Anyone taking meds?

I take zoloft 200mg and it helps me alot. I have been on antidepressants for 20 years. They just make me feel normal.

I have a neurological condition called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, I have been on Zoloft for years to combat it. I got off back when I had breast cancer but recently started back because the stress has started the symptoms back again. Most people outgrow it, I didn't apparently! It's a scary situation, I can't allow myself to fall apart here! LOL!

Taking zoloft is not "drugging yourself." It is being responsible and smart. If you had the flu you would take medicines. Taking anti-depressants is a good idea if you have stress and have not gone through thereapy to learn ways of coping. And even if you have gone to therapy but new stressors are now in your life. Zoloft is an especially safe anti-depressant.

As pam mentions, they can take a while to have an effect on you and sometimes you may need to adjust dosage to find what works for you. I took anit-depressants for many years (before my current caregiving experience) and they are nothing to be scared of or ashamed of. You will be very glad you took them.

vstefans, when I started working my client, she seems to me taken so much meds. Her family was never had have the questions for her PCP... When my client was with Dr, her daughter give me permission to ask questions...since then Dr did cut off so many RX. Good thing is she's having good appetites and very alart! Some family member are starting to worry about she might out live them....I guess when I'm 91, I would be in bedroom resting or just do whatever I like without so many meds...Sue

Boni, maybe it;s the placebo effect, but it does work!

Very true Pam. I don't take the Valium often, but I feel better knowing it's there if I need it.

Just remember the antidepressants take a few weeks to kick in and level out. Take them at bedtime at first. And do not drink alcohol, it will block the medication's effect. Even two aspirin can block a medication. Avoid caffeine. Eat dark Chocolate, it is very calming. I always said if mom won't take her Xanax, I would.

I have a PRN script for Ativan.. and I have only had to take it 2x since the folks moved in 8 months ago, But I am glad I have it. I feel better just knowing I have it..LOL you gotta do what you gotta do!

STP, makybe they could have her take the med at bedtime instead. Most people are "energized" by Zoloft but you just never know. And if not depressed any more, it may make sense to stop it after tapering it down like that. You can have sort of a mild serotonin syndrome with it if you have been on too much for too long.

I think the two keys are to realize that anybody can get any side effect on anything, but many people have none or nothing serious, or they couldn't get approved to even SELL the drug, unless it is for a condition far worse than any side effect; and that you have to weigh the risks and downsides of taking a drug against the risks and downsides of NOT taking the drug. If you are depressed and anxious, that can be totally disabling, miserable, and even fatal; leaving it untreated is pretty risky too.

Drugs that make you loopy or have some other bad effect can have doses adjusted, times adjusted, or be switched to something else. Side effects that don't go away when a drug is stopped are exceedingly rare....unless you drive when too loaded up with Xanax or Valium or something else sedating and have a major wreck. I've experienced some side effects of various things, some of which mean I will never take that medication or class or medication again, and some of which I would put up with again if needed.

You know, the better question might be, is anyone NOT taking meds...:-)

There is a difference in 'drugging yourself' and taking medications for all that comes with the job we do..... I was on anti's long before I started caregiving....when we are under constant stress and sleep deprived our brain chemistry changes.....many medications today simply replace the things that our brain needs to function..... and cause rare side effects..... when I read how many on here are fighting with alcohol addiction... well, pick your 'drug' carefully.... not one thing wrong with taking something in my opinion..... do what you have to do..... take care of yourself....

I'm private care giver and lived in for 4 days a week for over 2 years. My client (91/F ). She has been on this med 75mg for depression that she take with breakfast. I have been aware of each time she take this med, she does blinking her eyes and acting like she would sleep in chair... It is some side affect cause by Zoloft.... Family's called PCP then cut 25mg to 50mg, my opinion is Why she needs? MOST OF THE DAY SHE STILL SLEEPY???

Try it. If you don't like the results you get then your Dr. can either prescribe something different or take you off of them. I am on an anti-depressent and high BP meds (both prior to Mom's accident) a few weeks in to caring for Mom my blood pressure went sky high again. My Dr. (who is in a different state) had me double up on the dose and it came back down. As Mom seems to be going in to the active stage of dying we are requesting tranquilizers for us.

I take Zoloft ,Valium and ice cream. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Yes I take an anti-depressant and xanax. For me drugging myself was the only option - or I was going to have a heart attack or end up on the third floor somewhere. Do not be ashamed to take them. They help alot of people and just like ice cream you can have to much too.

my health is suffering w/o the meds though..,..dr also thinks my stress levels are currently putting me at risk for other things (a type of cancer specifically), and the stress wont be going away anytime soon, it could worsen due to family issues, etc

Drugging yourself to "make it through" is a recipe for disaster as your own health will go down hill.

Helps me a lot.