![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by hash on April 7, 2001, at 20:15:27
I started taking Zoloft about one and a half months ago. Pretty much sense I took the first pill I have been smoking weed also, close to every night after taking my nightly pill. I am 15 years old and am in the ninth grade. I was subscribed Zoloft because I was becoming severely depressed, I was being really edgy and very high tempered. My family and I have recently moved to a small town out in the country. Away from the large group of friends that took me about four years to develop. I was really popular at the school I was going to before we moved. I had friends that lived close to me and I could just go to their houses and hang out after school and on the weekends. I could actually be getting some right now on this Saturday afternoon. Now I go to a completely different high school, where I know absolutely NO ONE. Everyone has already made their friends and they have no interest in trying to make friends with me. Everyone acts differently. I have had a VERY hard time making the few friends I have now. Before taking my Zoloft I will admit that I was very depressed. That depression has faded in some cases. But I have noticed a social change sense taking my Zoloft. I have been really shy and have had a very hard time interacting with people and making friends. Its hard for me to talk to people I don't understand and know. My mom tells me that she has seen people on Zoloft become "zombified". She says they loose their personality and don't interact with people. I have seen that for my self, to become true. I know that I was more social before I started taking Zoloft. I still smoke marijuana almost nightly. Could this be the reason of any of the side affects I have mentioned? Or have these side affects appeared with other people?
Posted by stjames on April 8, 2001, at 1:54:03
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 7, 2001, at 20:15:27
> I started taking Zoloft about one and a half months ago.
James here....
I think the Zoloft could be causing some of the problems you mention and you could discuss this with your doc. Also, if Zoloft is not controling your depression all the time this is another issue
you need to bring up. There are many options you and your doc and try.In terms of pot, as a pot smoker, I am very much against kids smoking pot. So much psychological development is going on for you at this stage and you need to be clear of mind for this. To me you are self medicating with pot. Work with your doc to find something that is better (and legal) that makes you well but not to withdrawn.
James
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 8, 2001, at 5:40:25
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 7, 2001, at 20:15:27
Hash,Your posting is pretty general but I'll try to help. Zoloft should not make you a zombie. From its group of drugs (SSRIs), Zoloft is the least likeley to do so, since it acts to a some extent on a brain chemical (called dopamine) in addition to serotonin.
Now how would like to know: How much Zoloft you take ?
Threr are couple of ways to solve the situation your'e in (and belive me, it sucks )-:
1) Get the Zoloft dose higher
2) Switch to another drug of the same class (i.e. Paxil/Celexa), which does not act on dopamine at all
3) Switch to a drug of another class. Effexor will do.
Talk about that to your PDoc.I am not very happy that you mix hash and Zoloft. I were taking zoloft for a long time, and I were happy with it. One day, a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine pulled a joint and, well, I smoked about one third a joint. That's nothing, we both know. Now a hour later I got hospitalized for a very frank manic episode. I went naked around the ER. I stll feel like an idiot.
Now, I must say that two years ago I smoked tones of hash in Amsterdam, but that time I was taking Effexor. My impression that SSRIs (e.g. Zoloft) and cannabis are a bad comination. Also, we both know that cannabis is just an 'amplifier'. If you're happy, you get happier. If you're depressed, you get more depressed. If you have some fear of your new school, which is normal, and you smoke, you might become really shy about that.
My 2 Cents.
Jimmy
> I started taking Zoloft about one and a half months ago. Pretty much sense I took the first pill I have been smoking weed also, close to every night after taking my nightly pill. I am 15 years old and am in the ninth grade. I was subscribed Zoloft because I was becoming severely depressed, I was being really edgy and very high tempered. My family and I have recently moved to a small town out in the country. Away from the large group of friends that took me about four years to develop. I was really popular at the school I was going to before we moved. I had friends that lived close to me and I could just go to their houses and hang out after school and on the weekends. I could actually be getting some right now on this Saturday afternoon. Now I go to a completely different high school, where I know absolutely NO ONE. Everyone has already made their friends and they have no interest in trying to make friends with me. Everyone acts differently. I have had a VERY hard time making the few friends I have now. Before taking my Zoloft I will admit that I was very depressed. That depression has faded in some cases. But I have noticed a social change sense taking my Zoloft. I have been really shy and have had a very hard time interacting with people and making friends. Its hard for me to talk to people I don't understand and know. My mom tells me that she has seen people on Zoloft become "zombified". She says they loose their personality and don't interact with people. I have seen that for my self, to become true. I know that I was more social before I started taking Zoloft. I still smoke marijuana almost nightly. Could this be the reason of any of the side affects I have mentioned? Or have these side affects appeared with other people?
