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        New Message Board Archives >> Jul-Sep 2003 >> Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressants?
        
(Message started by: sargeslope on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 2:11pm)

Title: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressants?
Post by sargeslope on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 2:11pm

The reason I ask is that I recently was diagnosed with depression and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). My doc prescribed Zoloft. I started the meds on a Friday and the very next day my CH episode started.

What really sucks is that I had had a 4-YEAR remission prior to that!!!! I thought that I was over them since it had been so long (May 1999) since I had my last episode.

The Zoloft paperwork indicates Headache as a side effect, but does not get into specifics (Migraine, CH, tension or wussy everyday headaches).

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 2:28pm

Much too soon to make a judgment about the source of your headache. First, Zoloft, as all the meds in this class, are slow working--takes weeks before their full impact can be evaluated; second, clusters, as you know, have a certain random quality to them.

Need to wait and see if a pattern of attacks developes. Then you can discuss with your doc.

The old saw in science: correlation is not causation. That is, just because two things happen one after the other DOES NOT mean that the first event caused the second.

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by Jewel on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 2:36pm

I have taken Zoloft in the past for depression and it never triggered a cluster episode for me. However, I'm pretty sure that when I recently discontinued Effexor (another anti-depressant), withdrawal triggered my recent episodes.

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by Karla on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 3:15pm

I have taken effexor, celexa, serzone, and one other one whoes name escapes me right now. I have also taken risperdol and geodon. Non of these have done anything to help prevent a cluster and I have seen no indication that they aggrivate the ch. I think it is just coincindence.

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by stuey on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 3:35pm

I would say it's coincidence to. I took zoloft for well over a year starting because of anxiety attacks while on the subway. i started at 50 mg and then went up to 100. it takes a while to start feeling any change but what i did notice was that i couldn't cry at all. i was in the City when the plane hit on Sept. 11 and was devastated like everybody else, but couldn't cry at all during the whole thing and it was something to cry about. it wasn't until months later when i decided i wanted to stop taking it that i could cry again. it definitely didn't start up the cycle i'm in now. i've been off it for over a year now and my cycle started in april. i don't see any correlation between the two. i am taking elavil as a supposed preventive and it is as well an antidepressant. you still hurt though. it's like putting a bandaid over a sore. anti-depressants don't really cure anything. if you taking them that's fine but without talking to someone about what's causing the depression, which i didn't, then i figured why continue. they should be taken in conjunction with counseling of some kind (my take on it). didn't i just go on and on. sorry. stuey

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by Not4Hire on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 5:20pm

on 07/02/03 at 15:35:59, stuey wrote:

...very interesting, stuey... and pretty much reflects MY experience with Zoloft. It worked on me, but I just felt ...like "gee, death, famine, pestilence, WHATEVER!.... "

...I simply didn't give a Rat's ass one way or the other.... Paxil makes me feel like I got crawlie shit under my muscles.... 2 days of that and *ciao*... my doc is currently looking up something for ME and MY situation.... she seemed to indicate that Zoloft is more effective/appropriate for women than for men....

... sometimes I sorta long for the days of "Roll Another One, Just Like The Other One".... but the Zig-Zag man is mostly another obstacle and can be a crutch....

I guess I would rather fly than crawl, sleep than *dance*, and sing than curse.....ya know?

Good luck and PF to you all......Steve(N4H)

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by eyes_afire on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 5:38pm

Hi Sarge. I've tried many anti-depressants in that class (Serzone, Zoloft, Paxil). I don't think any of them effected my CH one way or the other. I ran into some other problems with Paxil. I'm never going there again.

--- Steve, one of many...

