every time I feel good, I go backwards

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
every time I feel good, I go backwards
11
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 6:30pm

Ok so thank you to everyone that helped me with my last on about being scared to take meds. This however is a fear that is just not going away. Eerytime I think I can take the meds and want to take it I here negative things from people. I need to take Zoloft .50mg I took it two years ago,and cant remember what it was like, but someone told me today that it could cause you to have more panic attacks and also cause you to be suicidal, is this true???? I cant take something knowing that it might do this. I finally stopped reading all the side effects, only because I learned that they have to print it. I really need help, and I wish I could look at it as this is going to help and I will get better, but the non logic part of me is telling me different. I do get foggy and forgetfull now especially if I havent slept well, Is that normal? I need help with this, my doctor probably thinks I am crazy because I think everything is wrong with me. Can someone please talk some sence into me, I really need it.

Thank you

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 6:53pm

You are anxious & stressed to the max, Nicole. It is only natural that you will feel foggy & forgetful. It happens to everyone. You are NOT alone.


As for the meds, all antidepressants must carry a warning about suicidal thoughts increasing, especially in teens. Are you a teen? Are you depressed? Have you had suicidal thoughts in the past? Talk with your dr. or pharmacist if you have answered yes to any of these questions. As for increased anxiety, all meds effect each of us differently. *Some* people have reported increased anxiety for the first week or so

 

 


 



Avatar for peoplearenuts
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 7:06pm

I am sure your doctor doesn't think you are crazy. They know better than anyone about the mind/body connection. I'm sure your doctor realizes that the pain you are going through is very real and wants the best for you.

I understand being nervous about side effects of meds, but think of it this way. On the off chance you experience a side effect you will KNOW that it is the meds, not something wrong with you, and you can work with your doctor to find something that will work for you.

I don't like to take medication either, but I am coming to realize that being exhausted and stressed as I have the last three weeks isn't good for me either. Think of it as a short term thing to get you out of the cycle of anxiety you are stuck in. Once you are truly feeling back to your old self you can see if you can wean off the meds. It takes time though, so be patient with yourself.

BTW I think the suggestion someone made earlier about taking the medication in your doctor's office is a really good one.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 7:36pm

hi nicole,


fear of taking meds (that could possibly help) is very common fear among suffers of anxiety...its frustrating...when i first started taking paxil i had panic attacks more at first...due to me creating fear and anxiety over taking the meds, not the meds themselves....


i can relate to what you are going through.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 7:51pm
Thank you I feel better because NO i am not suicidal, nor am I a teen. I know it will help me I just need to do it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 8:11pm

Nicole, you are right!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2006
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 8:16pm
I know exactly what your going though. I am 7 months pregnant with my 4th child. I was taking meds for anxiety prior to this pregnancy, but quit cold turkey when I found out I was pg. The last month has been hell. I tried every possible thing I could do naturally to help myself, and nothing worked. I wasn't sleeping, didn't want to eat, getting to the point I didn't want to leave the house. I was so scared to try meds. The first med the prescribed me was Buspar. I took one pill and had a three day anxiety attach over taking that pill and what it could do to me or my baby. I went another week or so and I was a puddle. My dh took me back to the doctor and she suggessted a low dose of Zoloft. ( 50 mg a day). She assurred me it was the safest drug avaiable for pregnancy and that they actually even give it to children as young as 6. That is very mild. I drilled the pharmacist when I got the precription and she grabbed my hand to reassure me and told me she took it when SHE was pregnant. She told me side effects would be minimal with such a low dose. That I probably wouldn't even notice any difference at all for at least a week, maybe two. Sometimes even a month ! It is that mild.
I took the first pill in tears. I was shaking and so scared. Dh sat with me and kept reassuring me. I actually only took a half dose. I just wanted to be sure that it didn't make me pass out or turn into a zombie. It didn't ! I felt nothing, but relief that I did take it and survived. Day two I started feeling some relief from the intence anxiety, day three even more and I slept well for the first time in weeks. I am on day 7 now and I am starting to feel normal again ! Not happy , or different, just normal. I still get moments of worrying , but I am able to deep breath and control it , where a week ago I couldn't and I went into a full blown panic attack. I feel more awake , not less. Yet, I am sleeping well at night. I think my chemical embalance was just so bad it kicked it for me fast. I have had no side effects at all, other then feeling normal and back on track. They told me I can even nurse the baby while taking this medication. That tells you how safe and mild it is. I am going to stick with a half dose for now anyway. Just because it seems to help enough and my being pregnant. But I am glad I finally did it and am not suffering so much anymore. I hope this helps. Heather
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 8:29pm
Hello, Heather. TYVM for sharing those first hand experiences. That is such a comfort & inspiration to all of us. Congrats on the coming blessed event! I hope you post back how everything goes. We're here for you. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 10:28pm

Hi Nicole,

Just wanted to offer support and I know how scary medical warnings can be. I had some minor hospital procedures and the release forms they make you sign about possible complications scared the heck out of me.

I wanted to say that your doctor would have taken every precaution to prescribe the best possible med for you with the least likelihood of side effects; also the severe side effects are extremely rare to begin with. My DH is on antidepressants and did have mild side effects to his first prescription, but it was changed right away and he is feeling so much better!

Hugs,
Dee

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2006
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 10:46pm

Heather,

Thank you so much for telling me how it helped you, I do feel better knowing that you even took half a dose and it is helping. I am concerned about taking the whole dose but I guess everyone is right the doctor does have my best interest. I have learned that you cant overdose on this med, and it is very rare to have side effects. I called a pharmist and they said maybe i might get tired but I most likley will feel nothing. Im going to get a good nights sleep, I got two new books today called The Purpose Driven LIfe, and The Prayer of Jabez so Im going to start reading them and maybe find a new and up lifting path in life. Again thank you very much and good luck to you and your new baby.

Nicole

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2005
Fri, 10-20-2006 - 10:52pm
Nicole If you take the meds and don't like it you can
stop takng them--- I am sure they will work well!
Give it a chance. HUGS!! Judy

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