Advice on Zoloft
 

I have an appt with the psych doc next week. I don't feel like Zoloft is right for me. I have been on 50mg for about 3 weeks and went down to 25mg last week due to the jittery and nervous feeling that wouldn't stop.

Today was day three trying to do without my nighttime med, Remeron (Mirtazapine) which was a huge mistake. My anxiety was through the roof all day because I haven't been sleeping the past few nights.

I'm getting back on the Remeron tonight because I'm obviously still dealing with sleep issues, but today just made it very clear that the Zoloft isn't doing its job.

I didn't know if anyone had a bad go round with Zoloft then transitioned to something that worked better. I know everyone is different, I just need some help with what to ask this MD for to replace it. He's going to be clueless I'm sure.

And one more thing, does anyone know how I can find out if there is a local psychologist or psychiatrist that specializes in brain injury patients? I'm not getting any luck with google and I know some of you on here are very knowledgeable about where to go for info. I live across the bay from Mobile, AL.

Thanks again for any and all advice. Hearing from you guys helps so much.

Have you looked for a neuro-psychiatrist ?

A psychologist is not going to be able to help you with meds.

Mark's right. I have seen psychiatrists and psychologists who listed brain injury as one of their specialties. They lied. Finding a neuro-psychiatrist is not that hard in NY though.

I haven't Mark. I will begin searching. I know that a psychologist can't help with meds, I'm grasping at straws trying to think of anyone I could talk to. At least my hope is that if I found a psychologist to talk with (many on here have said it helps) they could make a suggestion to a psychiatrist for meds.

This is also coming from someone who has no idea what she is talking about too ;)
I really do appreciate the help.

that's funny cause my neuro-psych put me on Zoloft recently citing a clinical study with brain injury victims but everybody reacts differently

I"m gonna pretend you're name is Ray Allen, back when you were kicking butt for the Celtics.

Ray, wow, I'm a big fan. Magic 3-pointer man. Kinda betrayed, but also bummed to see you in this condition. I tried zoloft for two days (was cold turkeying off amatryptaline and going thru a breakup) and those three things lead to my first and only (so far, so help me god) panic attack.

Doc took me off zoloft. my therapist (not a prescriber) really wanted me to see a psychiatrist though i was terrified of meds after that experience. He started me very, very slowly on lexapro which is good for both depression and anxiety, and is less stimulating than zoloft, so he said. I'd try to see a psychiatrist. Even if they tell you all your symptoms are due to anxiety not a head injury, they may be better/more careful with the meds than a GP. that's been my experience anyway.

I think the lexapro has helped a bit so far--i'm on a very small dose, 5mg, and in week 3 of that dose, week 5 total. Depression and anxiety were great for the last week until my massage therapist pressed to hard on my head and so i'm sorta freaked out and either experiencing or imagining worsening symptoms.

anyway, one other person on here, laupaula (or something) is taking lexapro and feels it's helped as well

good luck. and come back to Boston.

i will say first 3 weeks on lexapro sucked pretty bad. major fatigue, worse headaches, some nervousness, some weird tremors upon waking. but that's worn off. only side effect now is clenching my teeth at night which makes headaches/faceaches worse.

Underwater,
That's funny! Too bad I'm from Alabama! If it's not SEC football, I don't appreciate it ;)
And I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I was thinking Lexapro may be the way to go. And yes, the start up on these is hell, but no more hell than the anxiety that goes on and on and on and... well you get the point.

Here's to a good nights rest for all. Lord knows if I wake up again at 3am and can't go back to bed, I'm going to have a meltdown. I don't know how you can take Ambien at 3am! Aren't you a zombie the next day?!

when i did resort to ambien at 3 or even 5am, i only took like 1-3mgs. so yeah, i was a little groggy but not entirely high on it.

i'm realy loving the melatonin...i still wake up a lot, but i don't feel wide awake when i wake up at 3 or 5am, and have been able to get back to sleep pretty quickly. i take 3mgs before bed and another 3mgs the first time i wake up at 1 or 2.

good luck. if pcs weren't bad enough, lack of sleep can make you crazy, absolutely crazy.

Just want to add I was on Zoloft then went on to Wellbutrin which has been a miracle for me.

With Zoloft now I realize I was always in between depression and blah...