New Member Trying To Learn About Meds, Etc

[TacticalTom]

Hi - I had been diagnosed with combat-related PTSD in 2010. Today is July 4th, and I know it is going to be a rough night. The VA recently changed me to Sertraline (anxiety) and Lorazepam (sleep) last month. I am wondering if I have an unrealistic expectation of how meds like these are suppose to work? Anyone out there who is on these and understands how they are suppose to make you feel? I read on Wiki that Sertraline is "not effective for veterans with combat-related PTSD." Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot!?

 

[Squaddiedave]

All I can say is welcome buddy.
Give them time to kick in and start working, fingers crossed for you pal.
Open mind buddy,
SD

 

[Zipperhead]

Afternoon Tom. Not on either of those 2. Sorry.

 

[Jimmy1]

Welcome Tom.

Sertraline is basically Zoloft. It's a good start for anti depressants, and Lorazepam is as good as any to get you at least having a reasonable night sleep from time to time.

The trick Tom is to do some research yourself. I was on Zoloft an SSRI for years, then changed to an SNRI.
I have also been on a gamut of different sleeping meds.

Everyone has to start somewhere and psych's treat symptoms. If you are depressed, then Zoloft or sertraline will help with that, and if you read into it, it actually helps with anxiety too.

Do yourself a favor and look for a book. Link Removed

The more you can learn about PTSD the easier (if you can call it that) it will be.

There is no magic pill and no quick fix, but it can be managed and you can lead a reasonably normal life.
It's all to do with the stress, triggers, and how you live life.

Have a read of these too.

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Cheers

Jimmy