Posted 6/30/2014 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
I started Zoloft about 3 years ago due to PTSD (TTTS - loss of #1 identical twin child and #2 identical twin child in NICU for 4 months) + all the medical/cost/specialist/county/state/federal workers/bills/medical supplies/funeral/loss of friends/relatives that don't get it/work .....to many to list..... issues with having micro-premee identical twins with a loss.
The PTSD did not kick in until about year 2 after the births. Basically, my guard went down as my surviving son became healthier. He is 5 now.
My doctors did not understand my problem until my wife called the doctor directly and demanded action. I guess men just don't share problems well.
Most of my panic attacks were work related. Some mangers smell blood in the water and see this as an opportunity to get rid of you while pretending to be your friend. I was able to see what was going on and quickly interviewed and moved to a new position. There was a 3 month delay waiting for a clearance. We both played a cat and mouse game. I do not regret putting my family over this company. I was lucky to walk away and pickup somewhere else.
Anyway. The Zoloft helped. The first 3 days caused me to become very sick: severe chills and diaharia. Eventually my body adjusted and I mellowed out. There is always a mellow blank feeling in my head.
At 5'8" and 210 I as already overweight. The Zoloft very quickly added 20+ lbs. After 2 years, I went on a cholesterol drug and another 10 lbs packed on permanently and I had every bad symptom you could think of (chronic fatigue, sever joint pain, etc.) I went to another cholesterol drug with my doctor with just limited joint pain. Even putting in 1.5 hours cardio in the gym, eating well and not drinking sodas ----- the weight did not budge. Close to 235 lbs.
Enough is enough. I don't care what the the doctors say -- Zoloft does put weight on. I'm not stupid -- why do the doctors act so "I'm surprised!!!"
I like the mellow feeling with Zoloft but not the weight gain. It is causing another form or depression from my physical appearance. I know their are other drugs out there but I prefer (at least try) to quit entirely.
My work environment is stable and supportive now. I quit the cholesterol drug and now the Zoloft. I timed the start with a nice restful vacation at the beach. After 2 weeks, the weight is finally coming off and I suspect the cholesterol will follow as I lose more (still could be hereditary).
I do have to fight my temper and I still get hangover type headaches. I'll look at the benadril/wine recommendations.
Stuff happens. I basically had to sacrifice my health to keep my family healthy. Very few people understand my journey. I don't regret it. But it is time to get back to living and not just surviving.
The Zoloft did what I needed it to do during this time period. I don't want to be a "lifer" with this or any other medications.
Now I need to break the news to my wife. She monitors my pills like a hawk.
I"m posting this as information for someone. It applies now or 10 years from now.
If I don't update it is because things went well. Don't take this the wrong way, I hope this is my first and last post on this website.
Good luck!