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 8, 2001, at 5:43:06
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by stjames on April 8, 2001, at 1:54:03
> I think the Zoloft could be causing some of the problems you mention and you could discuss this with your doc. Also, if Zoloft is not controling your depression all the time this is another issue
> you need to bring up. There are many options you and your doc and try.I agree.
> In terms of pot, as a pot smoker, I am very much against kids smoking pot. So much psychological development is going on for you at this stage and you need to be clear of mind for this. To me you are self medicating with pot. Work with your doc to find something that is better (and legal) that makes you well but not to withdrawn.Makes sense. Don't be that tough with the kid, James... (-:
Jimmy
Posted by NikkiT2 on April 8, 2001, at 8:14:52
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by jimmygold70 on April 8, 2001, at 5:40:25
But Effexor is also an SSRI.. I am mon that, and smoke pot a fair amount...
Hash... 15 is pretty young to start a smoking habit... I don't wanrt to sound preachy in any way, cos I smoked occasionally at that age, but keep it fun and occasional, not every night... Other wise it might stop being fun ya know... And once something stops being fun, thats it...
Wish I could help make friends for you.. Its so hard, and something I find hard too... are there any clubs you can join (sporting or computer or whatever) that might give you extra interaction with other kids.. or maybe a little job for some extra cash- I always made friends in my jobs outside school...
Good luckNikki
Posted by Wendy B on April 8, 2001, at 10:23:33
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana » jimmygold70, posted by NikkiT2 on April 8, 2001, at 8:14:52
Hi Hash and others,
This is a really good discussion. The Zoloft thing I can comment on, I was on it for 4 yrs. If you find it fogging your brain, talk to your dr and switch. I wouldn't suggest effor to anybody, but that's my own opinion, from my own experience. Wellbutrin seems to be doing the trick for my depression...As for the pot, I smoke a fair amount too (this thread might be our own version of a 'Par-tay!'). I use it as a stimulant. It really gets me going, and I can actually get things done, especially housework. Just makes me feel like cleaning, somehow. Also, on the occasional nights I go out, I do it then too... It does amplify whatever you're feeling, though, so if you're down, Hash, you might just be going on a permanent downer. Try stopping the pot, like every othr night, and see how you feel then. Since the THC stays in your system for awhile, you might not notice it till you cut back even more. I know it's hard when you really enjoy getting high...
What Nikki says is true, you gotta get out there! Hard to do when you're on a down cycle, I know. Clubs and sports are cool, but it's the end of the school year, so it might not be possible right away. Maybe in September. Otherwise, the work idea is great, it's such a good way to make friends. Even adults! They're often cool...
Good luck, I really feel for what you're going through,
Wendy
> But Effexor is also an SSRI.. I am mon that, and smoke pot a fair amount...
>
> Hash... 15 is pretty young to start a smoking habit... I don't wanrt to sound preachy in any way, cos I smoked occasionally at that age, but keep it fun and occasional, not every night... Other wise it might stop being fun ya know... And once something stops being fun, thats it...
>
> Wish I could help make friends for you.. Its so hard, and something I find hard too... are there any clubs you can join (sporting or computer or whatever) that might give you extra interaction with other kids.. or maybe a little job for some extra cash- I always made friends in my jobs outside school...
> Good luck
>
> Nikki
Posted by Jed00 on April 8, 2001, at 20:24:48
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by jimmygold70 on April 8, 2001, at 5:40:25
jimmygold70 wrote:
> I am not very happy that you mix hash and Zoloft. I were taking zoloft for a long time, and I were happy with it. One day, a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine pulled a joint and, well, I smoked about one third a joint. That's nothing, we both know. Now a hour later I got hospitalized for a very frank manic episode. I went naked around the ER. I stll feel like an idiot.I agree with jimmygold70. I too was taking an antidepressant when I smoked pot and it caused a terrible manic episode and was very scary. Now the episodes keep coming back. Don't mix antidepressants like Zoloft with pot. You're really risking your mental health!!!!!!!
