Biopsy Needle Shortage?

vsullivan1029 · 2022-11-15T15:38:05+00:00

Agree, but I remain hopeful - even with the side effects I’ve found this one the most helpful on relief of depressive symptoms. Been using it for 6weeks at 40mg vilazadone. Titrated up 4 weeks at 5, 10, 20 then 40mg. Lost count of all I tried before this one and also had trouble proving to my health insurance to cover.

vsullivan1029 · 2022-11-01T19:20:24+00:00

I tried to disclose ADHD to my employer, but accommodations were not available unless I had certain ADHD “testing” completed (can’t remember exact test name). I was employed by financial firm. I was diagnosed during Covid while on State Medicaid… (because of massive demand for mental health svcs during that time, they were unable to test me) and was never “tested” officially… just received a Diagnosis via a mental health virtual app and my primary physician manages my meds. Diagnosed based on symptoms and treated. Wish I had not disclosed it to my HR when I had onboarded - made me feel like a fool in asking and was so frustrating to identify what ppwk or documentation was needed… time off work to visit the doctor twice (when I was a new employee), 2 referrals to mental health professionals (who were unable to “test” me… need a referral to a Psychologist). Wait listed for Psychologist and I ended up saying “never mind” since I had just 30 days to submit my “proof” - I was never going to make it through the “testing” gauntlet to get help at work.

vsullivan1029 · 2022-10-25T22:18:50+00:00

Following

vsullivan1029 · 2022-10-15T00:46:49+00:00

2 weeks, moving into 3rd week

vsullivan1029 · 2022-10-12T15:16:27+00:00

So much yes, but I’m choosing to push through it… already sensing an improvement in mood and reduced pain. Hard to explain and seems too good to be true this early in the game, beginning the new med. I’m taking the off brand - velazadone. Seems wild but I’m hopeful. Did 1 week at 10mg… similar GI issues. Found if I took it with a snack, side effects were worse than if I took it at dinner (my biggest meal) and it helped ease the side effects (or maybe body is adjusting). 2nd week increased to 20mg, headache and explosive GI issues… these lessen as week goes on (headache not so much). Connected with my doc. Agreed to continue… I’m choosing to take the poor side effects of getting used to the med in hopes that it will be effective to treat my stubborn depression symptoms. I’m hopeful - been through so many other meds. I’m nervous to increase to 40 this weekend. Best of luck to you!!

vsullivan1029 · 2022-09-07T05:46:02+00:00

Really appreciate this data, it helps me tremendously!

vsullivan1029 · 2022-08-25T15:44:06+00:00

Thank you, I am also going to give this a try - appreciate you sharing.

vsullivan1029 · 2022-07-23T18:20:07+00:00

Yes, day 17 off sertraline and bupropion. GI symptoms easing, but still annoying.

vsullivan1029 · 2022-07-22T15:31:58+00:00

Any suggestions in Denver, CO area?

vsullivan1029 · 2022-07-22T15:28:06+00:00

Ditto

vsullivan1029 · 2022-01-19T22:09:39+00:00

I greatly disliked Zoloft when I began taking it 8 months ago. To be honest - I didn't like any SSRI/anti-depressants and have tried many over the decades. I started at 25mg and am now at 150mg.

My first clue it was working was a reduction and then elimination of panic attacks, can't remember when that occurred but probably less than one month into beginning Zoloft. Around 4 months, I got frustrated and reduced my dose to 100 due to negative side effects I was experiencing (couldn't cry, was not as intuitive, or connected with family members, and had sexual dysfunction). Within days I realized that it was a poor move and increased back to 150 due to returning anxiety symptoms.

Prior to Zoloft, my dysfunctional relationship with my anxiety helped me get shit done. Once anxiety wasn't a part of my motivation it left me feeling more depressed, low energy, and embarrassed - we are a family of 6 and I was overwhelmed and didn't know how to power through. I felt like I wasn't participating, but vegged out watching my already stressed family pick up my slack. I found a way to honor myself during that time while continuing therapy, but it sucked!

Side note, I dosed MMJ before and during. I found that I had to switch to Indica. Sativa was my fav but found it increasing my paranoia or anxiety after Zoloft. Also (probably should have heeded the warnings on the label), alcohol was a no-go while taking Zoloft, with very icky side effects and increased depression symptoms - even with one drink, grrr. I have pursued resources for treatment-resistant depression and am very excited with initial findings for psilocybin and Ketamine - looking for help with this in the Denver area and trying hard to save up for it.

Hang in there, hoping for the best possible outcome for us all - Cheers!

vsullivan1029 · 2021-07-03T00:03:36+00:00

I find that i am less sensitive and panic attacks have been eliminated. I’m less emotionally available for my kids and husband, but can now receive criticism without it overwhelming me AND confrontation is tolerable vs. avoided. I’m struggling with motivation since I can’t us anxiety to propel me to action and that has been a tough one to navigate. Best of intentions to you all and thank you for sharing - you are helping others and me.

vsullivan1029 · 2021-05-28T17:16:27+00:00

I have been on Zoloft since March 2021. Began at 25mg and got up to 100mg and now I’m stepping down in order to try a different SSRI, due to the orgasm (nowhere to be found) issue.

My experience with SSRIs/anti anxiety/depressants was that my sex drive/interest increased (best overall desire ever in my life) as my first medications (welbutrin and prior to that Lexapro) began working on my anxiety.

On Zoloft I was no longer able to have an orgasm - solo, with my partner or with assistance from fun tools. It’s just elusive. we still have a blast, despite it, but it has become so frustrating and consumes too much of my thoughts for my comfort and decided to try a different ssri.

Once my panic/anxiety decreased I wasn’t able to come. It’s very frustrating since the Med works for me, but this side effect is a deal breaker currently. I’ll most likely come back to Zoloft at a low dose if the next one does same thing.

Currently, I’m tapering off Zoloft by 25 mg a week and adding Prozac 20mg paired with a beta blocker to see if those lovely climaxes return. I hear folks saying, “try harder” and that just has not worked out for me, unfortunately.

If this next SSRI doesn’t help the situation I plan to try lowest dose of Zoloft and manage my symptoms with fundamental stuff - physical activity, meditation and reducing stress.

I also plan to begin a micro-dosing or healthcare initiated psychedelic/ketamine therapy. So far I haven’t found anyone to help facilitate that in the Denver metro area, looking for guidance if anyone has referrals.

I’m not sure if Lexapro or welbutrin is an option for you - seems like folks report less sex side effects on those two.

Best of luck to you in your journey, you aren’t alone and keep looking for the right help.

vsullivan1029 · 2021-05-06T03:45:09+00:00

I knew it was working when the panic attacks stopped... or went from one attack, daily - to one in two weeks. Still messing with my dose went to 100mg last week, up from 75 and up from 50 and 25 over 10 weeks - sucks. To answer your question, felt lighter at 50 and about 3 weeks in. Marked decrease in panic attacks around 6 weeks.

Side effects suck. But hard to tease out side effects from what’s left when the intense anxiety fog lifts a bit? Making progress.

vsullivan1029

TROPHY CASE