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by BlackDog on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 7:41pm

Sarge,
When I was diagnosed recently, my GP prescribed the antidepressant Lexapro (next generation of Celexa, without a lot of the side effects) to help me cope. I was placed on the standard 10 mg. dose. When I saw my neuro, she was hesitant to Rx standard preventatives for me as I am on a lot of heart / blood pressure meds. One thing she did was to double my dose of Lexapro (and my beta-blockers). She said each would act as a preventative in 'high-enough' doses. I am still not conviced, but I have faith and confidence in her. She seems to know a lot about CH and my heart condition. I cannot see her doubling my dose of antidepressant if it would lead to more CH attacks. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe your Zoloft is an SSRI (same class as my Lexapro).
Good Luck and welcome Sarge!
Darren

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by cootie on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 9:47pm

First off I am a supporter so hope it's ok to add a comment here.......I was on Paxil for two years 40 mg's and guess the object of the antidepressants is to slow down those over amping feelings of panic or worry or obsession to almost where they don't register anymore.....but along with it other things dull out also like emotions. I became a rather COLD emotionless person on the paxil....didn't give a shit about a whole lot....my house was GROSS and that is just NOT ME !! Normally I overamp in the feelings dept or panic attack deals or gettin stuff done. I think they can work but when you recognize you have become too empty inside it mite be time to stop. But when I stopped my emotions went crazy but it took several months to hit.....I'm lucky I didn't do anything stupid.....cuz my state of mind was in a bad way and have not felt the same since I started and stopped that stuff. I'm afraid to get started on anything else...celexa made me feel poisnon'd and so did all the others. Funny thing is now I get bad ha's with stress and didn't have that before. Can't win fer loosein Pam .......(hope it was ok I added my 2 cents to this subject)

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by Ree on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 9:58pm

Hey Coots et al... We all know I am a sufferer of the headaches not mentioned on this board (begins with an M ~ I am sticking my tongue out at you jonny) My doc put me on low dose of zoloft as a preventative... it works for me since I started taking it (25mgs almost nothing) I have less HA... I am chronic... used to get 1 week pain free all month long... Now I am one week pain 3 weeks pain free... Dave has been on a few and they have never triggered a cycle. I am also agreeing with the person that said it would take a few days if not weeks to actually get in your system... Coots I have heard of that happening with paxil.......... weird side effect... hope i helped... ree

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by taraann on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 10:38pm

Hi I just quickly read your post about PTSD and antidepressants. I too was diagnosed with PTSD about 2 yrs ago, I had a very tough time for awhile with it. I was on antidepressants, antianxiety, and a whole bunch of other sh*t. Back then is when I was "officially" diagnosed with ch's because I had a terrible time with them for months and months. I think the meds had alot to do with my bad ch cycle back then. BUT I was on many many meds back then so I don't know which med(s) was triggering the very bad cycle. I am no longer on all those meds...have been off them for over a year now and I no longer have "problems" with ptsd and anxiety anymore...BUt I had a rough time with it all for awhile and I have been there so If you need to "talk" or anything you can email me or IM me anytime tara_ann_77@yahoo.com . I hope you get over this hump quickly its not a fun thing to have on top of the CH's. I'll be sending you PF vibes and get better soon vibes.

Title: Re: Anyone heard of Zoloft or other anti-depressan
Post by katethecelt on Jul 2^nd, 2003, 10:44pm

I have knowledge in the area of anti-depressents from my experience working with ppl with mental illnesses. I also have Depression, but it's been under control with Celexa for a long time.

Most ppl have to take Zoloft for 2-4 weeks before it has an effect. However, if you are taking other meds that may alter the effect of it, side effects could certainly show up early.

The ones listed in my PDR are: Tagamet, Valium, Lithium, Crystodigin, Tambocorother anti-depressents, Over-the-counter cold remedies, Rythmol, Orinase, Coumadin.

I would not recommend Zoloft. There are many other anti-depressants that work just as well, many better, and with fewer side effects. Do Not stop taking it without talking to your doc.

If you (or any other family here) would like more info, please email me at katethecelt@hotmail.com. I'd be happy to help.

PFDAN's, Kate