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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Katia on April 23, 2003, at 13:26:35
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone? » Katia, posted by bookgurl99 on April 21, 2003, at 22:34:47
> katia,
>
> i had the electrical jolt feelings when i got off of another anti-depressant. i had the jolts that go down your fingers and the jolts that feel like they're in your heart. i had the same fears about having a heart attack, and several major panic attacks.
>
> the jolts did last for a few months, to be honest, and really freaked me out -- but they faded away. i don't think you need to fear permanent damage.
>
> as for serzone, i was on it and it worked really well; for the people who can take it, it's has alot of the positives of an ssri without all the side effects. (less flattened mood, less sexual problems, etc.)
>
> good luck, i hope you can find some help and find a way to relax.
>
> booksHi Books!
thanks for your input. Was the one you were on Effexor? I experienced something similar on effexor. Yea, it's quite brutal on our bodies isn't it? this w/drawal.
Are you still on Serzone? Did it cause you to be a zombie? (I was a zombie on Zoloft). I need energy as I've got so much going on in my life. Did you sleep a lot on Serzone? Did you gain weight? How long were you on it? And what do you mean, that Serzone works really well for the people who can take it? What was the w/drawal like? Any electrical jolts?
Thanks so much.
Katia
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 23, 2003, at 23:25:27
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone? » bookgurl99, posted by Katia on April 23, 2003, at 13:26:35
Katia,
here's my attempt at answring your questions:
>Was the one you were on Effexor?no, it was luvox.
>Are you still on Serzone?
no, i'm on zoloft, but i am going to a pdoc to try something else -- maybe serzone again.
>Did it cause you to be a zombie? (I was a zombie on Zoloft).
No, it did not make me a zombie. i felt normal, quite social, able to feel emotions, just not with the anxiety/ocd symptoms that plague me.
>Did you sleep a lot on Serzone? Did you gain weight? How long were you on it?
It made me feel a little tired during the day, and I slept easily. I did gain weight, but I have a slow thyroid so I can't tell if it caused weight gain or not -- if it did, it caused less than zoloft has as a side effect. I took it for 2 separate 2-year periods.
>And what do you mean, that Serzone works really well for the people who can take it? What was the w/drawal like? Any electrical jolts?Some people feel manic on Serzone, so they can't take it. I've heard this complaint from a few people. I think it's all about your own brains and what they need.
Withdrawal was tough, with a few panic attacks. It would have been easier if I had known what was going on. Electrical jolts, maybe a few after withdrawal, but not while I was on it.
Make sense?
books
Posted by shnooky on April 23, 2003, at 23:45:47
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone? » Katia, posted by bookgurl99 on April 23, 2003, at 23:25:27
> Katia,
>
> here's my attempt at answring your questions:
>
>
> >Was the one you were on Effexor?
>
> no, it was luvox.
>
> >Are you still on Serzone?
>
> no, i'm on zoloft, but i am going to a pdoc to try something else -- maybe serzone again.
>
> >Did it cause you to be a zombie? (I was a zombie on Zoloft).
>
> No, it did not make me a zombie. i felt normal, quite social, able to feel emotions, just not with the anxiety/ocd symptoms that plague me.
>
> >Did you sleep a lot on Serzone? Did you gain weight? How long were you on it?
>
> It made me feel a little tired during the day, and I slept easily. I did gain weight, but I have a slow thyroid so I can't tell if it caused weight gain or not -- if it did, it caused less than zoloft has as a side effect. I took it for 2 separate 2-year periods.
>
>
> >And what do you mean, that Serzone works really well for the people who can take it? What was the w/drawal like? Any electrical jolts?
>
> Some people feel manic on Serzone, so they can't take it. I've heard this complaint from a few people. I think it's all about your own brains and what they need.
>
> Withdrawal was tough, with a few panic attacks. It would have been easier if I had known what was going on. Electrical jolts, maybe a few after withdrawal, but not while I was on it.
