I've just joined this forum. Its the first time that I've posted anything relating to my depression/addiction. It's a hard subject to talk about as I normally start feeling down. But once I've let it out of my system, I start feeling alot better. Anyway, I've been taking Sertraline (50mg)for some time now and I asked my doctor to increase this doseage to 100mg. My doctor responded by giving me a daily dose of Amitriptyline (50mg) to go along with the Sertraline. Is there anyone out there who is taking the same two doses (50mg+50mg)? I don't know what my doctor is playing at as she knows that I eventually want to be free from medication, not start a new course. What should I do? I've started to take both doses, but concerned about taking them. Any advise?
I know (hope) that I will be back on my feet soon. Soon could be two months or two years, I'm not bothered as long as I feel happy and am content with myself.
Thanks for reading... Just a small reply to say that you've read this would be nice. I long reply would be nicer.
Welcome to this forum. I've only recently joined myself and know how you feel about finding it hard to talk. I also know what you mean about letting it out of your system. Once I start, I find it hard to stop until I've exhausted myself and the poor person listening! I'm learning to say that I'm 'fine' when people ask just to save them (and me) the whole story. Do you know what I mean?
Anyway, I've had a month or so of hell trying new medications and have just been prescribed Amitriptyline today after being on several other unsuccessful medications. I've not taken any yet as I've been reading about the side effects and quite frankly, I'm too scared to start it! I tend to be very suceptable to nausea and vomiting on new medications and I just do not need anything with a sedative in it. My sleep pattern is fine and I find anything like this just makes me unable to function at all.
I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know how you are getting on with it? I know people react differently but I've been getting myself in such a state before trying anything new and it's good to find someone else on the same medication.
I was on Sertraline a long time ago and although it made me feel very sick at first, I did get on quite well with it. I stopped taking it when I thought my period of post-natal depression had eased. That was six years ago and now, several medications later I'm considering asking for it again.
Anyway, I'm waffling now so I'll stop. Sorry that I have not been able to offer the advice you were in need of when starting Amitriptyline yourself but I really hope you may be willing to share your experience of taking it with me.
Thanks for replying to my post. I started taking Amtriptyline almost a month ago (12/04) and I'm starting to feel the positive effects of the medication. I feel OK in the day, not too hyper and not too relaxed. At first the effect were terrible, I could not wake up in the morning. Some mornings I would get up, have a cup of tea, and then go back to bed. This maybe because I don't have anything to occupy my time (depressing!!). Anyway, I couldn't recommend Amtriptyline to anyone as I haven't been taking the medication for long enough. The only thing I can say about it is that it has a strong sedative effect.
However, Sertaline is recommended as it lifts my mood. I've been taking this for sometime on and off. The down side is that I stop feeling any of the sad emotions which sometimes makes me feel cold-hearted (emotionless).
I hope that you find the right combination of medication for your depression. The only thing I can say is that, as with everything, you got to give it time.
Time is the essence of life...
Slippery
P.S. Om Shanti(my signature) means "I am at peace with myself" in the Hindu religion. I've started doing some meditation and am finding it helpful.
So sorry to have got your 'name' muddled!!! I like the meaning of Om Shanti and says to me that you have a level of understanding and acceptance of your condition. It's stuck in my mind and I'm glad to know it has such a calming and restful meaning. I hope you find medidation helpful. I've not tried it myself...yet.
I'm glad you are being to feel the benefits of your medication. I have to admit that I bottled out of starting Amitriptyline and am now back on Sertraline. It's only been a few days now but already I feel a bit more like myself. Thank goodness. I'm hoping that this will be the last medication change for a long time now.
Good luck in all you do. I truely hope you that you are at peace with yourself and I hope in time I can be too.
If you would like more responces from a group of really understanding people, put an entry under the 'I'm New' forum. It's been a great way for me to chat with others who know how I feel. Give it a go...I'll look out for you.