So ... for those that have heard, this is the full story.
I have been on Zoloft since 2000 after I had a miscarriage. My OB/Gyn has known me since 1987 and also knows my family of origin. She felt then that due to the extreme dysfunction of my family situation plus going through a miscarriage at almost 15 weeks, I was depressed and probably suffering from PTSD and could use the help. OMGosh what a miracle that little pill was in my life. With all that I've gone through over the years, it's been accepted that I need to remain on the meds. In fact, the Counselor I have seen on and off over the past 3 years since my husband died feels I have PTSD. (ETA 7:45am 6/30/09 Some people have a simple chemical imbalance and it's generally agreed that I am one of those people that need this regularly, just as a diabetic needs insulin. I accepted it a long time ago, it's a reality in my life, not a label)
Last March I was injured in a fall and I will be taking them to Court as they stopped paying my medical bills... long story short, the Doctor I have been seeing has a policy of not refilling prescriptions when an account is in non-pay status or it has gone to Collections. Well, because of this situation, my account has gone to Collections.
On Friday I called in a refill on my prescription, the Pharmacy needed an order from the Doctor as it expired. The Doctors office faxed back NO and when I researched, I discovered why. The Pharmacy gave me "an emergency fill" of 3 pills. Tonight my head is floating and I am very disoriented. I took 1 pill and did a protein feed. I am determined to work through this, I will be calling my doctor tomorrow but am prepared for her to say No. If I had the money I would pay the bill, I just don't have it. I've lived off a meager $1000 a month SS Survivors benefits for 3 years and the money just isn't there right now. I have $60 to last me 10 days right now and I need gas in my truck.
The good news is that I am feeling a bit better. I'm going to split the remaining 2 pills and do 50 mg doses daily the rest of the week. I am researching other options, will talk to a pharmacist friend about St. Johns Wort as it is a similar SSRI and see what she says.
Welcome to my world ... ugh ...
My understanding is that it can be very dangerous to go off anti-depressants cold turkey. You are supposed to gradually reduce the dosage over a period of weeks ... at least that is my understanding. I'm not a doctor. I think you need to ASK a doctor and put your health as your first priority. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree ... I'm calling the ER right now to talk to them about this.
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