making final choice now Prozac or Elavil

[kcdem]

I just went to the old quack psychiatrist today. I had been waiting for the appointment to discuss what I had learned on this forum and also what Ryan ( the anxiety community guy) had suggested. Ryan suggested Elavil and gave me a taper schedule to get off the Zolft that I have been taking for about 3 weeks. I am ending the Zoloft because of the insomnia, agitation, stiff neck, and blurry vision and sexual side effects it seems to be causing. I do have generic klonopin for situational anxiety but have taken .05 mgs a few times just to get some sleep. I know that these effects may stop. All side effects but the insomnia seem to be lessening slightly but I am just not as calm and it does not seem to be worth it; thus my choice is final. I am starting my taper tomorrow. I now realize that the Prozac which I had only taken for about 3 months (first med ever and was feeling fine) was probably not ineffective. I thought it may have increased my anxiety or turned on me in some way. To clarify I had several traumatic events that happenned at the same time and I went into a 3 week panic attack (first extended panic attack ever) that resulted in 2 ER stays. After some horrible med trial and error I ended up with only the Zoloft .25 mgs daily and Klonopin for sutuational anxiety. I think my underlying condition is depression. I have had panic attacks before but this was a doozy. I also realized that when all the trauma happened I was smoking mucho weed. I doubt that helped with my anxiety or depression. I have always has the panic thing. If I get out of my comfort zone and I do not handle bad suprises well; but the panic usually passed whithin hours and or minutes. I stopped all weed and alcohol about 3 months ago.

The old Doc suggested dry cutting my .25 mg tabs in half for 2 weeks then resuming the Prozac. I asked about the Elavil and he said that I may have more side effects with that med but was not opposed to it. He basically just agrees with whatever I say. I have no idea what I am paying him for. I will get another psychiatrist, but they take several months to get in and many want a credit card (which I have but it seems weird) so time is of the essence.

The side effects that he thought may be worse with Elavil included dry mouth, constipation, and he seemed to think the numb noodle thing would be worse with Elavil. He did not try to talk me out of Elavil, he just gave me his thoughts.

I will take any feedback to help me with this choice I can get. I had NO problems with the Prozac and the sexual side effects subsided after a couple days, then all was well. As long as the Prozac will not enhance my anxiety. I am inclined to just do that. Ryan and others; do you think the simple 2 weeks at 12.5 mgs and then switching back to my 20 mgs of Prozac is the way to go?...kcdem

[ParamedFlorena]

Oh my! There's a lot of help around. I've been backstruck time on time by how much help there is - well, when people first are awake lol.
I'd rather see what the others can say about meds. I really, honestly have no clue about how the meds you mention work. Most are long-term so it takes a week or two to wean off and a little bit of time before the new one works.
I'm so glad you got the information you needed from the A-forum! When we have many experiences in life to sort, it's easy to take too big bites and think it sorts out in no time. Smaller bites and patience and a tad bit of hope does help!

Thank you so much for having patience! I guess you have a lot of that with all the waiting to get in with the psychiatrist. When I started counseling I first got up a request in April last year. In January this year I got my first appointment - that was because of an error though!

TY for the update too!
Keep on stopping by too. Your experience might help others!
Florena

[kcdem]

i guess the depression people are still in bed, I know when i was full blown depressed I just wanted to sleep...well never mind. I got the info I needed on the anxiety forum, they stay up later, I guess and get up earlier. Thank you depression folks.

[kcdem]

come on depression people give me some love.........




kcdem