Changing Meds

[Killashandra]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if I could get some of your experiences I changing meds.. I've been on sertraline zoloft for 6 mths after a yrs break after 7 yrs on it, we won't go into why I stopped and how it effected me..

I suffered a major breakdown about 6 mths ago with severe generalized anxiety and depression.

The doctor has spoken about changing my meds to a snri but is very hesitant to do so.. zoloft has been working for my depression but has done nothing for my anxiety and I'm tired and becoming slightly dependant on the Valium she has prescribed for my anxiety which really doesn't help.

I was going to discuss trying the snri to reduce the Anxiety so I can return to work... work is starting to become a little impatient with my recovery and I don't think they want to hold my job for much longer..

What is your experience in changing meds? Has it helped or made it worse?

Thanks

Killa

 

[hodge]

Those are actually huge questions, Killashandra, but we can break them down a bit. First off, mostly every anti-depressant med affects everyone differently, really. So, it's really a trial and error process for all of us. And if you don't have Major Depressive Disorder, it might not even be called for.

I am so sorry your work is suffering because of this. Is there a national disability fund in Australia? I finally had to get on disability here. It was devastating, but much better than the alternative, which would have been being homeless. I finally was able to start a part-time job a few years ago and am still doing it, but I am kind of having to accept the reality that I probably will never be able to work my full-time career again. Or any full-time job.

I think it's really a bit up to us to try to figure out what we need (luckily my psych is very receptive to my own research). If you think you need an anti-anxiety med, I would suggest starting with Klonipin (clonazepam is the generic). As low a dose as possible. It didn't work very quickly for me, but it did kick in after about 1/2 hour and lasted all day -- 0.5 mg.

Good luck!