjusted to the antidepressant. Initial symptoms Include an increase in anxiety, nausea, diarrhea and restlessness. If you stick to your prescribed regimen those initial symptoms will go away. Good luck with your treatment and remember it may take about 4-6 weeks before you start to see changes in your mood with the antidepressant-don't give up!

Can't Predict: It will usually take 4-6 weeks for sertaline to take effect and for changes from increasing the dosage to take full effect. Your doctor may want to consider an additional medication that will address the anxiety and panic symptoms while the other medication is taking effect. There are also various techniques that can be learned to reduce such symptoms. Psychotherapy may also be very helpful .

Medication effects: I understand your distress due to anxiety and some panic attacks. Alprazalam 0.25 mg three times a day or more is the dose for your symptoms . Starting dose of Sertraline 100mg is high, and is possibly causing anxiety. Do breathing and Music Relaxation, Yoga and Visual Imagery See Psychiatrist for Therapy, discuss increasing dose of Xanax, (alprazolam) and decreasing dose of Sertraline.

Need Counseling: The treatment of Panic Anxiety is with a combination of a benzo and SSRI . You have both. You may need to see a counselor to get a better understanding as to why the panic attacks persist.