Zoloft works for me, I think. I do have some depression, secondary diagnosis of a low-grade "dysthymia" which really surprised me, I didn't think that was a problem, but suppose I didn't know any differently ;-)-- it's not that unusual re: c-ptsd either, I don't think? When I don't have it or the the dose is not strong enough, I get weepy for no apparent reason. It's also made it easier for me to concentrate, read, etc.
I had a friend who was prescribed Paxil-- her behaviour became really strange, with alcohol-- not a good a mix-- it's not good to mix anti-depressants or any medication with alcohol. I can still have a glass of something, no problem. But my friend, she became a wild woman, she behaved completely out of character for herself, a total 'vixen' and even some "couger-ous" behaviours. It was really out of character for her.
Whatever it was, that med was not a good med for her. Everyone had an individual biology, one med works good for one person, will not work good for another.
My friend had been quite "high-strung" for years (the other side of her anxiety was a great sense of humour-- she was always fun ;-) ), also had insomnia and had been on sleep meds, valiums, etc, since she was in her early adolescence. I don't actually think she had a problem with her seretonin and the doctor figured it out that her distress had more to do with living with an alcoholic, than anything organic in her (brain chemistry).
What was also discovered later was when she switched doctors, and saw a woman physician, who figured out that what was going on for my friend was due to simple hormonal imbalance, including the sleep problems. This was a great relief for her, because she could ween off the valiums, etc., and prepare for pregnancy with no worries. All those years, and her problem had not been diagnosed properly.
I don't know if the case with your friend was misdiagnosis, or just not the right med? If she is bi-polar (depression and mania), might need to switch to an entirely different class of antidepressants. . .? She should get back to her physician on it. My friend was able to recognize these strange behaviours of hers, so she didn't have any problem going back and discussing things with her doctor.
