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Posted 1/15/2017 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
I just couldn't handle the depression and anxiety and requested a low dose antidepressant. I started 12.5 mg of Zoloft for one week and then increased to 25 mg 6 days ago.

I feel dreadful right now, but then I haven't felt well for 3 years. I am not sure if it is the Lyme and co's, the start up of the Zoloft, or the combination. I also have some person junk going on that isn't helping either

Has anyone else taken an antidepressant while treating Lyme? Did it help? I just need some head space.

Thanks!
Posted 1/15/2017 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have, and I know that you may have to switch around on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds to find one that works well for you. If Zoloft isn't helping much or leaving you feeling 'off', try a different one.

Many Lyme patients don't need to be on anti-anxiety or antidepressant meds to get through this, but some of us do. There is NO shame in this, as it's what the infections are doing to us, not something we can control.

Try to figure out what the Zoloft has changed for you, and what's been made worse or new symptoms. Then talk to your doctor - that information will/should be able to help them pick a prescription that will suit your needs better.

And best of luck!!
Posted 1/15/2017 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Traveler,

When the anxiety and depression started and I didn't have the LD dx. I tried a ton of different ADs. I could not tolerate any of them. I was also put on Xanax, which never did much for me and I have been slowly weaning off of it. So far, I have tolerated the Zoloft the best. Now it is a matter of waiting 4-6 weeks to see if it will help. The anxiety and depression has been awful. I need some relief!
Posted 1/15/2017 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
I take Lexapro and it took 3-4 weeks before some relief but I would say im 80%better now a couple months in
Posted 1/15/2017 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bigcat! That gives me hope that an AD might help.
Posted 1/15/2017 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
I get it I swear I was on forums looking for some positive stuff pretty much driving myself mad before I found out I had lymes so I have been there it does get better but its human nature I think for us to wait for the other shoe to drop so to speak once your AD helps just go with it like all that anxiety was a bad dream and now you wont take for granted your sanity
Posted 1/15/2017 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Bigcat, Was the first few weeks a little rough when you started? I know what you mean....trying to figure out why we feel so bad. So, it sounds like the anxiety is pretty much under control for you now, right?
Posted 1/15/2017 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
first I tried paxil that was horrible for me then Lexapro again terrible first time around but finally second try I stuck it out and yes no anxiety anymore I mean still normal stuff but not like before it just took time to work like 3-4 weeks before it did anything.anxiety and fatigue were my first symptoms before the aches and pains
Posted 1/15/2017 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Its funny the way you want to know about your anxiety is how I feel I want to know from some vets on lyme lol
Posted 1/15/2017 9:17 PM (GMT 0)

bigcat said...
Its funny the way you want to know about your anxiety is how I feel I want to know from some vets on lyme lol

Yeah, I have asked millions of Lyme questions. The AD is the newest thing for me. It sounds like I need to hang in there for a month or so and then hopefully I will get some relief.
Posted 1/15/2017 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
you will and I am hoping once lymes is treated we wont need them anymore
Posted 1/15/2017 9:35 PM (GMT 0)

bigcat said...
you will and I am hoping once lymes is treated we wont need them anymore

I agree! smile
Posted 1/15/2017 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I used Trazodone for many years, and while it did help a lot, I ended up being addicted to it because I depended on it for far too long - but still, I wouldn't have made it through without it, and I did manage to get off of it successfully, so I still count it as a 'win'.
Posted 1/15/2017 10:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am going down the AD route again. This time with cymbalta. It does take some time to adjust. Alythough ive been on pretty much every AD out there it is really trial and error I think. After the month or so if it's not working might be time to switch it up
Posted 1/15/2017 10:33 PM (GMT 0)

Traveler said...
I used Trazodone for many years, and while it did help a lot, I ended up being addicted to it because I depended on it for far too long - but still, I wouldn't have made it through without it, and I did manage to get off of it successfully, so I still count it as a 'win'.

I had just weaned off Trazodone right before the Lyme dx. It was helping me sleep. I can't seem to figure out how to get any sleep.
Posted 1/15/2017 10:37 PM (GMT 0)

LG13 said...
I am going down the AD route again. This time with cymbalta. It does take some time to adjust. Alythough ive been on pretty much every AD out there it is really trial and error I think. After the month or so if it's not working might be time to switch it up

I hope the Cymbalta works for you. I have never tried that one.
Posted 1/15/2017 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I've been trying to get off of AD's for about a year now. I know how you feel! If you are feeling worse from your antidepressant I would speak with your Dr. right away. These medications are a huge hit and miss game. If you need immediate help, go to the ER.

