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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dana on June 19, 2001, at 10:37:46
I have been off Zoloft for five weeks after two years of taking them for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress and Panic/Anxiety disorder.
I stopped COLD TURKEY five weeks ago (silly me) and still feel awful. My doctor initially prescribed 50mgs....but after a year, suggested 100mgs ... I couldn't cope with the dose....so after a few months, went back down to 50 mgs....then for the last six months was on only 25 mgs........so I thought COLD TURKEY would be fine on such a low dose.
My panic attacks returned big time, even though I am proud of how all 15 months of therapy REALLY have given me skills to deal with them....... and the DIZZINESS from the sudden withdrawal are STILL hanging around !! although lessened. My blood pressure/heart is GREAT according to the emergency doctor I dragged myself off to see after the first bout of severe dizziness sent me into a PANIC ! I dislike doctors intensely so going to one was a BIG DEAL for me.
Will this pass ? Will it ever end?
I hate feeling like this. I want to be back to the way I was three years ago. Does it go away? Will I ever be 'normal' again? I don't want ANY MORE MEDICATION.......can I EVER be the same again ?
Can I ever GET OVER feeling like this without medication. The doctor in emergency prescribed XANAX...........what the hell is that ??? I want to come off meds !......... so haven't filled out the prescription........ will I be like this for the rest of my life.
How can anyone understand what it is like to have panic attacks........ I try and explain that it is like constantly having that awful feeling in your gut, like going into an important exam, knowing that you haven't studied.........sick, shaky...nervous....
and then the BIG SHAKE starts...and the sweat starts....the heart pounds....... and you would rather someone could just knock you out cold.....so the feelings would stop.......
Will I need to do MENTAL GYMNASTICS .......forever !! just to cope with life?
Please someone help me........
Posted by stjames on June 19, 2001, at 11:27:59
In reply to GENERALLY FEELING LIKE 'CRAP', posted by dana on June 19, 2001, at 10:37:46
If you don't want to feel like crap then please taper down. Otherwise follow your docs advise and take the Xanax.
james
Posted by dana on June 19, 2001, at 11:34:23
In reply to Re: GENERALLY FEELING LIKE 'CRAP', posted by stjames on June 19, 2001, at 11:27:59
> If you don't want to feel like crap then please taper down. Otherwise follow your docs advise and take the Xanax.
>
> jamesDo you mean I should employ a TAPER DOWN technique, even though I stopped taking Zoloft five weeks ago ? Is that what you mean? How should I do it ?
Thank you so much for bothering to reply....
Dana
Posted by John Smith on June 19, 2001, at 12:08:30
In reply to Re: GENERALLY FEELING LIKE 'CRAP', posted by dana on June 19, 2001, at 11:34:23
Hi Dana,
I don't have any expertise in what you're asking.
But,I am amazed at your determination. Staying off drugs is admirable. There is no free lunch, and there are trade-offs to every medication.
But, your doc put you on medication for a reason. Sometimes people have to accept the fact that some drugs are necessary, even for the rest of their lives, if they are physically and mentally to get on with life. True whether it's diabetes, or stress related problems or whatever.
Congrats and despite your adversion to doctors, wouldn't it be better to take his advise, even if it is at the lowest level you can get by on?
Keep up your positive feelings and attitudes.
John Smith
Posted by stjames on June 19, 2001, at 12:09:26
In reply to Re: GENERALLY FEELING LIKE 'CRAP', posted by dana on June 19, 2001, at 11:34:23
>
> Do you mean I should employ a TAPER DOWN technique, even though I stopped taking Zoloft five weeks ago ? Is that what you mean? How should I do it ?
>
> Thank you so much for bothering to reply....
> DanaAt this point I would try the Xanax and see if that makes you feel better. Go back on the Zoloft
if this does not work.
Posted by gilbert on June 19, 2001, at 16:02:37
In reply to Re: GENERALLY FEELING LIKE 'CRAP', posted by stjames on June 19, 2001, at 12:09:26
Dana,
Xanax has been a life saver for me. I have taken it off and on for almost 2 years. I find it works best on an as needed basis but sometimes I will take it for a week at a time. I too have tried all the ssris.....I have tried over 10 different antidepressants for panic and anxiety. For some they are great for me I felt like crap on them and coming off them. The xanax works better than any ssri for me so did klonopin which lasts longer than xanax and has similar effects. The xanax will make your withrdrawal off of zoloft a much easier task.
Good Luck,
Gil
Posted by dana on June 22, 2001, at 10:59:28
In reply to Re: GENERALLY FEELING LIKE 'CRAP', posted by John Smith on June 19, 2001, at 12:08:30
> " But, your doc put you on medication for a reason. Sometimes people have to accept the fact that some drugs are necessary, even for the rest of their lives, if they are physically and mentally to get on with life. True whether it's diabetes, or stress related problems or whatever."
.............bit the bullet today and went to my doctor ! my panic/anxiety symptoms came back with gusto and I for the first time came too close to having 'dangerous' thoughts. He virtually said exactly the same thing to me, as you did, and after a long discussion determined that in fact my illness is a GENETIC one, meaning that my family is 'pre-disposed' to this illness and it is because the right TRIGGERS occurred that sent me into the spiral of attacks......and that like Diabetes needs to be treated, and possibly for the rest of my life.....and that because such a low dose seemed successful, then in a sense I am lucky....and he asked why I struggled with help that is available ! .... why did I have such a fear of accepting help....that's its not a being a failure, it's being courageous to accept the help, and take it on.
It could be a lot worse- it could be an illness that is untreatable !
Thanks for your encouragement, because of you I finally accepted help, and followed through as I was in total denial for all the months and months I was originally on Zoloft.....now I believe I will 'just take my medication' and go on enjoy life.Dana
This is the end of the thread.
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