Sharing in case others notice the same *TW*

I want to make this perfectly clear that this is my personal experience. If you have any questions or concerns about your own meds, please talk to your doctor, especially if you're experiencing the same thing.

It has now been 15 days since I started Zoloft. I had written my first post here about how wonderful the first week had been, until I had started Valium for severe teeth grinding. My primary care doctor is currently treating me even though she doesn't have mental health experience. I am looking for a psych that I like, but currently there is a three month wait period at my local health clinic and most private psychs have two month waits. Anyway, that's my brief story for anyone new reading this.

I've learned, on my own, that certain SSRI's and certain benzos can aggravate symptoms in depressed and anxious people when taken together. That seems like it would be an oxymoron, considering Zoloft is to treat anxiety and depression, and benzos are to treat anxiety, but I digress. My severe panic attacks, which were very new experiences for me, started after I started taking the Zoloft and Valium together. Its the reason my doctor switched me to Ativan from Valium. I decided to read up on Ativan, because I have never heard of it before, and that's when I found the warning for people taking SSRI's. I actually didn't think much of it at the time, because I really, really wanted the anxiety to stop, and took the Ativan at bedtime with my Zoloft.

The last few days were incredibly intense. Yes, my anxiety stopped, but suddenly my depression was horrific. I felt like I had crashed completely, and contemplated calling crisis lines....or even going to the hospital, which is one of my intense fears. I was pretty certain that, if left alone, I would not be okay. A friend happened to need a place to crash, and stayed with me for two nights under the pretense of 'hanging out'. I didn't want her to know how badly it truly was, though I did inform her of the anxiety...because I was going to not take the Ativan while she was there.

To make a long story somewhat shorter, I haven't taken either the Ativan or the Valium in two days. During those two days, I felt foggy headed and small bouts of anxiety would hit. I'm still a bit foggy headed today, but I'm starting to feel the beginnings of hope again. My day started a little brighter, I actually smiled again, and the motivation to clean up my house is growing. I actually want to do things again, though my body feels slightly achy and lethargic. My jaw is currently clenching, however it is not nearly as bad as in the beginning. I can manage it.

So, if you are taking an SSRI and a benzo and have noticed you are feeling worse, please talk to your doctor. I'm going to share my experiences with my doctor this morning, since I have an appointment to see her, and get her opinion. I plan on bringing the warning with me. If anyone is interested, here is the information for Ativan. Valium also warns to inform your doctor if you are taking antidepressants or have been diagnosed with depression.

http://www.drugs.com/ativan.html


Of course, and again, your doctor prescribed your meds because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. I am merely posting my experience and what I've learned, in case anyone else is having the same symptoms. If you are, and you think your meds are causing it, I urge you to call your doctor and find out. Do not, at any point in time, stop taking any medication prescribed to you without your doctors orders. The Valium and Ativan were only prescribed if I felt I needed it, not to be taken daily, and I was only on either one for a very brief time, so it was okay that I did not take it for two days. I do not condone stopping any medication for any reason without doctor approval.

I absolutely hope we all start to feel ourselves again soon. We will all get there. The bad feelings do recede, so stay with us. We will all get there. -hugs-

Scarlet attempted suicide using her meds for anxiety and depression. Not only did it actually worsen both, she felt she wasn't herself and she didn't have control over her actions. I'm not entirely sure but it may have temporarily made her aware of her DID. Either way, for her safety and safety of the rest of the others, never again.

Sincerely
--Valkyrie