>
> Make sense?Books,
I was just wondering what it is that you suffer from?? Is it panic/anxiety or depression, or both?? Why are you thinking of changing medicatons?? Are you not doing well on the Zoloft??
Thanks
Shnooky
>
> books
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by Katia on April 24, 2003, at 13:36:53
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone? » Katia, posted by bookgurl99 on April 23, 2003, at 23:25:27
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 25, 2003, at 10:17:42
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone?, posted by shnooky on April 23, 2003, at 23:45:47
> Books,
> I was just wondering what it is that you suffer from?? Is it panic/anxiety or depression, or both?? Why are you thinking of changing medicatons?? Are you not doing well on the Zoloft??
> Thanks
> Shnooky
Hey Shnooky,I have anxiety with some ocd symptoms. I technically don't have ocd because for ocd to be labelled ocd, your ocd must take at least an hour out of your day.
But when I'm unmedicated, I can't get distressing thoughts (such as a news report about a murder) out of my head, I need to check the door a few times to make sure it's locked, need to check the stove even if I _know_ it's turned off. And, untreated, I am filled with dread if an object is out of place -- out of place being very random, like I set up a bed that had no headboard in a new apartment and panicked when my partner placed the pillows on the 'wrong' side.
Medicated, I have normal anxiety.
The reason I don't like zoloft is =
+I have gained 25 pounds in the past year, despite exercising and watching what I eat. (I do have a thyroid disorder, but I think the zoloft has pushed it over the edge.)+My feelings are overregulated. The ocd-type symptoms are gone, but my ability to feel happiness is really lowered.
+Despite all this, zoloft seems to make me argumentative and sad. I think it's because the drug raises serotonin at the expense of dopamine.
in short, zoloft sucks for me. :D
Posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 11:54:01
In reply to zoloft sucks! » shnooky, posted by bookgurl99 on April 25, 2003, at 10:17:42
Does Zoloft tend to cause anger/temper in you?
Posted by shnooky on April 25, 2003, at 12:09:02
In reply to bookgurl Re: zoloft sucks!, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 11:54:01
> Does Zoloft tend to cause anger/temper in you?
>Actually as far as I can remember.......it didn't, I switched to Serzone about a year ago, only because I had gained about 30lbs in the three years I was on Zoloft!! Both of my parents are on it, so I wasn't to nervous to take it since they were doing great on it!!
Posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 15:12:06
In reply to Re: bookgurl Re: zoloft sucks!, posted by shnooky on April 25, 2003, at 12:09:02
Serzone....Any anti-ocd abilities with Serzone? thnx
Posted by shnooky on April 25, 2003, at 20:59:31
In reply to Re: Serzone, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 15:12:06
I actually was just reading a book about the meds, and one of the things Serzone in used for is OCD.
Posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 21:14:05
In reply to Re: Serzone, posted by shnooky on April 25, 2003, at 20:59:31
"I actually was just reading a book about the meds, and one of the things Serzone in used for is OCD".
>>>>>>VERY interesting schnooky! Is Serzone an anti-dep? (It's not an Anti-psychotic is it?)
What classification of AD is it (if it is an AD)?
Are the side effects better or worse than the shitty ssri's?
Posted by shnooky on April 25, 2003, at 21:28:05
In reply to shnooky, Re: Serzone, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 21:14:05
> "I actually was just reading a book about the meds, and one of the things Serzone in used for is OCD".
>
> >>>>>>VERY interesting schnooky! Is Serzone an anti-dep? (It's not an Anti-psychotic is it?)
> What classification of AD is it (if it is an AD)?
> Are the side effects better or worse than the shitty ssri's?
>
>
Serzone is an Anti-Depressant, and in the book I was reading, It wasn't in the same family as Zoloft, Paxil ETC. in was in a different family, but obviously it can't be to different, because when I was tapering off Zoloft I was introducing Serzone at the same time. So in other words, I didn't have to get the Zoloft completely out of my system first, before starting the Serzone!1I didn't notice any side effects, forsurely not the scary ones, otherwise I would remember.
