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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Victoria on June 16, 2001, at 2:09:40
HI, I have been taking Wellb and am now adding Zoloft. I take like 225 mgs of WEllb and that has been fine but now need something for anxiety and irritability. I also have PTSD. My doc prescribed to start at half of a 50 tab and then go up to a whole but my insurance wouldn't cover a whole. The doctor was going to prescribe the 100s which I could get if I was only taking half of those (wow this insurance stuff is wacked, if someone can explain this I would love to hear). But I was afraid that 50 was too much and I don't want to rush. THing is I am going to France for two months. SO now I have enough to last for the trip but only at 25mgs. I am totally obsessing over this (thus the need for the meds...:-)) but what should I do? Should I just go back now to the doc and ask for the 100 (i.e. 50 per day) or stick it out at 25? Will I be able to get something in France if I need it? Help!!!
Posted by Victoria on June 17, 2001, at 3:15:09
In reply to Zoloft: will 25mg be enough?? More in France? , posted by Victoria on June 16, 2001, at 2:09:40
You always make so much sense to me Cam, could you please give me your advice? I just saw that you are on Effexor now, could that be where I should go. I am really confused and the doctors just give me what I suggest. I think this is the right choice for me (W&Z)?? I just really need to not be so irritable and I need to motivate. (not to mention it would be nice to not be constantly worrying) I have the most darling little boy and he needs his Mama to be consistently....what I don't know. I can't say happy because your not supposed to be happy all of the time. But I want to feel joy too. I just need to not have this rage. And then how some things will just throw me totally out of commission for days. I mean I always manage to take care of him. But I am so grumpy and sad for things that shouldn't leave me like that. I have had way too many triggering episodes and have done lots of therapy, exercise and diet. Any thoughts?
Me, freakin out.
Posted by Cam W. on June 17, 2001, at 9:26:21
In reply to Re: Zoloft: will 25mg be enough?? Cam W., posted by Victoria on June 17, 2001, at 3:15:09
Victoria - The Zoloft is a low dose. When taken as a monotherapy (by itself) for depression and anxiety, I usually see doses in the range of 100mg to 200mg per days. You are also taking Wellbutrin, though (what dose?). Your doc is probably using the Zoloft to augment the Wellbutrin and this may be how your insurance company sees it, therefore they will not pay for more than what they consider to be an "augmenting dose" (this is just a guess).
Besides the daily dose of Wellbutrin, I need to ask how long you have been taking both drugs and if they seem to be working. Anger outbursts are very common with Wellbutrin, especially after you have been taking the drug 2 to 6 weeks. This side effect does lessen with time, but when you are in the middle of it, it can be frightening. These anger outburst usually only last 2 to 3 weeks (for me), but this varies person to person
I know that the couple of times I was taking Wellbutrin and this stage happened, I would cut people off in traffic, just so I would have someone to yell at. My staff didn't like it either < oh, well - smile >. This stage does go away and warning those close to you that this is going to happen can help the situation somewhat. Also, when you feel an anger attack coming on, get the hell away from everyone and find some way to blow off the steam. I found that hiding in the storage room with my punching bag helped. I use to hit it until I couldn't raise my arms anymore.
Just remember, this stage does pass when taking Wellbutrin and really all that you can do is wait it out. I do not recommend changing meds and then going on a holiday.
Have a good trip and hang in there. Let us know how it goes. - Cam
Posted by Victoria on June 17, 2001, at 10:46:18
In reply to Re: Zoloft: will 25mg be enough?? Cam W. » Victoria, posted by Cam W. on June 17, 2001, at 9:26:21
Thanks so much for your reply Cam! I have been taking the Wellbutrin for 6 months now. I started real low at 75IR and now am up to 225. I didn't really have side effects (some ringing and a possible one time occurence of alopecia. Oh yeah, there is the weight loss but who is complaining:-)). In fact I never got that high energy stage either which I had been looking forward to. Overall though my energy level is higher and sometimes I notice myself being a little speedy (if that is what you would call it, I have never taken speed, but I used to smoke and its like if you smoked way too many cigarettes). I just started the Zoloft two days ago. I realize it was probably not a good idea to start something new before the trip but I will be gone for two months and my anxiety is getting pretty bad. Not to mention my GP is really hard to get an appointment with. I am not sure if the anger is from the Wellbutrin or if its PTSD. Or maybe just personality. But, I think it is exacerbated by the Wellb. If you Cam or anyone have any thoughts on this combo or on the possiblity of something available in France I would love to hear. I wouldn't mind having something situational but I have been afraid to ask because I think they are things that are addictive and I don't want them to think I am "dope fiending them". Elizabeth and Sal I would love to hear your opinions too. However usually you are talking way over my head. :-)Thats all for now, wish me luck. I am packing up all my stuff into storage, putting my two kitties with two separate people and taking my son, his babysitter and her daughter to live in France for two months (where I am going to study) and travel to Spain, Austria, and Germany. Maybe that sounds great but right now I don't know what I was thinking. I feel like I am totally responsible for everyone having this perfect time and all I can think about are all the things that could go wrong. I am sure some of you know what I am talking about. Thanks for letting me vent.
This is the end of the thread.
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