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 9, 2001, at 7:53:13
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana » jimmygold70, posted by NikkiT2 on April 8, 2001, at 8:14:52
Hi Nikki,
Effexor is a SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), while Zoloft is a SSSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). This is of of course a lie. All SSRIs are also norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to some (but not overwhelming) extent. Zoloft also has effects on dopamine, which are 1/3 of those of amphetamine ! So, now we know that nothing isreally "selective". However, Effexor acts far more than SSRIs or Norepinephrine. It is stroger than Remeron in this sense, somewhat weaker than Serzone, and much weaker than Edronax (a real noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor).
> But Effexor is also an SSRI.. I am mon that, and smoke pot a fair amount...
>
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 9, 2001, at 7:56:03
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by Wendy B on April 8, 2001, at 10:23:33
Wendy
Both Effexor and Wellbutrin are less brain-foggoing than Zoloft for some people. Effexor is statistically more effective an antidepressant than Wellbutrin. Nevertheless, both were very effective for me.
> Hi Hash and others,
> This is a really good discussion. The Zoloft thing I can comment on, I was on it for 4 yrs. If you find it fogging your brain, talk to your dr and switch. I wouldn't suggest effor to anybody, but that's my own opinion, from my own experience. Wellbutrin seems to be doing the trick for my depression...
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 9, 2001, at 9:08:00
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by Jed00 on April 8, 2001, at 20:24:48
Jed, are those episodes coming back to you ?Interesting, because my episode was two weeks ago, and sometimes I get into anxiety attack since then, and got to take Xanax or Klonopin to wean it off. However, I don't have full blown manic episodes. It really fucked my self esteem, that episode, though.
Do you have a diagnosis for Bipolar I ? What are you taking to fight it off ?
Jimmy
> jimmygold70 wrote:
> > I am not very happy that you mix hash and Zoloft. I were taking zoloft for a long time, and I were happy with it. One day, a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine pulled a joint and, well, I smoked about one third a joint. That's nothing, we both know. Now a hour later I got hospitalized for a very frank manic episode. I went naked around the ER. I stll feel like an idiot.
>
> I agree with jimmygold70. I too was taking an antidepressant when I smoked pot and it caused a terrible manic episode and was very scary. Now the episodes keep coming back. Don't mix antidepressants like Zoloft with pot. You're really risking your mental health!!!!!!!
Posted by Jed00 on April 9, 2001, at 16:44:37
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana » Jed00, posted by jimmygold70 on April 9, 2001, at 9:08:00
The first episode was about 8 years ago and I had about 4 more just in the last four years. They were full manic episodes with severe psychotic symptoms. In the way past, I used an _old_ A.P. called Loxitane, but now a newer one I used was Xyprexa, which was much better, but causes gain weight and sexual side effects yet much better at feeling more comfortable all around. Now, I'm trying Geodon because I really do not want the weight gain again!!!! because I just lost all the weight with much difficulty.
Yes, all of this just steals your life away and is so destructive of your self esteem. I wish I never tried an Anti-depressant and was more careful mixing it with pot in that first instance.Take care,
Jed>
> Jed, are those episodes coming back to you ?
>
> Interesting, because my episode was two weeks ago, and sometimes I get into anxiety attack since then, and got to take Xanax or Klonopin to wean it off. However, I don't have full blown manic episodes. It really fucked my self esteem, that episode, though.
>
> Do you have a diagnosis for Bipolar I ? What are you taking to fight it off ?
>
> Jimmy
>
> > jimmygold70 wrote:
> > > I am not very happy that you mix hash and Zoloft. I were taking zoloft for a long time, and I were happy with it. One day, a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine pulled a joint and, well, I smoked about one third a joint. That's nothing, we both know. Now a hour later I got hospitalized for a very frank manic episode. I went naked around the ER. I stll feel like an idiot.
> >
> > I agree with jimmygold70. I too was taking an antidepressant when I smoked pot and it caused a terrible manic episode and was very scary. Now the episodes keep coming back. Don't mix antidepressants like Zoloft with pot. You're really risking your mental health!!!!!!!