Shnooky
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 25, 2003, at 22:01:28
In reply to shnooky, Re: Serzone, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 21:14:05
> Are the side effects better or worse than the sh*tty ssri's?
Maybe they weren't any good for you, but please don't use language that could offend others, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by shnooky on April 25, 2003, at 23:34:54
In reply to Re: please be civil » McPac, posted by Dr. Bob on April 25, 2003, at 22:01:28
I would have to say the side effects on Serzone were less than the other SSRI's.
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 26, 2003, at 0:40:21
In reply to bookgurl Re: zoloft sucks!, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 11:54:01
> Does Zoloft tend to cause anger/temper in you?
>I don't notice it, but according to my gf and people around me, it does. seems to make my horns come out. >:D
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 26, 2003, at 0:42:56
In reply to Re: Serzone, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 15:12:06
Yes, Serzone did help with my ocd symptoms. They were, like, gone.
_But_ it did increase my senstivity to coffee; about every 20th coffee cup I'd have a physiological panic attack, as though I had consumed massive amounts of caffeine. My mind would race and my heart would pound, I'd feel sweaty and shaky. And this has only ever happened with coffee while on Serzone.
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 26, 2003, at 0:48:24
In reply to shnooky, Re: Serzone, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 21:14:05
I've seen serzone listed as a Selective Serotonin Noradrenergic Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRI). It has a dual-action like Effexor.
Posted by SoS on April 26, 2003, at 1:30:09
In reply to Re: shnooky, Re: Serzone, posted by bookgurl99 on April 26, 2003, at 0:48:24
I think it's norepinephrine (spelling?) (not noradrengic) not that I know what that even means
From what I remember about serzone, I think it would be good for OCD type of anxiety. Zoloft/prozac INCREASED my "rumination" (I think that's what it's called) or when the same bad thoughts go around and around again in your brain, where as serzone sort of had the opposite effect. I haven't been diagnosed with OCD, but I have some very mild ocd-like symptoms (checking things) and serzone would be good for it I think because it was like relaxing. If I didn't have the problems I had with it I would probably go back on it...maybe I'll try it in combination. Sorry, not much help here.
Posted by Jenne B on April 26, 2003, at 16:23:45
In reply to Re: Serzone, posted by McPac on April 25, 2003, at 15:12:06
Hey there,
Some tid bits, If you are considering going on Serzone. There are some recent studies indicatiing a high incidence of liver failure associated with the Use of Serzone. I was on it for two years. I do not remember having bad withdrawls. Went off of it due to the complete lack of emotion that I felt.It also made me very uninhibited. Am currently taking Celexa 40mg. Which I thought wasn't working. It has been approximately 8 weeks. The first four were 20mg.
the last couple of days I have noticed that I have suddenly gained interest in some of my old hobbies.
And although some of us may take for granted, I have been laughing at things. Also noticed an increase in energy. Was considering a switch to Effexor XR and my Dr. went as far as to prescribe it. I thought that it was supposed work with in 5 weeks but I hung in there. Not too many side effects either. I am glad that I waited because right now I could have been experiencing the EFFEXOR s-fx.
Posted by SoS on April 26, 2003, at 16:33:48
In reply to Re: Serzone, posted by Jenne B on April 26, 2003, at 16:23:45
That was one of my problems with serzone....the uninhibited thing. Interesting to know I'm not the only one.
Posted by Katia on April 26, 2003, at 16:50:41
In reply to Re: shnooky, Re: Serzone, posted by bookgurl99 on April 26, 2003, at 0:48:24
> I've seen serzone listed as a Selective Serotonin Noradrenergic Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRI). It has a dual-action like Effexor.
