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Posted 5/8/2014 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
I have had anxiety and panic for about 7 years now.  I am anti-med, but to save my job years ago I agreed to Klonopin on an as needed basis (turned out that most days I do need it). 

I kept fighting my doctor on taking any anti-depressant, but caved last year and started Lexapro.  It upset my stomach, so I started taking at night, but then would forget it like 3 nights in a row.  I eventually just stopped taking it all together.  Lately, I have noticed that I have had increased irritability, and if I have too much going on in my life, or too much multi-tasking at work, I can't think straight.  I hold it together at work, but inside I am restless and all over the board with my thought process in getting things done.

At home, I can display the agitation, and irritability ='s poor husband :-)

So my doctor was pretty persistent about me trying a new drug; Zoloft, but the generic.  I have heard some people have a paradoxical effect.... makes them more anxious.  The original I hear works for many.  I just hate needing them, and I do fear these drugs; side effects (weight gain, and long term side effects etc.).

Is anyone on Zoloft or the generic?  Any thoughts or advice you can give me?  I'm a big baby about taking drugs.  I pick it up tomorrow.  I'm supposed to call him in a few weeks to let him know how I feel because he really wants to make sure I am ok.  I'm afraid these drugs can create other issues that I would not normally have, especially when I go off of them and try natural approaches.

Posted 5/8/2014 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi VG.,

I am sorry to hear of your reservations regarding your new Rx. Sertraline is the generic name for Zoloft I believe...and I know that we have some members that are/have been on this med...so you should be hearing from them soon.

Of course, as you know, everyone reacts in their own unique way, so just use any responses as general information, and know that you will ultimately just see by trying, how this med perfoms for you.

Many people, if they have side effects at all, have them only temporarily, so try not to anticipate any downsides to your med...but if you experience any...know that it won't last too long.

Remind me if you are familiar with therapy and/or coping skills? If so, rely on them during your start-up time. They will help you to deal with the feeling of nervousnees that you are already having.

I am wishing you the best on your start-up. Try to view it in a positive light...a new opportunity to gain some ground on the issues that are bothering you.

Give it time and patience...

Let us know how it goes, okay?

S.C.
Posted 5/8/2014 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning VG, Be sure to articulate your concerns to your physician.  IMHO, no one antidepressant is more effective than any other. This has been proven many times. Newer antidepressants do not work better than older antidepressants. There are many antidepressants to choose from. But not every antidepressant works with every person. Finding the right antidepressant is a matter of trial and error. Unfortunately, no technique has been found to match patients to the right antidepressant. The only technique that is somewhat useful is to first look at antidepressants that have been effective for other members of your family. I had no family members on ADs or if they were it was a secret - I have a document titled, Meds I have tried, but do not want to post it now as I would feel better if you try your medication and give it the old college try knowing that all ADs come with side effects until your body adjusts.  Prepare to feel a bit off kilter to start with - usually the side effects will last for 3-4 weeks and the full effect of the medication peeks between 6-8 weeks. During this time frame be "kind" to yourself as just doing your daily activities may challenge you so don't plan a big project. Keep us posted on how you are doing? Kindly, Kitt  
Posted 5/9/2014 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
You guys are great!! That is why I love this site. I plan to start a half does of this new med this weekend to see how I feel. I think I will avoid reading the side effects, it will just make me more reluctant :-).

We'll see how it goes, it's all about a better quality of life!!!
Posted 5/9/2014 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there :) I am on Sertraline and have been for just over 2 months. The only side effect I had was nausea and it lasted less than a week. I was on 50mg which after 2 months didn't make me feel any less anxious or depressed so my doctor has just upped my dose to 100mg for a month to see if it helps. Fingers crossed! I know the feeling of not wanting to take tablets. I was on 2 types of painkillers for my chronic pain but I had to realise that without them, I was worse off pain wise. I know I need help with how I'm feeling so take the Sertraline. If it helps us then what have we got to lose?

A x
Posted 5/9/2014 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
V.G.,

Great job on making your decision!!

I do hope that it goes really well.:)

Keep us posted, and we will be here to cheer you on!

S.C.
Posted 5/9/2014 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Exactly! You worded it greatly. It truly is about a better quality of life. And if that means meds for some of us, then we do what works for us.

Keep us posted on how you're doing!





M.
Posted 5/9/2014 9:54 PM (GMT 0)
I did incredible on Zoloft, it was a wonder drug for me, but I couldn't go past 100 mgs and I needed it increased, it made me incredibly shaky after upping it past 100 mgs, I SO wish my body could tolerate it on the level I needed to be on, but it won't. I too was changed to Lexapro, first I was but on Paxil and Paxil literally made me end up in the ER and they told me to stop it immediately I was having an adverse affect from it, so I have been on Lexapro going on 2 months now, my doctor said it is similar to zoloft although I would love to argue this point with him :) Today has been one of the worst days on Lexapro and it was only increased by 5mgs 3 days ago, I am just expecting it to get worse before it gets better, when I first started it(lexapro) I felt bad at times, but it did go away. I SO hope the Zoloft works for you, it was amazing for me, and I miss it dearly!
Posted 5/10/2014 1:50 AM (GMT 0)
I have been taking generic Zoloft 50mg since Nov. 2013.  At the beginning, I felt reluctant, but continued taking it - after almost 6 weeks, I started noticing a difference - I even lost weight.  My doctor explained to me that "there is not a magic pill....but, meds will help you cope..."

I hope that Zoloft works for you

Posted 5/11/2014 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, so very lucky to have found this site a few years ago. Not just for my anxiety, but also terrible reflux. This is an amazing support resource.

I had to work today, so I am going to start Zoloft tomorrow. I am a bank manager, and working on a Saturday is tough when I feel I need 2 solid days to see how I feel on Zoloft. But tomorrow it is!

All the replies have been very helpful, and I am very thankful to you all! Can't sleep tonight, but no worries there, tomorrow is at my own pace.

I read a website for worry warts, but it is more for Highly Sensitive People; "HSP" (an actual thing I guess). I found it a while back and saved it to my favorites. I re-visited tonight to find insight on how to better handle my current challenging work situation.

It so resonates with who I am. I think it is just www.sensitiveperson.com. When I am feeling more overwhelmed and going through things that inflame my anxiety, the over consumption of reading up on things tends to help me a bit - sort of my own form of meditation. Always soul searching, trying to find why I am wired the way I am. Just having difficulties finding anything that exactly relates to my given situation, but nonetheless, if it remotely relates, it's helpful.

Wishing everyone well with your personal journey in navigating life! I'll check in and keep people posted on how zoloft is. If I can help 1 person, it wold be worth it. Pay it forward right :-)
Posted 5/11/2014 2:24 PM (GMT 0)
I can appreciate your appreciation for this site. Timing can be everything. I found this site when I was going through some rough times, and even when I became a bit of a regular, got another roadblock in my path.

You are right, great people here, lots of topics, good sources of info, and what I like best is that there's always a welcoming crowd.

:)






M.
Posted 6/23/2014 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
VIRAGOGIRL 77. Hi I read about your GERD surgery.... At first u said it wasn't great...it's been some time now ....what happened...? U have no email address otherwise I would have emailed directly but I have one if u click on my user name.....thanks Andrea
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