Posted by LyndaK on November 27, 2002, at 2:47:12
In reply to Re: Tolerance to Zoloft??, posted by NR on November 26, 2002, at 14:04:09
Boy, I can relate -- not to being on a corporate fast-track, but to sitting at my desk in a daze, having anxiety attacks, and having emotional meltdowns (crying) at work. I did my best to hide but wasn't always successful.
First off, I don't think your medication is working for you. It is possible that you've developed tolerance, but it is also possible that the Zoloft is causing the inability to concentrate -- it did that to me (although the depression wasn't much better), but once I got onto a different medication that didn't have that particular side-effect my ability to perform at work VASTLY improved -- even showed up on my next performance eval. Not everyone has that problem with Zoloft, but it definitely had adverse cognitive effects for me. I don't have any personal experience with the other medications that you mentioned.
I also had a supervisor who I was able to be upfront and honest with about what was going on. That enabled her to support me as best she could as I continued to seek treatment. I realize not everyone feels safe/comfortable doing this. A Leave of Absence might relieve some of the performance anxiety of work while you try to find the right meds. I never did that, but I certainly had days when I called in sick because I just couldn't get it together emotionally. In planning a medication change I might take a few days off to allow myself time to adjust to any initial side-effects.
I truely empathise with you. I know the scene you describe. But I'm finally on a med. that's working well for me and my productivity is back to where it should be again. (BTW I'm not bipolar. I'm on Remeron for depression). Work with your doc. If you decide to go off the Zoloft be aware that it can have withdrawal side-effects. I did best when I took it slow -- "cold-turkey" sent me into suicidal thoughts.
Hope you find something that works well for you soon.
Best Wishes,
Lynda
poster:LyndaK
thread:9519
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021122/msgs/129530.html