Yes, I've read that it is in the "structurally unrelated drugs"; like Wellbutrin, effexor, Vestra. From what I've read it (as with everything in this archaic age of mental illness) how it works is not exactly known, but "studies" suggest that it interferes with the uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. it both boosts the brain's level of serotonin while blocking serotonin receptors. this info was taken from "Making the anti-depressant decision" by turkington and kaplan.
Posted by Katia on April 26, 2003, at 17:08:36
In reply to Re: please be civil » McPac, posted by Dr. Bob on April 25, 2003, at 22:01:28
Posted by genevieve on August 21, 2003, at 22:37:40
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone?, posted by shnooky on April 20, 2003, at 16:53:04
> > ANYONE?? who is getting off Zoloft or who has done it? I'm having a nightmare of a time. (I've only been on it for three months). I am not sure if what I'm experiencing was the two weeks I started on wellbutrin, which I stopped. I tapered off of the Zoloft and stopped both the same day. The reason i stopped the WB was b/c I was experiencing those electrical jolts that I had when on Effexor. Now, I don't know if it's the Zoloft w/drawal or the beginning side effects of WB. Every time my heart speeds up a beat (like when I MOVE) electrical jolts go through my fingers. My fingers almost always feel like they were asleep and just waking up. I feel like I"m going to have a heart attack all the time. It's so hard to explain to people, that I've given up. this is subtle torture that I am suffering in silence. How do you explain this wierd shit?:!!!
> > Frankly, I'm too afraid to go on anything else. I don't have a regular pdoc b/c of the overworked clinic i go to....long story. bottom line I don't have a good doc. I suggest, me the depressed patient, suggest what to go on next and he just agrees. He gave me a starter pack for Serzone, but I'm starting to give up hope about ADs. esp. when this is the second time I've had to go through this electrical torture. I don't know what to do from here. I feel really alone in this and unsupported and my strength for hope and life is dwindling away. I'm not going to start Serzone or anything else right now. I feel too afraid.
> > I'd like to know how your withdrawal has been from Zoloft. or anyone else for that matter? so hopefully I can know that this won't last forever.
> > thanks.
> > katia
>
> Hi Katia, I really wish that we could talk on MSN or another chat line......I have a similar story to yours and I think I can help you!!
> SummerHi. I, too, am coming off of Zoloft. The drug did amazing things for me while I was on it, but I simply cannot afford it any longer. I am a college student with no health insurance; I just don't have the money. I have been off of Zoloft for four days now, and feel horrible. I keep trying to explain to people what I am going through and they just blow it off telling me it's all in my mind. My response is, "so the headache, dizziness, shakiness, hot/cold spells, nasueau, and disorientation I feel is a figment of my imagination...OK, whatever." I was beginning to think maybe I was crazy until I saw your posting. It's nice to know I'm not alone...or crazy for that matter. My only concern is that my fall semester starts on Monday, September 25, and I don't know how I'm going to study/write papers, much less go to class feeling like this. I wonder how long this will last....genevieve
Posted by bookgurl99 on August 22, 2003, at 0:14:18
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone? » shnooky, posted by genevieve on August 21, 2003, at 22:37:40
Genevieve --
For most people, the most severe part of withdrawal ends within the first week -- even the first few days. I think you will definitely be feeling better for school in over a month.
I didn't have this experience on Zoloft -- I felt dizzy for about 3 days, and thirsty for about 2 weeks -- and then after that, nothing. So you may have the worst out soon.
Good luck! I hope you can punt some of your responsibilities for now, just have fun and watch some Simpsons or trash tv, or whatever you do to relax. :D
good luck
books
Posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 0:44:46
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone? » shnooky, posted by genevieve on August 21, 2003, at 22:37:40
Hi genevieve,
It was me who posted that and it does end. It took maybe two weeks for the worst of it to pass and it is a silent lonely torture. I only hope that someday those people who say it's in your imagination will get a glimpse of what it is you are going thru' simply to have an ounce of compassion. No one NO ONE knows what you mean unless they have gone thru' it. I think you'll be fine by Sept 25. It's hell, but it passes.The other thing to do is taper off slowly, so if you have that option, take smaller and smaller amounts of it each day.