Posted by NikkiT2 on April 13, 2001, at 13:09:41
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by jimmygold70 on April 9, 2001, at 7:53:13
Do you know the generic (posh!!) name for Zoloft. I find all ssri's poop me out and cause constant tiredness... Would like to try one that gave me something more... does that make sense, and I've always been quite sensitive to amphets... hmmmmm
Nikki
> Hi Nikki,
>
> Effexor is a SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), while Zoloft is a SSSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). This is of of course a lie. All SSRIs are also norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to some (but not overwhelming) extent. Zoloft also has effects on dopamine, which are 1/3 of those of amphetamine ! So, now we know that nothing isreally "selective". However, Effexor acts far more than SSRIs or Norepinephrine. It is stroger than Remeron in this sense, somewhat weaker than Serzone, and much weaker than Edronax (a real noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor).
>
>
> > But Effexor is also an SSRI.. I am mon that, and smoke pot a fair amount...
> >
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 13, 2001, at 18:50:30
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by Jed00 on April 9, 2001, at 16:44:37
Dear Jed,
FWas the first one due to an AD ? Did you take Zoloft that time (or any other SSRI - Prozac, Paxil, Favoxil) ?
> The first episode was about 8 years ago and I
>had about 4 more just in the last four years.
>They were full manic episodes with severe
>psychotic symptoms. In the way past, I used an
>_old_ A.P. called Loxitane, but now a newer
>one .I used was Xyprexa, which was much better,
>but causes gain weight and sexual side effects
>yet much better at feeling more comfortable allYou mean Zyprexa. It's good but weight gain is inevitable.
>around. Now, I'm trying Geodon because I >really do not want the weight gain again!!!!
>because I just lost all the weight with much >difficulty.Ye, Geodon has no weight side effects. It is a very promising drug indeed...
> Yes, all of this just steals your life away and >is so destructive of your self esteem. I wish I >never tried an Anti-depressant and was more >careful mixing it with pot in that first >instance.I wish I wouldn't get addicted to Xanax again. Since the apisode, I need it more than ever. It really increases my SE.
Take care !
Jimmy> > Jed, are those episodes coming back to you ?
> >
> > Interesting, because my episode was two weeks ago, and sometimes I get into anxiety attack since then, and got to take Xanax or Klonopin to wean it off. However, I don't have full blown manic episodes. It really fucked my self esteem, that episode, though.
> >
> > Do you have a diagnosis for Bipolar I ? What are you taking to fight it off ?
> >
> > Jimmy
> >
> > > jimmygold70 wrote:
> > > > I am not very happy that you mix hash and Zoloft. I were taking zoloft for a long time, and I were happy with it. One day, a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine pulled a joint and, well, I smoked about one third a joint. That's nothing, we both know. Now a hour later I got hospitalized for a very frank manic episode. I went naked around the ER. I stll feel like an idiot.
> > >
> > > I agree with jimmygold70. I too was taking an antidepressant when I smoked pot and it caused a terrible manic episode and was very scary. Now the episodes keep coming back. Don't mix antidepressants like Zoloft with pot. You're really risking your mental health!!!!!!!
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 13, 2001, at 18:55:22
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana » jimmygold70, posted by NikkiT2 on April 13, 2001, at 13:09:41
Ye. Increasing your serotonin makes you tired, makes sense. Zoloft is sertraline, Lustral in many countries.
Try Edronax (reboxetine), it's a selective noradrenergic AD. It is expensive,but wort the try. If you can't afford it, try Effexor in the higher doses (225mg+ a day). Another option is Wellbutrin. Also, if neither is helping your depression, you may try combining any AD with thyroxine, which is a thyroid hormone.
Do you have any other disturbance in addition to depression ? Are you anxious ? Is you mood labile ? Persoality disorders ?
Jimmy
> Do you know the generic (posh!!) name for Zoloft. I find all ssri's poop me out and cause constant tiredness... Would like to try one that gave me something more... does that make sense, and I've always been quite sensitive to amphets... hmmmmm
>
> Nikki
>
> > Hi Nikki,
> >
> > Effexor is a SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), while Zoloft is a SSSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). This is of of course a lie. All SSRIs are also norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to some (but not overwhelming) extent. Zoloft also has effects on dopamine, which are 1/3 of those of amphetamine ! So, now we know that nothing isreally "selective". However, Effexor acts far more than SSRIs or Norepinephrine. It is stroger than Remeron in this sense, somewhat weaker than Serzone, and much weaker than Edronax (a real noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor).
