Who the hell am I? If I knew, I wouldn't be here!

[Guest mcamson]

Hello everyone! I'm a newbie on this site. I've been looking for answers for my questions and hoping someone here might help in answering.

I will try to give a brief description to my particular situation.

• Been on 50 mg. Zoloft since 1995 (original diagnosis for depression resulting in finding my biological mother)
  
• Throughout the years had to sometimes increase dosage prior to my menstrual cycle for PMS. (due to crazy mood swings)
  

I already know that you should wean yourself off Zoloft and any other drug but here is my problem. I didn't wean myself. I'm a cold turkier, (my word) June 1-7 we went to Mexico for a week and I didn't want the hassle of packing my medication since I've done the same thing last year.Upon returning home, I usually start taking it as usual. Sometimes maybe every other day. I can manage a week without it on vacation. I suppose because I'm just so happy being where I love. (ocean, warm, sun, sand and etc.) However, upon returning I have successfully been off my Zoloft without any major problems. In fact I have seemed to be almost on a high. Feeling great and energetic. I had an endometrial ablation last year which means I physically do not have periods but do go through the symptoms from time to time. Well, guess what? I'm having some bad mood swings this week. I mean... I am crying my eyes out over little things, daily stress is making me feel out of control. In fact it reminds me of what I felt prior to taking Zoloft. Question is, should I start back on it or should I just take it in cycle doses? I hate the way I have been behaving but also liking the fact of not relying on Zoloft everyday. Please, please do not have me call my Dr. I'm just lucky she has continued to write the prescription since my original prescribing Dr. retired and transferred me to her.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

: + = conflicted

[Phoenix_Rising]

Welcome to CB.

Stopping and starting meds on your own is dangerous business no matter how many times you've done it. No one here is a doctor and can tell you how to take your meds. I know you don't want to, but you need to call your doctor and sort this out with her.

[olga]

I don't understand why you don't want to stay on your antidepressant. I've been on them for 7 or 8 years....maybe 9.....and I don't EVER intend to go off them. They are medicine. If you were diabetic, would you "wean" yourself off your insulin? If you had high blood pressure, would you "wean" yourself off your blood pressure medicine? I don't get your reasoning at all.

I agree with Phoenix---please see a doctor. Instead of a GP, you should be seeing a psychiatrist who is the expert in prescribing psych meds. We aren't doctors here, and this site is most definitely in favor of being med-compliant. I would NEVER go off a medication without consulting with my doctor first.

olga