I don't know where you live, but it's quite a shame that you have to go off a drug that's working for you simply due to insurance. No doubt you're in America. There is a drug company in San Leandro, California called the American Drug Company. And they import in drugs from Canada at like 1/4 of the price. This is an option. The phone number is 510-483-4800. I've never used them b/c my pdoc is Canadian and so I can get cheaper rx's.
Good luck and if the med worked for you, maybe stopping it is not the thing to do if you can find alternatives to pay for it?
take care,
Katia> > > ANYONE?? who is getting off Zoloft or who has done it? I'm having a nightmare of a time. (I've only been on it for three months). I am not sure if what I'm experiencing was the two weeks I started on wellbutrin, which I stopped. I tapered off of the Zoloft and stopped both the same day. The reason i stopped the WB was b/c I was experiencing those electrical jolts that I had when on Effexor. Now, I don't know if it's the Zoloft w/drawal or the beginning side effects of WB. Every time my heart speeds up a beat (like when I MOVE) electrical jolts go through my fingers. My fingers almost always feel like they were asleep and just waking up. I feel like I"m going to have a heart attack all the time. It's so hard to explain to people, that I've given up. this is subtle torture that I am suffering in silence. How do you explain this wierd shit?:!!!
> > > Frankly, I'm too afraid to go on anything else. I don't have a regular pdoc b/c of the overworked clinic i go to....long story. bottom line I don't have a good doc. I suggest, me the depressed patient, suggest what to go on next and he just agrees. He gave me a starter pack for Serzone, but I'm starting to give up hope about ADs. esp. when this is the second time I've had to go through this electrical torture. I don't know what to do from here. I feel really alone in this and unsupported and my strength for hope and life is dwindling away. I'm not going to start Serzone or anything else right now. I feel too afraid.
> > > I'd like to know how your withdrawal has been from Zoloft. or anyone else for that matter? so hopefully I can know that this won't last forever.
> > > thanks.
> > > katia
> >
> > Hi Katia, I really wish that we could talk on MSN or another chat line......I have a similar story to yours and I think I can help you!!
> > Summer
>
> Hi. I, too, am coming off of Zoloft. The drug did amazing things for me while I was on it, but I simply cannot afford it any longer. I am a college student with no health insurance; I just don't have the money. I have been off of Zoloft for four days now, and feel horrible. I keep trying to explain to people what I am going through and they just blow it off telling me it's all in my mind. My response is, "so the headache, dizziness, shakiness, hot/cold spells, nasueau, and disorientation I feel is a figment of my imagination...OK, whatever." I was beginning to think maybe I was crazy until I saw your posting. It's nice to know I'm not alone...or crazy for that matter. My only concern is that my fall semester starts on Monday, September 25, and I don't know how I'm going to study/write papers, much less go to class feeling like this. I wonder how long this will last....genevieve
Posted by genevieve on August 22, 2003, at 1:29:56
In reply to Re: hellish withdrawals from Zoloft anyone? » genevieve, posted by katia on August 22, 2003, at 0:44:46
Katia & Bookgurl99:
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I found some info. on the web suggesting the use of Benadryl to ease the withdrawals, especially the jolts. It seems to have helped a little. I still experience them, but it is a bit more tolerable.
Katia, I looked at prices for Zoloft in Canada and they are much cheaper. They may be slightly more managable for me. No, I am not in CA. I am in LA, but I should be able to order my medication from Canada anyway. I take 150mg. of Zoloft/day so you can see how the price adds up so quickly. Thank you so much for that number. Your support is tremendously appreciated!
Bookgurl, thanks for catching my typo. I wrote that my clases begin Sept. 25, but I meant Aug. 25. I'll blame it on the withdrawals:) I thank you, too, for the support. I can't tell you how much it means to me that someone cares. I've been in tears b/c I thought I was alone and no one understood...I'm not crying anymore:>
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