> >
> >
> > > But Effexor is also an SSRI.. I am mon that, and smoke pot a fair amount...
> > >
Posted by NikkiT2 on April 14, 2001, at 7:20:37
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana » NikkiT2, posted by jimmygold70 on April 13, 2001, at 18:55:22
I've tried reboxatine (made me cry ALL the time, and feel lousy)!! ASnd I'm on 300mg of Effexor XR, pdoc said cutting dose should make me less tired though... everyhin g else I've read contradicts this, but pdocs over here (The UK) don't listen.
Doc also won't give me thyroid meds, as my thyrloid is "just" OK when it was tested...
I do ahve severe anxiety these days, and have been dx'd as borderline personality disorder... If only I could get a hold of the fatigue, amybe I could start on the rest!!
Going to ask about the zoloft though - not tried that one (and have tried just about everything!!) Do you know what class of AD it is (such as ssri, maoi etc)
Thanks alot for the help
Nikki x
> Ye. Increasing your serotonin makes you tired, makes sense. Zoloft is sertraline, Lustral in many countries.
>
> Try Edronax (reboxetine), it's a selective noradrenergic AD. It is expensive,but wort the try. If you can't afford it, try Effexor in the higher doses (225mg+ a day). Another option is Wellbutrin. Also, if neither is helping your depression, you may try combining any AD with thyroxine, which is a thyroid hormone.
>
> Do you have any other disturbance in addition to depression ? Are you anxious ? Is you mood labile ? Persoality disorders ?
>
> Jimmy
>
>
> > Do you know the generic (posh!!) name for Zoloft. I find all ssri's poop me out and cause constant tiredness... Would like to try one that gave me something more... does that make sense, and I've always been quite sensitive to amphets... hmmmmm
> >
> > Nikki
> >
> > > Hi Nikki,
> > >
> > > Effexor is a SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), while Zoloft is a SSSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). This is of of course a lie. All SSRIs are also norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to some (but not overwhelming) extent. Zoloft also has effects on dopamine, which are 1/3 of those of amphetamine ! So, now we know that nothing isreally "selective". However, Effexor acts far more than SSRIs or Norepinephrine. It is stroger than Remeron in this sense, somewhat weaker than Serzone, and much weaker than Edronax (a real noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor).
> > >
> > >
> > > > But Effexor is also an SSRI.. I am mon that, and smoke pot a fair amount...
> > > >
Posted by Wendy B on April 14, 2001, at 8:22:53
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 7, 2001, at 20:15:27
Hey Hash!
What have you been up to these days, and how are you feeling since you first posted? Please bring us up to date, and hope you're going to have a nice Easter (if you celebrate it...)
Warm regards,
Wendy
> I started taking Zoloft about one and a half months ago. Pretty much sense I took the first pill I have been smoking weed also, close to every night after taking my nightly pill. I am 15 years old and am in the ninth grade. I was subscribed Zoloft because I was becoming severely depressed, I was being really edgy and very high tempered. My family and I have recently moved to a small town out in the country. Away from the large group of friends that took me about four years to develop. I was really popular at the school I was going to before we moved. I had friends that lived close to me and I could just go to their houses and hang out after school and on the weekends. I could actually be getting some right now on this Saturday afternoon. Now I go to a completely different high school, where I know absolutely NO ONE. Everyone has already made their friends and they have no interest in trying to make friends with me. Everyone acts differently. I have had a VERY hard time making the few friends I have now. Before taking my Zoloft I will admit that I was very depressed. That depression has faded in some cases. But I have noticed a social change sense taking my Zoloft. I have been really shy and have had a very hard time interacting with people and making friends. Its hard for me to talk to people I don't understand and know. My mom tells me that she has seen people on Zoloft become "zombified". She says they loose their personality and don't interact with people. I have seen that for my self, to become true. I know that I was more social before I started taking Zoloft. I still smoke marijuana almost nightly. Could this be the reason of any of the side affects I have mentioned? Or have these side affects appeared with other people?
