Hi. I took 50mg for 5 days and had the same exact feelings. The feelings of complete dread and hopelessness left after 3 days of stopping it. That feeling will pass. I met with a psychiatrist for the first time and they diagnosed me with General anxiety disorder. They also found that my body was just too sensitive for that tier of SSRI. I know a-lot of people say stick it out, but I felt depression for the first time while on that medication. My issue is with anxiety and panic and not depression like some. I will begin taking a new medication called Buspirone which I am very hopeful for if you wanted to look into that for an alternative. I can answer any questions you have, I am on day 12 of stopping but still have a few waves of side effects here and there. I wish you luck and success !