Twinmom: All better 3-6 years later

[Twinmom]

 

Twinmom's Introduction topic:  twinmom-long-term-effects-of-ssri-discontinuation

 

_________________________________________________

 

Hi,

 

Something reminded today me of my time on this forum back around 2015, and I came to report that I've been doing very well for the past several years, after about 18 months on Zoloft, and a probably reckless (Dr prescribed) tapering approach back then. I think it took about 3 years with some ups and downs to feel fully recovered (2019 stands out). My mood changes and uncharacteristic short-lived depression symptoms can be particular intense during certain times of the month, but the older I get the better I know my body, and these mood swings are not related to my medication history with an SSRI, but from increasing PMS and menstrual symptoms in my mid-40s (apparently this is a thing - extra tough periods in your 40s). 2017 and 2018 (both antidepressant-free) were also very good, but I think there was still some still some unresolved stuff. I remember trying counseling a few times for anger/irritability/anxiety/depression related management, and it was too difficult still for me to process in that way (I have found verbal therapy sessions are too draining for me). But now, probably over 6 years later, it all feels like very much in the past, and as noted, I know my body and mind better than I did before. I know that I'm very sensitive to any medication. I know that conventional doctors try to help me with various mild medical issues with medications (e.g., hormone-based medications), and that I need to strongly advocate this fact that I have intense side effects to most medications tried. And that this sensitivity probably only gets more as I get older. My lesson learned over time is that I'm very sensitive to most medications, and that I need to advocate this fact when talking with my medical professionals. Healing thoughts to everyone out there struggling.

 

Edited October 26, 2021 by ChessieCat
add intro topic link

[getofflex]

@Twinmomthank you for coming back to write your success story!  This will be a significant help and encouragement to many people here.  I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well, and that you are advocating for yourself, and being very careful about drugs now.  It sounds like you have learned a lot of wisdom from your experience.  

 

Here is a link to twin mom's introduction thread:  

 

Twinmom Introduction

[Erell]

Hello @Twinmom,

Thank you deeply for coming back here and sharing your story of healing !

I wish you a beautiful and peaceful life ☀️

[trenace]

On 10/26/2021 at 6:39 PM, EmptyVessle said:

did you have sexuall side effects, did they resolve?

I'm still in withdrawal but I've noticed an improvement in sexual function for sure. It used to be totally numb down south but it works now much better than before. I used to stress about it all the time but not so much now. Seems to be coming back slowly.

[Estman]

On 10/20/2021 at 8:04 PM, Twinmom said:

 

Twinmom's Introduction topic:  twinmom-long-term-effects-of-ssri-discontinuation

 

_________________________________________________

 

Hi,

 

Something reminded today me of my time on this forum back around 2015, and I came to report that I've been doing very well for the past several years, after about 18 months on Zoloft, and a probably reckless (Dr prescribed) tapering approach back then. I think it took about 3 years with some ups and downs to feel fully recovered (2019 stands out). My mood changes and uncharacteristic short-lived depression symptoms can be particular intense during certain times of the month, but the older I get the better I know my body, and these mood swings are not related to my medication history with an SSRI, but from increasing PMS and menstrual symptoms in my mid-40s (apparently this is a thing - extra tough periods in your 40s). 2017 and 2018 (both antidepressant-free) were also very good, but I think there was still some still some unresolved stuff. I remember trying counseling a few times for anger/irritability/anxiety/depression related management, and it was too difficult still for me to process in that way (I have found verbal therapy sessions are too draining for me). But now, probably over 6 years later, it all feels like very much in the past, and as noted, I know my body and mind better than I did before. I know that I'm very sensitive to any medication. I know that conventional doctors try to help me with various mild medical issues with medications (e.g., hormone-based medications), and that I need to strongly advocate this fact that I have intense side effects to most medications tried. And that this sensitivity probably only gets more as I get older. My lesson learned over time is that I'm very sensitive to most medications, and that I need to advocate this fact when talking with my medical professionals. Healing thoughts to everyone out there struggling.

 

Thank you for sharing your story, it encourages many
I am still halfway there and currently in a heavier wave
Such stories give hope that one day it will pass and give hope

[almuPA]

Thank you SO SO MUCH for coming back. It is so important to know that even after months of torture, there is hope.

[DaBro]

Glad to hear you’re out the other side @Twinmom Sertraline and 3 years of WD seems a common story. Congratulations on your persistence and determination to find your old self. 

[Twinmom]

Hi - thank you everyone for your kind words. @EmptyVessleI'm sorry I took so long to come back on here to respond. Yes, among many other side effects, I had no sex drive. That problem went away completely with my recovery. All of the awful side effects I had went away - most in the relatively short term, and all by this point.

 

While I feel 100% on the other side of the drugs, my mental health still requires lots of nourishment, as it does for everyone. For the first time in about 6 years I had a panic attack yesterday. Which reminded me about this page and that I needed to check in after my above post. I saw the attack coming though, and got someone on the phone to help me through it since I was home alone with my kids. It was a bad combination of triggers (one of my pets is near the end of her life, coupled with mild depression and anxiety that I manage through exercise, nutrition, and all of the many many other things I do for myself that I need to do), so I won't become anxious about it happening again. Also, I know that I dealt with it perfectly. I was surprised though that I had to sleep it off for almost the whole day after it happened. 

 

Anyway, we're all on a journey and I send healing thoughts out to everyone out there still dealing with the medication part of things. My time on and trying to get off of Zoloft was arguably the worst experience of my life. But it's now thoroughly in the past. I can talk about it without crying. And am happy to answer any questions. xo

[Twinmom]

Also @EmptyVessleI'm pretty sure that libido was one of the side effects for me that took quite a while (1-3 years) to get back to what I would call normal. 

[Twinmom]

@EmptyVesslesorry but I don't recall. I had other much more difficult-for-me symptoms to contend with, so I may have, but I can't say for sure.

[DaBro]

On 11/7/2021 at 11:54 PM, EmptyVessle said:

@Twinmom, did you also had genital numbness?

Hi @EmptyVessle I had genital numbness for a couple of months when I went on Sertraline and again for a couple of months about a year into WD. It resolved. I know for some it can take a very long time. I think there are other places in the forum specifically on this topic. 

[Malon]

@EmptyVessle Yes, it can. I saw some success stories on this topic.

[CeruleanSea]

@Twinmomthanks so much for sharing. I’m at the start of my journey off & good to hear there’s another side.

 

Reading into the pms & anxiety you mentioned, I’m mid-40’s myself. I’ve found that supporting estrogen & progesterone really help leagues with hormonal mood changes. maybe something to try — I believe they give us Ssri’s instead of looking at true causes.