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 16, 2001, at 5:51:28
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana » jimmygold70, posted by NikkiT2 on April 14, 2001, at 7:20:37
What an interesting story.. well Zoloft is an SSRI. Anyway, why not get back to the tricylics ? Your PDoc should have much experience with these.
I suggest that you try Protriptyline (Vivactil). As the name suggest, it's activating and you are not supposed to get sedated on it. What about a mood stabilizer ? Did you try sodium valproate (Depakene / Dpakote )?
Jimmy
> I've tried reboxatine (made me cry ALL the time, and feel lousy)!! ASnd I'm on 300mg of Effexor XR, pdoc said cutting dose should make me less tired though... everyhin g else I've read contradicts this, but pdocs over here (The UK) don't listen.
>
> Doc also won't give me thyroid meds, as my thyrloid is "just" OK when it was tested...
>
> I do ahve severe anxiety these days, and have been dx'd as borderline personality disorder... If only I could get a hold of the fatigue, amybe I could start on the rest!!
>
> Going to ask about the zoloft though - not tried that one (and have tried just about everything!!) Do you know what class of AD it is (such as ssri, maoi etc)
>
> Thanks alot for the help
>
> Nikki x
>
>
> > Ye. Increasing your serotonin makes you tired, makes sense. Zoloft is sertraline, Lustral in many countries.
> >
> > Try Edronax (reboxetine), it's a selective noradrenergic AD. It is expensive,but wort the try. If you can't afford it, try Effexor in the higher doses (225mg+ a day). Another option is Wellbutrin. Also, if neither is helping your depression, you may try combining any AD with thyroxine, which is a thyroid hormone.
> >
> > Do you have any other disturbance in addition to depression ? Are you anxious ? Is you mood labile ? Persoality disorders ?
> >
> > Jimmy
> >
> >
> > > Do you know the generic (posh!!) name for Zoloft. I find all ssri's poop me out and cause constant tiredness... Would like to try one that gave me something more... does that make sense, and I've always been quite sensitive to amphets... hmmmmm
> > >
> > > Nikki
> > >
> > > > Hi Nikki,
> > > >
> > > > Effexor is a SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor), while Zoloft is a SSSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). This is of of course a lie. All SSRIs are also norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors to some (but not overwhelming) extent. Zoloft also has effects on dopamine, which are 1/3 of those of amphetamine ! So, now we know that nothing isreally "selective". However, Effexor acts far more than SSRIs or Norepinephrine. It is stroger than Remeron in this sense, somewhat weaker than Serzone, and much weaker than Edronax (a real noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor).
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > But Effexor is also an SSRI.. I am mon that, and smoke pot a fair amount...
> > > > >
Posted by hash on April 17, 2001, at 19:40:27
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana » hash, posted by Wendy B on April 14, 2001, at 8:22:53
> Hey Hash!
> What have you been up to these days, and how are you feeling since you first posted? Please bring us up to date, and hope you're going to have a nice Easter (if you celebrate it...)
> Warm regards,
> Wendy
>
>
Hey everyone, well I stopped taking Zoloft about 7 days ago... I loose my temper alot quicker, I am very depressed all the time, think about suicide alot. But I've been thinking about depression, and life. One of the main reasons I got depressed was because I had no friends and was having a very hard time making them. Whenever someone comes up to me and starts to have a conversation with me, I start worrying severely about what my next words will be, will I sound cool, what will he/she think when I say this? I think I have a big fear of regection. I started thinking that maybe its the people around me rather than myself, maybe all of these people are assholes that make fun and attack every little thing someone does wrong. I think people get depressed for a reason, I think it means something needs to change. My life is really lame right now. I am only 15 once and if I continue going the rate im going now, I dont think I'll have any great childhood memories to look back on (my biggest fear). Life is of no value to me right now. I have to do something to change that.
I'm thinking about running away to california for the summer. In the movies cali seems to have alot of nice people that dont judge other people so quickly. Memphis tennessee is the exact opposite. Does this sound like a good idea? I mean if I am REALLY depressed here. Im having a really hard time, any advice you could give me on this subject?
