Posted by JohnL on May 25, 2000, at 3:36:22
In reply to how does this really work?, posted by Angela on May 19, 2000, at 17:07:09
> my question is this: is that really the zoloft working after just one dose and then letting me down already? my pdoc told me that he once took zoloft for 3 days and his symptoms were gone. whats the real deal here?Sounds to me like the clues provided by your responses are pointing to two things: 1)low serotonin, 2)instable chemistry. You already know for a fact that your low serotonin is corrected by Zoloft. This was evident in your quick response. That's a good sign. But the problem now seems to be chemical instability. That calls for a whole different approach. You might want to consider things like low-dose Lithium (600mg-900mg), Lamictal, or Depakote. Lithium probably has the most widely researched ability to maintain or improve an antidepressant's response. On paper at least, it would make sense to me to consider adding low-dose Lithium to your Zoloft for a quick look-see.
There are certainly dozens or even hundreds of other avenues to explore, but I think the clues are pretty obvious. That's a good thing. Sometimes the clues we get are so confusing they don't make any sense. And based on those clues, adding a mood stabilizer to your Zoloft makes sense. Of them all, nothing has the solid time-tested track record of Lithium. I thinking giving it a try might be stacking the odds in your favor. Certainly no guarantees, but at least an attempt to improve the odds for success.
Other approaches would be: Increase the Zoloft dose to a point where it holds steady (if that happens); add small dose antipsychotic like Zyprexa, which has antidepressant plus mood stabilizing qualities all in one package.
I'm glad you've found something that works. Now we just have to figure out how to KEEP it working. I don't think Zoloft alone will be the answer, because it appears there is some other unstable chemistry involved. While we would all love to get by on just one medication, you might start thinking about taking two for a more complete and enduring response.
JohnL
poster:JohnL
thread:34043
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34568.html