Fernando: only one session with psychiatrist and prescribed Zoloft

[Fernando]

I am depressed, I have trouble sleeping, cant concentrate find hard to have a libido, gained a lot of weight in the past 3 years.
I had just one session with a psychiatrist and with no exams and just a 30 minutes talk he prescribed me Zoloft.

is this normal?
I am asking because i was expecting some exams, more sessions and so on..

Should I have gone to the psychologist first?
Is Zoloft to heavy to start with?
I am so afraid of getting more weight should I ask to try to start with other like wellbutrin or effexort, lexapro?

I am from Poland, dont know if there is different drugs in europe, if anyone has any topic about it i would love to read it.

I am so afraid.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, @Fernando

 

This is a site for going off drugs, we don't advise people about going on drugs. However, if you don't trust this diagnosis or prescription, I would look for non-drug ways to cope. There is no free lunch with psychiatric drugs. You are not required to take them. Look around the Introductions forum to see others' experiences.

[SandCastle]

Hi @Fernando I’m just weighing in that I gained at least 30 lbs, maybe 40, on Sertraline (the generic Zoloft), and I was on it less than 4 months. I was eating enough to gain that much weight, but that’s because I was starving all the time on the drug. I would eat lunch, clean everything up, sit down, and be as hungry as if I hadn’t eaten all day just ten minutes after finishing lunch. I do not think this is common, but there was nothing else that changed in my life that could have caused that excessive hunger.

[Ariel]

@Fernando

 

Three years is a long time to struggle in the way you describe. I'm sorry you're having a hard time.

 

Did you already start the Zoloft? Or are you wondering about whether or not you should start?

If you are not currently taking a psychiatric drug, in my opinion you are very lucky. 

I wish I had never started psychiatric medication. If I could do it over I would never touch psych drugs ever, not in my life. They are not worth it, the risks and harmful effects far outweigh any possible benefits. 

 

On 6/14/2022 at 8:14 PM, Fernando said:

I am depressed, I have trouble sleeping, cant concentrate find hard to have a libido, gained a lot of weight in the past 3 years.

 

I was on antidepressants for many, many years. They caused depression, low libido, weight gain (among many other undesirable effects). 

 

Psychotherapy, functional nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes, non-drug coping skills, good sleep habits -- all of these non-drug interventions can be very powerful in helping us feel better and learn how to live a more balanced, meaningful life. 

If I were you I would try to find a qualified, trustworthy psychologist/therapist for professional counseling and support. If you can find someone who has a holistic, non-psychiatric approach, that would be even better.

In my opinion it's worth it to try non-drug interventions for at least 6 months before considering medication. 

 

It's up to you. Only you know what it's like to be in your body and go through what you're going through. 

I wish you to take very good care of yourself and receive the support you need to get through this difficult period in your life. 

In solidarity and support,

A.