HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Introduction and questions

Support Forums
>
Depression
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/13/2008 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

I found HW when I was searching for prostate cancer information and that is my real current focus.  Along the way I had high anxienty and depression so I asked my GP to write me a script for Zoloft.  My mother has had great luck with Zoloft and has taken it for years.  My sister cannot tolerate it due to stomach issues but is doing well on Lexipro and Wellbutrin.

Anyway, I'm very pleased with my results and close friends say that I'm more "normal" since I've started.  I'm in week 6 of taking the med and I do feel a little more normal but am somehow unsure if the dose is large enough.  How does one know if the med is "doing enough" for you???  Can anyone share what they know about Zoloft and dosing???

I am very happy to have found this group and will happily take in all of the information and offered opinions that I can!

Jim

Posted 8/13/2008 11:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Jim

Welcome to the forum,wow you have been through so much and have beat each illness...congrats on that!

One thing to remember about meds... they take the depression side effects off,but do not beat the depression. You really should think about some type of counseling too. But,if you are not feeling like you can beat the depression symptons,and are still feeling a little bit of your past self,then yes it is time to contact your doctor.

It is normal to have to change dosages,even change meds during your therapy for depression.
Don't increase your dosage without your doctor's consent as I am sure you know.

Let us know what happens.
Posted 8/13/2008 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Shy,

I never really thought about actually shedding the depression. I am so happy that I am "tolerating" it now that resolving it never occurred to me. I've been seeing a therapist for several years. Frankly I think it is time to change as we are not progressing much anymore.

I've had a lot of tragedy in my life over the last 5 years: my baby brother and his wife (my sister-in-law) were both killed in a car crash 3 days before Christmas 5 years ago leaving behind 3 children, my father died of complications of 3rd stage Parkinson's disease after he was cured of prostate cancer and my baby sister died a year ago from incredibly aggressive melanoma cancer. If I did not have a therapist I would probably be toast now. I have 1 sibling left and Mom, which is not exactly what I thought would be my life.

Anyway I'm happy I decided to start on medication. I'm thinking of seeing a real psychiatrist and not just a counselor. Any opinion about that?


Jim
Posted 8/13/2008 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
I see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. My psychiatrist prescribes my medications and the psycologist is for therapy. It works out really well. They are in the same office.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 8/14/2008 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Wow Jim, I can see why you have depression and I also see that you know that you need help in beating it. That is the first step as you know.

Seeing a Psychiatrist is a great idea, they go deeper than a counselor I think.

Good Luck and please keep us posted.
Posted 8/15/2008 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Shy,

My wife seems to feel that I'm much "better" now that the Zoloft is working. To be honest I don't feel that much different.

I mentioned to her that I was thinking about a psychiatrist and she agreed it is a good idea. I have a friend that has a doctor he really likes. I'll start there and see what happens.

Jim
Posted 8/18/2008 2:45 AM (GMT 0)
Jim


Good Luck and please keep us posted.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply