Well, I caved

[Dogmom0719]

I recently weaned off of pristiq. It was awful but I made it though! I was going to try to go Med free but it was just too much. I am now starting out on Zoloft. It’s only been a few days but the nausea is pretty bad. And tips/tricks to getting through the first couple of weeks on this one. This will be my 3rd Med in 3 years, not to mention the dozens before that. I’m really hoping this is a good fit and I can get some relief! Any advice is appreciated

[Arymretep]

Unfortunately I couldn’t take Zoloft, nausea and loss of appetite was terrible, I. On duloxetine now, after trying two others, fingers crossed they seem to be helping me 👍

[Dogmom0719 in reply to Arymretep]

How long did you wait it out? If you don’t mind me asking. I’m technically on day 5 but I’ve thrown it up twice so I’m not sure those days count.

[Arymretep in reply to Dogmom0719]

About a week, the Drs say try and stick them for at least two weeks , but I just couldn’t eat anything so I started to feel ill.

[Dogmom0719 in reply to Arymretep]

That’s where I’m at, I can’t keep anything down

[Arymretep in reply to Dogmom0719]

My Dr gave me meds for the sickness to take , they did help. but it didn’t last, have you tried duloxetine at all .?

[Dogmom0719 in reply to Arymretep]

I haven’t tried that one. I am 0/2 on SNRIs so I don’t know that I’m up for a third. 😱

[Arymretep in reply to Dogmom0719]

This is my third😳 fingers crossed

[FearIsALiar]

I really want to go med free eventually but worried about weaning off and getting crazy side effects

[Dogmom0719 in reply to FearIsALiar]

I worry about that too

[Dogmom0719]

I’m starting to feel the same.

[designguy]

I know I have replied to you before but can't remember if I gave you the information about psych med testing.

I did the opposite of you, was on zoloft for years which didn't work, tried other meds and none helped. I then did a psychopharmacological test (mine was from Genesight) to determine which meds were best for me genetically. Got on one recommended by it (pristiq) and it has worked well The test was prescribed by my psych med nurse and paid for by my insurance, it helps take a lot of the guess work out of the process.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to designguy]

Hello designguy. Would you tell me how to get psychopharmacological test for myself. I tried searching it, but I didn't find someone local. Thank you.

[designguy in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Mine was prescribed by my psych med nurse practitioner and the test was from Genesight.com and there are other brands available. Insurance also paid for mine, I live in the States. I'm pretty sure the test has to be prescribed by a doctor, psychiatrist or psych nurse practitioner depending on which state you live in and you can't order it yourself directly.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to designguy]

My psych nurse practitioner never offered it. Nothing helps at all anymore.

[designguy in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I should have mentioned in my last message that I had to ask my psych med nurse for it and tell her that I wanted it. I also did some research at the time on different tests available and picked the Genesight one myself. My advice is to be persistent.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to designguy]

Thank you. 🙏 If you still have any of the links where you learned about the different tests, please pass them on. I'm struggling thinking through things now.

Persistent? Not easy now. I am persistently not doing well.

[designguy in reply to Nothing_but_books]

My test was a few years ago and unfortunately I don't have any of the links.

One of the other drugs I tried was ketamine infusions. I did 4 infusions and didn't notice any benefit but it is primarily recommended for treatment resistant depression which I don't have. My primary issue has been social anxiety disorder and there is some studies that it may help with it but i didn't notice any changes.

Another thing to look into is your hormones, thyroid and adrenal functioning. They can cause or contribute to anxiety/depression if they aren't functioning properly. I went through a period this spring for a few months where I found my testosterone was very low and I was on the wrong thyroid med. It took 4 - 6 weeks to feel better. I initially thought my pristiq had stopped working but it hadn't.

Sorry you are struggling right now, try to be extra kind and compassionate to yourself and know it's just temporary.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to designguy]

Thank you designguy! (What kind of designs? Are you an engineer?)

Oh how I wish I could convince myself it's just temporary. If so, it's a "temporary" that has gone on years now. Does "kind" mean to go eat a chocolate bar? If so, check!

I've made a note to have a doctor check thyroid and adrenal functioning. (Thanks.) I wish I knew someone good to go to, the last 🦆 said he didn't know if my levels needed treating or not. Quote: "What do you think?"

So not what I went to him for.

By the way, did you notice this post isn't locked? You may want to be careful what you reveal, as an unlocked post is very public (searchable on Google).

[designguy in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Mostly graphic design and i've also designed houses and interiors.

I know it can be frustrating trying to find a good medical practitioner, have you tried naturopaths or functional medicine people? My med lady is a psych functional medicine practitioner and really good.

I guess I don't worry about my posts being locked, after having had social anxiety, i'm not embarrassed by much anymore.

Hope you enjoyed the chocolate bar.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to designguy]

No, I never even heard of functional medicine. I'll look into it. Thank you.

(Chocolate is always a good thing.)

[Dogmom0719 in reply to designguy]

Hi! Yes, I have had a genesight test done but unfortunately the test recommended pristiq for me also as well as Effexor and I had no luck on either. I appreciate the idea and am so glad it worked out for you!

[_Alex_]

Take half pills until you get used to it?

Could be just half the dose each day, or you could try taking half in the morning and half in the evening, and see if that makes any difference. Strictly speaking, maybe ask a pharmacist if the pills are suitable to be split, but I believe Zoloft will be. Or look for a score line or any info in the medication leaflet.

One thing about Zoloft, make sure you take it with plenty of water, and don't immediately lay down after taking it. Where the pills don't go down properly, people have been hospitalized from the pain. Something about Zoloft can really burn up your throat sometimes.

[Dogmom0719 in reply to _Alex_]

That’s a good idea. They are scored. Thank you for the tip about not lying down after!

[Basilanna]

Hi, Five in my family are on zoloft and never experienced nausea. I did get nausea on prozac and couldn't tolerate it. Should mention to doctor!

[PopcornLover1971]

Looks like we are on the same journey. I just started Zoloft 6 days ago.Taking 25mg every other day to start. The first night was rough. How are you doing?