anti_depressant ???

[Gomez_Addams]

Hi,

I am seeing a psychriatrist next week. One that, in the past, prescribed me Zoloft for anxiety and depression. I didn't, though, take it. I was too afraid of possible side-effects -- especially when coming off of it. I've read many accounts, online, of persons who've experienced horrific withdrawal -- depersonalization, general anxiety, brain zaps, etc.

Most people who bother to write about their experiences have had bad experiences -- the ones who've had good experiences may not have felt compelled to write (i guess).

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone has had a good experience with Zoloft? Also, I've read that Zoloft can increase one's want to drink. Is this true?

Thanks,

Gomez

[shutterbug]

i personally haven't been on Zoloft, but i also haven't heard any major negative accounts.

The brain zaps and stuff you talk about in relation to coming off of it....sounds like perhaps the person you got that information from was confused on the name of the med.

Brain zaps and needing to tapper off of it is mostly seen with Effexor and it's cousin(a med that starts with a "C" which i can't think of at the moment). I've been on both and the Effexor is the only med that really helps my depression. And the brain zaps (which as I know have no real official name and are decribed in all kinds of ways including being called brain zaps, but really all it is...is an uncomfortable sensation that starts in your head), but they only happen if you go too long past the time you would normally take the med on any given day. And the longer you go without your med...the stronger the sensations get.

But if you take your meds every morning there's nothing to worry about in that regard. And if you have trouble making yourself stay on meds....then Effexor is a great med to help a person learn to become med compliant. (as this was my situation).

[pedagogue]

Originally Posted by shutterbug

Brain zaps and needing to tapper off of it is mostly seen with Effexor and it's cousin(a med that starts with a "C" which i can't think of at the moment).

*random med anecdote*

Maybe you are thinking about Citalopram (Celexa) and Escitalopram (Lexapro)? They are pretty much the same drug, with Lexapro being the enantiomer (sp?) of Celexa. It was some pretty crafty marketing by Forest Labs....to get another patent for a pre-existing med by removing the inactive part of Citalopram and flipping the active part, so it is a 'new' med.....but can still use all of the old research. Brilliant!

-p

[Gomez_Addams]

Thanks for the responses.

[historyteach]

Please let us know how it goes, Gomez!

Shalom!

[dontcareinmi]

How many people actually come off anti-depressant drugs or are you medicated for life once you start.

[Toomutch]

I have what my doctors call clinical depression, and have been told I will be on anti depressants for life.
Some people with situational depression my only need them temporaraly.

I take 40mg prozac, and 400mg of wellbutrin daily.

~Toomutch
__________

Angels have walked beside me
All my life--and they still do.

[tkdan]

toomuch-how is your med combo working out for you? how long have you been taking it?

[Toomutch]

tkdan,

I have been on this combo for several years; I dont think it had a chance to be very effective while I was drinking. I am hoping that after being sober for awhile I will feel it's full effects. I have been quite depressed for the last couple of days.

~Toomutch
__________

Angels have walked beside me
All my life--and they still do.

[historyteach]

Originally Posted by dontcareinmi

How many people actually come off anti-depressant drugs or are you medicated for life once you start.

I was told that I had a chemical imbalance and needed meds for life.
I was also told to go on permanent disability, as a result of this imbalance.

I didn't believe what I was told.
I never had any mental health problems prior to my son becoming a heroin addict, and getting divorced after 24 years when my ex started gambling away the mortgage. Both happened at the same time.

My entire life fell apart. Panic attacks began. I went to my doc, who prescribed me anti-depressants; sleeping pills; anti-anxiety pills and more. When I got worse, (stoned), he sent me to shrinks who INCREASED my meds! I told them I was stoned. They tried more meds; and increased them; and different ones again, but, never ONCE listened to me when I told them I was totally F*CKED UP! LOL!

I took myself off all, except the anti-depressants. Handed them right back to my doc. I then asked for, and received, a 1/4 mg dose of xanax to deal with anxiety. Took them only as needed. That was @ 7 years ago.

Today, I've been off the anti-depressants for 1 year. I haven't taken the xanax in so long, I can't remember. I still have them...my son is still a heroin addict. I still have times of anxiety, but, I've learned skills to deal with most of the problems I have. And I still talk to a counselor when I need to work through some things.

So, I am telling you only MY story. I do honestly believe we are ALL responsible for our own lives. There are some who definately need meds for the rest of their lives. Nothing wrong with that. Since my depression only began when my entire life fell apart, it was apparant to me that I was dealing with a situational depression. (Even *if* my pdoc didn't listen. She still told me to take a med for bipolar! LOL! I wonder if she ever thinks about why I fired her? ) The facts of my life proved that the still inner voice I heard, and listened to, was right.

Sharing my own ESH, I can tell you, I did what was right for me.
I hope you find your way too.

Shalom!