My newest neurologist has finally convinced me to start taking an anti-depressant. We are gonna start with Zoloft. I'm just wondering what I should expect while taking this drug for the first time.

I already know there is going to be start-up side effects. And I know it takes anywhere from 2-4 weeks to kick in. I'm just wondering what I should do to combat the side effects and make it through the weeks before it starts working.

Oh...and I was told this would help with concentration, focus and memory. Is that true?

Hi. I took Paxil, which is similar (both are SSRI's) a few years ago, which was before my TBI. I didn't notice any problems or changes with focus or attention, but again I wasn't having cognative problems then. The worst side effects were sexual dysfunction including loss of libido and difficulty reaching orgasm.

Just don't give up if the first anti-depressant doesn't work right for you.

I tried Zoloft and it was too sedating for me. I waited months before agreeing to a different one. I started Prozac and it was a miracle drug for me. I could feel it start working within 2 days. I had few side affects - some panic/anxiety which went away within 2 weeks. I've been on it almost a year now and it really helps me.

Hi Space Cadet,
I have had bad experiences with anti-depressants. They help a lot of people though so I think it is worth a try. Just keep a close watch on your behavior and how you are feeling. These kinds of meds effect me bad because they aggravate the REM sleep behavior disorder I have. I actually ended up in the hospital from Paxil. The only one I have tried that was helpful to me and did not cause a lot of real bad problems was Wellbutrin. Just my experience. Everybody is different. Just wanted to tell you to pay attention. These drugs are way more heavy duty then they present them as. Make sure you don't stop taking them abruptly. If you decide you don't like them you have to taper down off them slowly. That was another huge mistake I made. I kid you not it was like having an acid trip.
Good luck. Hope this helps you. Good to hear from you.
Brain

Hi Space!

I just started taking Paxil as advised by the hospital, been on it for 2 weeks, so far I feel different, a slightly good different. I am on a low dose 10mg, and tend to keep it that way cause I feel this is working for now. Antidepressants after being on Celexa, and Cymbalta, my faith in them had lowered. When I entered the hospital after being on low potassium, I was also being treated for extreme anxiety, to which I was given Paxil. Try Zoloft, see how you feel after 3 weeks. It might make a whole of difference for you! But remember everyone is different, and our brain chemistry are different, so if Zoloft doesn't work for you, time for something different. Just make sure to ask for a low dose first to get used to the medicine with minimal side effects.

Hey Guys,

I just thought I would mention that my neurologist is suggesting putting me on Amantadine. He says this helps reduce the cognitive problems associated with TBI. He wants me titrated up to 400mg a day. That is a big dose. There was one other member on here that is on Amantadine for this and said it was helpful. I think it was Mokey. I am not outing him as he says this in his signature and I asked him about it. He says that it has been helpful but at higher doses causes insomnia for him. Sorry, you know how great my memory is now days.
The thing that worries me is that the side effects can be nausea, dizziness, passing out etc. these are exactly the things I am trying to avoid but I think I might give it a try when I go in to the doctors this month. I will let you know if I have any results.
Hope you are all having a good day!
Brain