PTSD ... Zoloft?

[MacHutch]

I have ptsd due to over a decade of child abuse. I'm 47 years old and have finally sought treatment with meds.  My question; is Zoloft the best choice for PTSD?

[surfergirl10]

hmmm. I was exposed to an alcoholic mom who i watched die in front of me. I took care of her as a child etc. My father was checked out..workaholic. However, I witnessed him beat her.  Could this be PTSD? I was just diagnosed with depression etc. I am going to go fo awhile without meds...I am getting through my daily life but everything is overwhelming or burdening. I feel like I have weights on. I am exercising, but not sure if this is helping. I also was taking b-12 before my episode and it worked...but I am scared if it heightened me into a panic attack.  I haven't drank coffe until today ( for a couple of days) and it helped me feel better for a minimal time. Anyone hear of b-12 and side effects? Anyway, I am just exhausted today.

[mypreciousfairy]

I, like you, lived in an abusive family for the 1st 15 yrs of my life. My dad was an alcoholic/compulsive gambler, who beat my mother whenever he was drunk (which was often), then when I was in my early teens, my mom became alcoholic.
I have been in therapy for 9 years and for the first 7 yrs, was diagnosed with chronic depression/anxiety. Since I switched therapists, I was finally give the correct diagnosis of PTSD w/Avoidant behavior. My psych. nurse practioner put me on Cymbalta & Lamictal and i can say without a doubt, the Lamictal has really helped more than any other anti-depressant ever has. I am trying to get off the Cymbalta because I have been on SSRI's for over 15 yrs & I don't want to be a slave to it **I am NOT recommending that anyone get off their meds unless they are in agreement with their doctor**
I just want to encourage you to keep going, ESPECIALLY when you don't want to go, that is the time we really need to be there!! Although I am still working on issues of trust & fear, I continue to get better (even though, as is characteristic for PTSD, I don't see it or believe it when people tell me). Good Luck.
Allison

[umya]

good advice MicheleSVL.  especially for someone dealing with chronic childhood abuse.  it is critical that you speak to a therapist regularily to help digest your awful experience properly.  long term therapy will help repair the complex emotional issues and tangles resulting from chronic abuse.  kudos to you for seeking treatment btw.  

[MicheleSVL]

It's worked wonders for my PTSD and depression.  Takes the pain way down, stops the intrusive thoughts and flashbacks...or turns the volume way down so that you can really do the work that you need to do in therapy.  Make sure that you engage in talk therapy, if not, when you stop the meds, the disorder returns.  Good luck!

[Venora Moonwind]

I dont know if it is but dont give up on it  also are you in therapy as well.It will take both to overcome ptsd. you are in my prayers.
Let me know how you progress.
Love Venora