The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
My doctor put me on Zoloft two years ago after I had my hysterectomy. I did not have my ovaries removed but still was very weepy and would cry over anything. He started me on 25 mg and then increased the dosage to 50 mg. At the higher dosage I found myself with no personality at all. Just felt like a zombie. I was on the medication about a month and then tapered myself off. I did not suffer any other side effects.
I think my depression at that time was due to the stress of the surgery on my body coupled with my grief over the finality of never having a child. I do have an 18 year old son but he was adopted. While I still had my parts there was always the possibility that I might get pregnant but once my uterus was removed that possibility was gone. I think that what happened was I finally grieved for that loss which I never had completely done before.
That's what I am currently taking. It helped me tremendously. No side effects for me except slightly lessened sex drive. But overall, much happier. No zombie effect whatsoever. Doc didn't taper you up? (25mg to 50mg?)
I took zoloft for almost a year. When I decided I wanted to get off it, the Dr. tapered me off. Said it was dangerous to just stop it on my own. It helped me some, but that depends on the person, I guess. I have also taken effexor. I think that helped me the most, and made me feel the most "normal" whatever that is! LOL!
I took another anti-depressant for almost a year, then Al-Anon found me, and I am happy to say I am not taking any medication for depression anymore. But, I think it was a good thing for me, at the time I was taking it. Got me "over the hump".
Keep in close contact with your physician about any medication you are taking. I have tried a couple of different meds before I found one that helped. One kind made me really zoned out. I didn't like that feeling, so Dr. tried something else. Sometimes takes a few tries to get it right.
I think lebe is right, sometimes depression is caused by physical problems, too. You will be able to tell when you are receiving the right medication for you.
