Zoloft users only please?

Question

After a month on Zoloft I went for a check up and let my doc know I felt 75% better. Then a couple days later I started pms-ing. One of my problems is PMDD, I still had the bad pms. And another problem was getting all freaked out while driving, I still have that from time to time as well. I was wondering if I should call my doc and have my prescription upped or not??? I don't want to mess myself up anymore. My doctor is only a family doctor... so that's why I'm asking for your advice before I call him. Thanks!

I have also just lost my ten year old neice and her father is in jail, so I'm pretty stressed out right now..

Answer 1

Check in with your Dr re the strange side effects...
Being a guy i'm clueless as to the PMS aspect, but here's my personal experience...

I was on zoloft for a week and had to switch to something else because it's effect on me was to wire me to the point I was all but bouncing off the walls, uncontrollably grinding my teeth and having near sociopathic reactions to things that normally wouldn't bother me in the least bit. The one thing I noticed in particular was how it ran my heart rate way up, which in turn made me me nervous, anxious and restless, much like having had too much coffee/caffeine can do. That accelerated heart rate effect may be behind your freaking out (is it like anxiety/panic attack?) episodes, so just take notice of your heart rate as see if there is a rise/fall effect relative to the timing of your dosing.

While on zoloft my x-bro in law developed narcisistic delusions of grandeur (it made him feel so good and wonderful about himself), got worse in that regard as the dose went up (he thought more would be better) , to the point that he decided that he was too good to be with his present wife, would not listen to anyone telling him the meds had changed his personality, and he left, and not because they were having problems. Only after he got off the meds did he realize what he'd screwed up.

Bottom line with antidepressants is they work differently on everyone, prozac ended up perfect for me after trying a half dozen others, worst of which one made me totally zoned and stupid, another made me super sad and suicidal, and I decided to get off zoloft because it was all I could do to NOT use my truck as a battering ram on the dumbass that blocked me in a parking space while their kid ran into the store to drop off a video. As if 30 seconds was going to be such an inconvenience. definitely not the normal me.

If weird things are happening to your personality rather than leveling the depression off and helping you get a grip, it is likely that it's not the right medication for you. that's why there are so many different ones on the market.

About the freaking out, based on my personal and observed experience, I would suggest not upping the dose, lest it make the reaction more severe. A panic attack on the road is not good.

If you happen to use marijuana, be aware it typically revs up the heart rate, (that's what makes some people feel anxious/paranoid) and would likely make reactions things worse.

Unless your Dr has gone out of his way to study brain chemistry and related meds, a psychiatrist is likely the best kind of Dr for figuring out which meds or combinations thereof are best for you. Based on how well it worked for me, counseling is an important adjunct to the meds, had my x-bro in law been in counseling as well as medicating, it is very likely his meds would have been changed in time to save his marriage. Much of the result depends on your willingness/determination to help yourself get well.

Seeing a shrink does not mean you are nuts. I wasn't crazy, mine helped me put my life together post brain trauma with meds and coping skills to deal with my newly acquired "mental problems." it took time but I'd say I recovered 97%+ with his help, and never mind I learned tools that I still put to use to this day, 10 years later.

Pardon my rambling, but hope you feel better soon.

Answer 2

I used Zoloft about 10 years ago and found that it helped me control my emotion. I decreased the amount I was taking, with my dr.'s consent and I was fine with it. I did want to control the depression I was experiencing and this was a wanted result. Talking to her dr. would help her determine if her dosage is right for her. Be sure that she has her dr.'s approval for a change in her medication. She may be better off not feeling the full brunt of her husband's death, especially if they have been married for a long time. My husband's death would probably have me back on Zoloft and we've just been married a little less than 5 years. Best wishes for what ever decision your mother makes and with prayers for you and your family during this time.

Answer 3

Zoloft is a great medication for addressing a number of symptoms. Getting "freaked-out" while driving, though is the category for an anti-anxiety type of medication.

Be sure you explain to your Dr. your new and extreme stress over your niece and the issues there.
This may change your need structure as to what medication(s) as well as the dosages. Most likely, he will refer you to a psychiatrist to make sure he isn't "shooting in the dark" with your medications for multiple problems.

For the PMS-ing, etc., especially if you are nearing 40 or more, adding a hormone daily made all the difference in the world to assist the Zoloft in its benefits.
Call your Dr. very soon.

Answer 4

I would contact your doctor. He may need to up the doseage. I have had problems with driving as well. But I have been on Zoloft for 5 years and I am 100% better. Good luck.

Answer 5

I don't know that I would take the word of anyone on here over that of your doctor. I do know when I started zoloft it can take longer than 1 month to see the full benefit.

Answer 6

Tell ur dr. about this. He can give you something to help with the pmdd. Or ask him for a referral to a good therapist. Family dr.s can only do so much.