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Permalink Reply by Tina Paparazzo on September 1, 2010 at 8:36am

Hi Allison, After having been on Prozac and Xanax for many years I can tell you it helped me emensely. 2 weeks ago my fiancee passed away and since then my Dr has put me on Zoloft and Ativan. I have only been on Zoloft for 4 days and it says it needs about 2 weeks to get into your system but from my experience I could not have made it without medciation, as long as you take it as prescribed by your Dr. Take care and be well.

Tina

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Permalink Reply by Laura Villarreal on September 1, 2010 at 8:54am

Hi Alison...I am so sorry for your loss. You should be fine taking a medication for depression...did you and your physician explore all other non-medication options before deciding on an antidepressant? I was on Zoloft several years ago and after about 18 months I decided it was time to come off so my physician wrote for a "taper down" regiment. Never stop taking an antidepressant on your own. After my daughter's death last year we could not find a med that worked for me so I took the route of talk therapy with a psychiatrist. I do take Atarax as need for anxiety but have not had to take it for about 6 months now. Make sure you schedule timely follow ups with the prescribing doctor.
Take care and let us know how you are doing.
Sincerely,
Laura

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Permalink Reply by Tammy on September 28, 2010 at 8:17pm

Hi Alison,
I was taking an antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication long before the deaths of my mother and husband, so I have a long term perspective, especially given their recent deaths (this year). There are no "magic" pills, but taking medication after a loss may help you remain functional and prevent suicidal behaviors, if you have felt that way. Despite the medication, you can't escape the grieving process, it just takes the edge off. Also, if you take your medication as prescribed, you won't become addicted to those medications that have the potential for creating dependency.
Take care, Tammy

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Permalink Reply by Alison June on October 9, 2010 at 9:04pm

ThNks everyone. I have to say it's definitely taken the edge off

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Permalink Reply by Tammy on October 11, 2010 at 10:44am

Alison,
I'm really glad it has taken the edge off.
Tammy

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Permalink Reply by cheryl lynn buechlein on December 10, 2010 at 11:45am

I will never stop taking my Zoloft, tried to go off it and no way never again. It is ok though when u have lost a child the pain runs so deep u need something.

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Permalink Reply by eileen eileen on December 17, 2010 at 1:23pm

Hi Alison. I'm new. Sounds like you are benefiting from the medication. That's good. As others have said it is important to slowly taper off if you decide to stop taking. Detox/withdrawal is horrible if not done carefully and SLOWLY. I can speak from experience. Medication did not help me. I'm glad you and others are getting "some" respite with medication. Hope all continues to be well for you. Best, Eileen

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Lynn Schuler on January 12, 2011 at 10:43am

I would not worry about getting hooked on it, it doesnt work that way....if you are on a low dose to start off with, that should be good....I think you will do fine....if you have any problems, which I doubt you will have, talk to your doctor about it....the most important thing is that you begin the medication in the first place if you are indeed depressed, which if you are going through a loss is normal....hope this helped

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