I Love me Some Zoloft and a Question for You

After letting my prescription for Zoloft run out with no current doctor, I started talking with a few of my peeps on facebook and Twitter. I feel better knowing that I am not the only one who has ever done something like this.

I did get a script for Zoloft today. I went to a walk in clinic and even though I only asked for enough to get me through the next week or so until I can find a new doctor, he gave me several months. I am still having pretty bad withdraw symptoms, the electric flashes in my head are still just as bad as before I took it. The panic attacks and high anxiety feelings are not as bad, I think mostly because I know that it is all going to go away within the next couple of days.

I know a lot of my visitors here are Heart Families and/or Mamas with postpartum depression.  I didn’t realize that I had mild post traumatic stress after Owain was born until I fell apart after his baby sister was born and I talked to my midwife about ppd. I just want to say that having a special needs child can be very stressful and learning about your newborn’s CHD can be very traumatic, and if you are feeling overwhelmed, it is OK to ask for help. I am constantly being told by others that I am strong, that they couldn’t do what I do. The fact is, I am not strong much of the time. Even on Zoloft I have a hard time dealing with everything every now and then.

If you even think for 1 minute that you might need help, talk to someone about it. And Dads…if you think your new Mama is suffering, don’t look the other way.

I am wondering how many of my friends that come here have had ppd and if they have ever forgotten to keep up with the meds?

COMMENT

  1. Karrie | 7th Mar 11

    Though I don’t know what it’s like to have a child that needs special care, I have a husband that has had two kidney transplants and I got the “joy” of walking through the second experience with him. I have dealt with anxiety my entire life and also had touches of depression with my first child. Zoloft is my “Drug of choice” and I will say that when I don’t take it regularly, WOW! Ugly things happen! LOL!

    I once had my counselor use this analogy for me:
    “How would you feel if your husband didn’t take his anti rejection kidney meds? or would you support a diabetic person not taking their insulin?”
    My answer was obvious for both. Hence I realized that I happen to be a person that needs zoloft; as much as I hate it! 🙂

    Hang in there!

    • Hazel Nut | 8th Mar 11

      Thanks, I am right there with you Karrie. So far Zoloft has really been a huge help. I would love to be able to say that when I ran out, that I experienced only physical withdraw symptoms, but the emotional symptoms were just as bad.

  2. TaderDoodles (Lisa B) | 7th Mar 11

    I’ve was diagnosed with ppd, but then it was changed to just sleep deprivation BUT on other occassions I have and still will all too easily begin suffering from mild to severe situational depression. I have been medicated before and just quit the meds cold turkey because the side effects were so bad… withdrawals weren’t much better.

    I’m glad you got a refill 🙂 I hope you start feeling better soon!

    • Hazel Nut | 8th Mar 11

      I am feeling much better thanks. I feel like it was so long ago, but it was only a few days. Mostly the physical symptoms are gone, but some of the foggy headedness, high stress levels and anxiety are still hanging around. I have so much to do, I am trying to not feel overwhelmed, but it is hard.

      When I first started Zoloft for the first time, I had terrible start up side effects. They weren’t as bad the other day, but it was hard to tell which as the withdraw and which were the start up side effects. Either way, I am feeling somewhat better.

      Thank you!

  3. Elaine | 6th Mar 11

    When you do decide to come off of this stuff, it is best to cut down only 10% then wait a couple of weeks until you are stable to cut again. This will reduce the head zaps and anxiety. Just know that Zoloft and all related drugs affect your entire being, all body systems and the side effects are numerous. For sure short term use such as you describe has got to be better than 15 yrs. Quite often one drug loses its efficacy and they will prescribe another when that happens, don’t let them do that to you! And yes, I have been around for a long time on your journey and so want to see you happy and healthy. (((Lisa)))

    • Hazel Nut | 7th Mar 11

      Thanks Elaine! Your support and advice is always welcome 🙂

  4. Elaine | 6th Mar 11

    I was prescribed anti depressants after a yr full of tragedy. Fifteen yrs and multi meds later I began a withdrawal that was horrible and very painful. Just want to leave you with a word of caution to be very careful with these types of medications. They are very difficult to get off and someday you may find that you want to. After yrs of being medicating I had lost myself entirely. Drug free now and very happy with that state of being!

    • Hazel Nut | 6th Mar 11

      That is awesome that you were able to get off! I hope I am not still on these meds after 15 years. I know you have been with me on this journey since before Owain was born…(and the start of our addition, lol) I didn’t realize what a mess I was until after his baby sister was born. I am very Thankful for the meds now to help me get back to my old self. But I am really hoping to start step down doses after Owee’s next surgery this summer, once he has healed and his surgeries are behind us my anxiety and levels of worry in general are going to be much lower. There are too many ‘what ifs’ that get my mind spinning, even on meds, for now I know that this is the best thing for me and my family.

      I know you are speaking from the heart and have my best interest at heart, and I appreciate how much you care, thank you! (((you)))

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