Starting Zoloft (and Terrified)

[TimidZiggy]

in the past few months before they had a solid diagnosis on what the problem was they tried me on several things that only made everything a hundred times worse (even if I stuck with it long enough for it to "kick in") for instance prozac made me so apathetic to everything I stopped feeling love for my boyfriend.

Years ago, like 6 or 7, I went off of zoloft (which I had been on for 15 years prior) my psychiatrist urged me to go off because I wasn't showing symptoms of what they said I had (they thought I was bipolar for some reason) I went off of the meds entirely didn't need them for 6 years then I hit some sort of mental wall where I'm stressed all the time and can't get out of it. However considering the past three meds they had me on and how they effected me I'm terrified to take this one.

Last night I had the first dose. 25mgs for two weeks, then up to 50 after that my doc said. I can already feel something weird like I'm insanely tired but it's hard for me to sleep and my stomach is really upset. I'm supposed to start a job on Monday, one I desperately need. I can't have meds messing up my chances here.

 

[The Albatross]

Of course you know the load dose after a period of 6-7 years will have an effect. I doesn't have to affect your job... you have to, though adjust other things/commitments/rest periods accordingly. Good luck Ziggy.

 

[Ocean5]

only made everything a hundred times worse

I feel for you, and can relate all too well....

But you were on Zoloft before right? Did it help?

Hang in there

 

[TimidZiggy]

Thank you for your support you guys and yes I was on zoloft before in fact it's the only thing I can ever remember helping me but with the start up side effects and the fact that I start a new job on Monday (one I've always wanted and it took years to get) I'm afraid I'm going to be too sick to do it properly. I've definitely gone into work sick before and powered through it (have other chronic problems that cause physical issues) but I don't want to lose this job before I even start it. Luckily as of now it's low dose. I'm going to slowly work my way up to 50mgs to lessen the side effects before starting work. If I wasn't currently employed I'd probably just start with the 50mg like I'm supposed to but my doctor said if I was worried about side effects to start with 25mg. I only had one dose and already I'm feeling a bit off so I'm glad I started with 25 instead of 50. Hopefully I'll be more used to this feeling by Monday when the job actually starts.

 

[The Albatross]

Loading any med for the therapeutic level takes time, but you have previous experience with this Ziggy... don't sell yourself short or up the river with the new job? Anticipatory stress... get a plan and some extra rest when off work?

 

[Ocean5]

I don't know your situation. But maybe call, or email, doctor to find out if you can start smaller dose for next couple weeks? Until everything is stable at new job?

On positive side at least you know what medicine helps you.

 

[TimidZiggy]

Well is it even possible to start smaller than 25mgs? I could call her and ask her about that. Though I have like three days before that point and I think the first few days are the hardest. I'm going to stick with 25mgs until Monday and if it's just too insufferable I'll call her and ask about going even lower. And yes the good news is that at least I know of something that works, just going on it isn't going to be easy or fun. Thanks you guys :)

 

[Ocean5]

I don't want to remember my short time on Zoloft, but Glad it helps you. So I don't remember dosage. Just know I was sensitive to medicine so always started smallest dose.

I've seen some people recommend a kitchen scale to get down to gram to tamper down, or eye dropper.

Best of luck Monday!

 

[TimidZiggy]

The only problem I ever had (long term) on Zoloft was my hands would shake. That's about it and to be fair back then I was on 200mg so that's a lot to be on as opposed to 50mg which I understand may or may not increase as time goes on depending how I respond to it. What I do know is right now I'm in hell, extremely tired but the Zoloft won't let me sleep and I'm hungry but nauseous. It's like I have no energy but am wide awake and I want food but can't go get it. God I hope I can get through this.