JUST SAYIN'

[Luvmycat]

I am writing today to vent, and possibly have some conversation with others with similar issues. I am 75+, began struggling with depression in1992, took a variety of antidepressants until 2009, when I successfully weaned myself off and was calm and happy, until the loss of my companion of 10 years in 2014. I was advised to take Zoloft and had no "talk" therapy, other than to report to my Primary Dr. that I'm doing ok and being advised to stay on medication. In 2016, when anxiety made adjusting to a hearing aid, I was advised to increase Zoloft. I'm not sure how much good the Zoloft was doing; I continued taking 200 mg a day until I experienced a "melt down" that sent me to the ER and three-day hospitalization and diagnostic tests that only revealed no sign of a stroke after experiencing all the symptoms of stroke, including temporary paralysis. I believed those symptoms were side effect of build up of Zoloft in my system and decided to wean by taking 100 mg a day. I also reported to my Primary Dr. severe muscle cramping, he, in turn prescribed me to STOP zoloft and start prozac. On day 3 of prozac, i was very anxious and shakey and decided to stop Prozac. After doing some research, I decided maybe I should have continued to wean down on zoloft, but am almost out, and I cant find any support for that decision. I am hoping I took little enough Prozac to have any long term side effects. My Primary wants me to get injections for neck pain, which he says is because of poor posture. For now, my decision is to live with the neck pain, until it goes away, and seek behavioral therapy for anxiety.

My take away right now is start to wean off zoloft as soon as depression subsides, and when anxiety crops up don't increase Zoloft and stay on long term. I am Praying that the medicine induced anxiety and side affects don't return.

[Luvmycat]

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[Agora1]

Luvmycat, I'm sorry no one has responded but as you know, medications are a trial and error basis since everyone is different. Our doctors are really the best judge of what is best for us in their knowing our health issues. I've never been on either medication so I can't give an input. I hope that this all works out for you soon. Feel better. You are not alone. xx

[Tedddy]

Unfortunately, the journey to find the right medication(s) is a really tough one. Many meds take several weeks to take effect or for side effects to wear off. For some people, worsening anxiety is a side effect, but only for the first couple of weeks. Do you like your doctor? Have you tried a psychiatrist? It might be time for a psychiatrist rather than a general doctor, because he or she will probably know better which medications may work for you. Ideally, a primary doctor and a psychiatrist would work together to find the best solution.

[Luvmycat in reply to Tedddy]

Thank you. I am coming to the conclusion that I do need to see a psychiatrist and I am trying to figure out how to find one and negotiate the transition. When I was in treatment previously, 20 some years ago, I was more agile mentally and physically, and settings seemed to fall into place for me. My age is not working for me, and navigating the medical community -- and life in general is not easy! I appreciate your comments.

[gemfire]

Maybe ask your doctor about a medication for anxiety? In the past I've had Xanax and currently Klonopin to take as needed when I have a lot of anxiety.