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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 7:17:29
I'm an oldie who hasn't been around in a long time. I'm back to zoloft after prozac, paxil, celexa, wellbutrin and effexor bombed for different reasons.
But I'm under tons of stress at work and elsewhere, and I'm sinking under the depression again, and it's even hitting with me physical symptoms (abdominal pain), which I haven't had in years. I feel miserable, ineffectual, hopeless, and fantasizing not yet about suicide, but simply about accidental death.
I don't have a real pdoc since my move to deepest darkest rural America, just a nice and sympathetic gp, so it's partly up to me to come up with the ideas.
Zoloft worked for me for a long time a long time ago -- I only stopped taking it then because of the shakes. I can't stand the thought of going back on SSRI roulette again, and trying to find a new fix for the problem.
I know the maximum dose of zoloft is 200 mg. But is it common to need more than 100? Would I be a wimp to ask my doctor?
feeling lost
Louisa
Posted by linkadge on November 2, 2004, at 7:37:30
In reply to help, please: 100 mg Zolotf too much?, posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 7:17:29
100mg is probably used more often than 50 mg.
As well as seeing your docotor, I would see a counseller who could help you find ways to reduce the stress of work that you are experiencing.
Linkadge
Posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 7:43:54
In reply to Re: help, please: 100 mg Zolotf too much?, posted by linkadge on November 2, 2004, at 7:37:30
Thanks Linkadge, for answering.
It seems like the "greater than" sign on my title line didn't come up! I'm already on 100mg, and I'm wondering if it should go up further.
It's hard for me to see a counselor here. I live in a very small rural community where everyone knows everyone else's business. Last year someone where I work was denied promotion in no small part because of his depression. I'm afraid that if it gets out that I'm seeing a therapist that the same thing will happen to me.
Posted by SLS on November 2, 2004, at 8:14:55
In reply to Re: help, pls: more than 100 mg Zoloft too much?, posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 7:43:54
If you are tolerating 100mg well, you should consider increasing the dosage if that's what your doctor suggests. Sometimes stress produces medication breakthrough (relapse), and increasing the dosage - even temporarily - can take care of this. Otherwise, Linkadge offers some good advice regarding reducing the stress that caused the medication breakthrough in the first place.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on November 2, 2004, at 8:24:15
In reply to Re: help, pls: more than 100 mg Zoloft too much?, posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 7:43:54
Geez, its like you're living in Hinkley Valley or something. Here in ontario canada its the opposite. People are afraid that if they don't promote you, you might sue for discrimination!.
Anyhow, seeing a registered psychotherapist, they are legally not allowed to disclose any information you tell them. If they do, hire a lawyer, they'll get some cash out of the deal.
Sorry, don't mean to push. If it sounds like if work demands are causing an increase in depressive symptoms, more medication may or may not make the difference.Do what you think is best, but be assertive, try and find ways to simplify your life.
Good luck
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on November 2, 2004, at 8:43:50
In reply to help, please: 100 mg Zolotf too much?, posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 7:17:29
How would you describe the depression? Does it feel like your original depression, or is it somehow different? What symptoms have reappeared?
- Scott
Posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 9:40:53
In reply to Re: help, pls: more than 100 mg Zoloft too much?, posted by linkadge on November 2, 2004, at 8:24:15
I realize that no psychotherapist could speak to my employers -- but in academia (I'm a professor), even impressions count, and there are issues with whether or not the insurance covers the therapist, etc. I may need to look into this more carefully though.
It's more that if it becomes known that I'm depressed, I'm afraid I'm not going to be seen as a good candidate for tenure. And of course, it's a lot of the pre-tenure stress that I see as bringing me to this point!
The depression does "feel" similar to the "old" depression: the thoughts of wishing I were dead, the inability to get things done, the panic at deadlines coming up, or past, the feeling of being completely overwhelmed. I've been fighting it off since the spring (when I got mono, of all things), but I think I'm starting to lose the battle.
Posted by SLS on November 2, 2004, at 9:55:45
In reply to Re: help, pls: more than 100 mg Zoloft too much?, posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 9:40:53
Hi Louisa.
> I've been fighting it off since the spring (when I got mono, of all things), but I think I'm starting to lose the battle
It is not unusual for a depressive episode or medication breakthrough to be precipitated by an infection. From your description of how you are experiencing your depression, I would guess that it is biological. I would first try increasing the dosage of Zoloft. If this doesn't work, I would add Wellbutrin.
When did you start Zoloft?
- Scott
Posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 10:33:34
In reply to Re: help, pls: more than 100 mg Zoloft too much? » Louisa, posted by SLS on November 2, 2004, at 9:55:45
Thank you so much, Scott. You're really helping me with this. I think I'll make an appointment with my gp ASAP.
I actually feel a big sense of relief in at least admitting to myself that things aren't ok. I haven't wanted to do that at all.
Posted by jboud24 on November 2, 2004, at 16:30:33
In reply to help, please: 100 mg Zolotf too much?, posted by Louisa on November 2, 2004, at 7:17:29
Hi Louisa,
I just wanted to give you some encouragement with regards to your Zoloft. I currently take 300mgs. This is the differences I've noted between a 100 and 300mg dose: side-effects don't get much worse at all, except for a *slight* decrease in sex-drive. Let me emphasize slight. At 100mg, I felt just OK, but at 300mg my depression is non-extant, and the affect it has on my anxiety is very substantial. Perhaps a 50% reduction in Generalized and Social Anxiety. At 300mg, I experience a slight increase in apathy, but again it is very slight. Overall, zoloft gets a big two-thumbs up for my anxieties and depression. It is the best AD I have yet to take. And the good thing about it is, if you relapse and your doc says you may need more, the dosage may be safely pushed up to 400mgs. This comes from the most respected psychopharmacologist in my area. He currently has multiple patients doing beautifally at 400mgs.
The bottom line is, you have a lot of room to play with as for dosages, and don't be afraid to push the dose up; you've still got a ways to go if you and your doc so chose.
I hope this helps you out, and best wishes
Justin
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