I wish that I had better advice, but our body chemistry and genetics are all different... So what one person may experience on a med will be way different from what you experience.

If you haven't already gotten your genetics done, I would suggest this. Since I've gotten mine done, I've been able to treat my depression and anxiety a lot more effectively. I found out that I had genetic mutations that were causing me to be this way, such as MTHFR and a MAOA mutation.
Posted 1/15/2017 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
I take 50mg of Zoloft. Have been for about 3 months. I am not currently in treatment for Lyme (yet) BUT I have found the Zoloft has helped my anxiety (health driven) as well as my obsessive tendencies (also health driven). These issues were new to me, starting in January. I held off on any AD for almost 10 months, but finally gave in and I am happy I did!

When I was in my teens I was dx with Bipolar and Borderline personality disorder. Also prescribed a slew of AD, Antipyschotics, Mood stabilizers. After 2 years I got off everything and said I would absolutely never ever go back on prescription medication, as I know now I do not have Bipolar or BPD. BUT after being sick for 4 years, and deathly ill for a full year, I had to try something because it was getting dangerous.

It's ok to need medication sometimes to even things out. Hopefully Zoloft works as well for you as it is for me smile
Posted 1/16/2017 12:33 AM (GMT 0)

Katie95 said...
Hi, I've been trying to get off of AD's for about a year now. I know how you feel! If you are feeling worse from your antidepressant I would speak with your Dr. right away. These medications are a huge hit and miss game. If you need immediate help, go to the ER.

I wish that I had better advice, but our body chemistry and genetics are all different... So what one person may experience on a med will be way different from what you experience.

If you haven't already gotten your genetics done, I would suggest this. Since I've gotten mine done, I've been able to treat my depression and anxiety a lot more effectively. I found out that I had genetic mutations that were causing me to be this way, such as MTHFR and a MAOA mutation.

I have tried several ADs over the last three years and finally gave up. A few weeks ago I couldn't stand it anymore and asked to try yet another one. I think I feel bad from the start up. I am going to give it a fair chance.

I have had the genetic testing done and I don't have any of the mutations. I was given a list of AD that I should be able to tolerate well, but it didn't work out that way. Viibryd was one of them and that didn't work well for me at all.
Posted 1/16/2017 12:37 AM (GMT 0)

Babstastic said...
I take 50mg of Zoloft. Have been for about 3 months. I am not currently in treatment for Lyme (yet) BUT I have found the Zoloft has helped my anxiety (health driven) as well as my obsessive tendencies (also health driven). These issues were new to me, starting in January. I held off on any AD for almost 10 months, but finally gave in and I am happy I did!

When I was in my teens I was dx with Bipolar and Borderline personality disorder. Also prescribed a slew of AD, Antipyschotics, Mood stabilizers. After 2 years I got off everything and said I would absolutely never ever go back on prescription medication, as I know now I do not have Bipolar or BPD. BUT after being sick for 4 years, and deathly ill for a full year, I had to try something because it was getting dangerous.

It's ok to need medication sometimes to even things out. Hopefully Zoloft works as well for you as it is for me smile

I hope I have the success you are having on Zoloft. I know what you mean about it getting dangerous.

How did your start up go? I am doing okay, but I just don't feel well. It is probably a combination of many things.
Posted 1/16/2017 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
I resisted and resisted and after almost losing my mind, started on 25 Zoloft. Hoping to stay low dose, but I'm tired of the horrible anxiety...I'll do what I need to do if my llmd agrees
Posted 1/16/2017 12:53 AM (GMT 0)

Purrrsiankitty said...
I resisted and resisted and after almost losing my mind, started on 25 Zoloft. Hoping to stay low dose, but I'm tired of the horrible anxiety...I'll do what I need to do if my llmd agrees

How long have you been on it? I know what you mean. Anxiety is by far my worse symptom.
Posted 1/16/2017 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
Bout 2 weeks, don't know if it's working yet
Guess it takes a few weeks 😐
Posted 1/16/2017 2:06 AM (GMT 0)

Purrrsiankitty said...
Bout 2 weeks, don't know if it's working yet
Guess it takes a few weeks 😐

I am right behind you. How many mg. are you on? From what I understand it generally takes 4-6 weeks to notice anything. We are always waiting for something around here!
Posted 1/16/2017 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
listening and caring
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