I've been on Zoloft for depression/trichotillomania since age 11, (has it been that long? geez, that sounds pretty pathetic) at a fairly high dosage for my size(I currently take 150 mg and my highest dosage was 275, I weigh around 115-120). I have many doubts as to the effectiveness of this medication. My trichotillomania was never helped and my depression was only minorly alleviated. I still tap things and conduct rituals in an ocd-like fashion. I dislike crowds. Anyways, sorry- I'll try and ask an actual question- I have done a bit of research on the SSRI family of drugs, and am concerned of the possibility of long term ill effects on the body resulting from prolonged usage. The frequent bloodwork to monitor my liver function was never conducted. Whenever I question the possibility of weaning off the meds/ reducing my dosage, the doctor is very evasive. I am unable to go more than a day or two with no meds(the withdrawal is unpleasant, and renders me unable to function). Does this lack of bloodwork seem odd, or am I being paranoid? Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing your views
Please talk to your doctor and do NOT attempt to stop your meds cold turkey...that is a VERY bad idea! If you've been on the medication this long, you should definately put your best interests up front and get bloodwork done. I also suggest searching out a new doctor. Don't let your doctor be evasive about your health anymore. Take charge of the situation.
The statement about your physician being evasive is enough to make me suggest finding another doctor. Any medical doctor (especially a psychiatrist) should be very informative about medication they prescribe. The concern for physical health should be of the utmost importance. I do not know your exact symptoms, but the dosage sounds a bit much in relation to your weight. I must also question, are you receiving any behavioral therapy for your depression/trichotillomania? This is very vital, and should play a more important role than the dispensation of medication. This is one of the very first things taught in the field.
Is the doc being evasive? Or does he not want to continue to discuss it for other reasons? Is Zoloft the ONLY drug your doctor has tried? After years of little response one of two things is possible. 1)Your doctor is a "one drug doc" which are rare, but not usually good medically 2)there has been a history of continual complaints, changing meds, changing symptoms ect and the doctor is getting tired. Prozac is quite effective for OCD, as are other antidepressants in both the SSRI or tricyclic family. Can you calmly discuss with your doctor your lack of response to the medication, and discuss, with both his and your input, perhaps trying a different drug? Are you also in therapy? because for depression and related illnesses, this is essensial. Tric is evident by appearance, if your symptoms aren't getting better, can't your doctor tell from seeing you? Have you calmly described the fact that you aren't getting response? If you have, and it is obvious that you still have symptoms, then get a second opinon immediately. As for blood work, neither Zoloft or OCD requirers regular blood work, if you were on an antiseizure drug, or one with APAP in it, blood work might be needed, but it isn't needed for Zoloft. Talk to your doctor at the next visit, most doctors won't make many changes over the phone.
Um, thanks for everyone's responses! I've also been on Lithium and Effexor but they made me really sick, so I was put on zoloft. I have only seen my gp for prescriptions(saw a couple psychologists when I was younger, but found them unhelpful). He has a cannister filled with zoloft pens(from the drug company)....maybe he's being paid off. Or maybe I'm slightly paranoid. Thanks again, rubicon
No bloodwork is necessary for Zoloft, but IS necessary if you are still on lithium. You should consult a specialist, ie, a psychiatrist, if you are not satisfied with the results from your GP.
Yes, Internists should not be treating psychiatric disorders. Please see a good psychiatrist, he will be much more aware of what meds are best for you and your condition. IMO, most Internists are good for colds, ear infections and sinus infections. Everything else needs a specialists (I am exaggerating here, but still.)
An internist should be training along side a doctor. That is part of the program. They certainly should not be handing out medication until completion.
No. . . that is an intern. An internist specializes in internal medicine. The term internist can usually be used interchangeably with primary care physician, family doctor, or general practitioner.
