Since I was 11 years old,i have had sever panic attacks,depression and mood swings that are so bad,I'm like a whole diffrent person. I used to take Zoloft. I was on 100mgs and I hated it. I felt blah all the time.I wasn't happy but I wasn't sad. So my doctor switched me to paxil,and 1mg of ativan.
Curently I'm taking 40 mgs of paxil, and I still have huge mood swings and depression.Does anyone know what I'm going through?
I just wanted to say I'm so glad the higher dose of Effexor seems to be helping you, and to encourage you to give Zoloft a try if anything changes with the Effexor. I have a long history of anxiety, depression, OCD, agoraphobia, and panic attacks, and have been on many different anti-depressant medications, such as Anafranil, Paxil, Prozac, Serzone, and I think I was always under-medicated. I grew up thinking that it was something about me and my body that caused me never to feel any different on the meds, until I came to a low-point while I was pregnant. I wanted to try going through my pregnancy without any anti-depressants, hoping that I was well enough to do so. As it turned out, I wasn't, and it was hellish, but a valuable experience to see what my baseline truly was after so many years of taking just enough meds to mask some symptoms, but never enough to give some relief. Anyway, I was close to suicide, and my doctor put me on 100mg per day of Zoloft. (The highest dose I had ever had before was 50mg per day). For the first time in my life I actually had a response to it and noticed improvement. I am still going through cognitive therapy and other things, but I feel that the Zoloft really helped, and I gave birth to a healthy baby boy last December. Once I'm done breastfeeding, I may see if I can increase my dose a little, because I still am struggling somewhat (it's hard to leave the house most days, etc...) but for now I am finding that this is helping. So, all that to say that Zoloft may help you too. I wish you the best.
Thanks so much for your replies. I went to see my doctor on Friday and I'm up to 150mg of Effexor from 75mg. Seems to make a big difference but I'll keep an eye out for tiredness. If it returns I'll give Zoloft a try.
Thanks again - good luck
Claude
Since you have had good effects from Paxil, it is very likely that you will get a good result from Zoloft. Also, Zoloft will not make you tired. Its definitely a good possibility.
Hello Claude,
I too believe I've been suffering from depression my whole life. (Since fourth grade, actually). I'm sick and tired of detachment, lethargy, anxiety, and hoping that things will get better. I was on Zoloft for a while a few years ago and it was great but seemed to lose its effect after a year or so. I have tried taking it again since then, but have not been consistent with it, and I also think my dosage is too low. (50mg.) I still think it's a viable option for me at a higher dose, and plan to check with my doctor about it. I've heard good things about it from others, also. Your symptoms sound much like mine. Here's an article I found on Zoloft for treatment of chronic depression. Good luck.
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/InYourHead/allinyourhead_18.html