Posted by hash on April 17, 2001, at 20:06:19
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by jimmygold70 on April 16, 2001, at 5:51:28
I left one thing out. I think if I get on an anti-depressant, and become happy with the life I live now, it will be cheating me out of a fun childhood and leave me with no great memories to look back on. I live with my step mom and dad, they tell me "You won't be anything in life if you don't work hard in school". We live in a pretty big house, but I hate it here, I don't think I have hated anything more than this place. They work on weekdays and weekends to add alittle bit more to this structure of wood and stone. All my step mom does when she gets home is sleep or read one of her lame love stories, I don't want to live like that, I want to live life on the edge. Is the purpose of life to succeed? Fuck money, it brings me no happiness. I work hard in school to come home and sit on my miserable ass. Fuck it ALL, I am so sick of my life right now.
Posted by stjames on April 17, 2001, at 22:09:38
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 17, 2001, at 20:06:19
> I left one thing out. I think if I get on an anti-depressant, and become happy with the life I live now, it will be cheating me out of a fun childhood and leave me with no great memories to look back on.
James here.....
Growing up is NOT about thinking about suicide. Fun is not about not being happy. Being "happy
with the life I live now" has nothing to do with cheating and everything to do with the way things should be.Don't cheat yourself out of a happy life.
j
Posted by Wendy B on April 18, 2001, at 0:59:02
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 17, 2001, at 20:06:19
Hey Hash,
I'm sorry things are feeling so bad for you right now. But, look, you know, you are a person with many talents (one is writing really well), & we're listening...
Anyway, I just want you to know we care & will keep writing to you, so dammit, don't give up on yourself or on us...
I think what James (StJames) is trying to say is: going on an antidepressant does not automatically make you a zombie. The purpose is to relieve the symptoms of your anxiety and depression, right? If one makes you feel out-of-it or fuzzy-headed, then it's not the right one.
As everyone on this board says, you have to be patient with the meds, and keep trying different ones till you get on the right one or combination. A pain in the ass, right? Yeah, but the alternatives are depression & suicidal thoughts, just what you're having right now. Try reading the meds part of the psychobabble bulletin board, see what others in the same boat as you are in have experienced. It ain't pretty, some of it.
Many of us have been hit hard by depression or social phobia, just like yourself. Use the term 'social phobia' on the search function, see how others have felt, learn how they got better. It may be some kind of solace to you just knowing that other people have been there, done that, got the t-shirt; some of them have had a very hard time with depression and with meds. Look at the meds >they< have taken, see if you can get your shrink to put you on something else if the Zoloft didn't work for you. It's not the drug for everybody, see:http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010411/msgs/59453.html
Your middle-teens should NOT be spent feeling the way you do right now, it's not exactly optimal functioning. You know that, otherwise you wouldn't write to the board.
I had so many thoughts like you are having right now when I was a teenager. I thought my parents were too focused on their house and their yard and their business friends, who I thought couldn't be their true friends 'cause they made them thru business. I still feel like that some of the time. As I got older & became a parent myself, I cut them a little more slack - you notice I say 'a little,' they still annoy the hell out of me more often than not. I still think their concerns are too much with what they >have< rather than what they >do< .
And I can totally relate to your wanting to live life on the edge... I wanted life to be wild, fun, dangerous, & pseudo-poetic, like something out of a Bruce Springsteen song (see, that dates me, yeah, I'm 40, but I still sing 'Born to Run,' as I scream down the highway in my car).
So you don't have to give up on your ideals, but it's also true you don't have to live life on a downer, either, like the one you're on right now. Smoking dope was & still is a way to self-medicate for a lot of people, including myself. Like the way other people use alcohol. It's not the only drug you could use to feel better is all I'm saying. If you can, try another anti-depressant, you may hit on one you can stand & makes you feel better.
Also, what did you think about our advice about getting a job? I still think it's a good way to slowly make friends, make some money, AND get out of the house (the 'structure of wood and stone' as you put it, I really like that!). It doesn't have to be you sitting there every day, feeling horrible... No way, man, don't do it.
Anyway, you have our support & even love,Wendy
> I left one thing out. I think if I get on an anti-depressant, and become happy with the life I live now, it will be cheating me out of a fun childhood and leave me with no great memories to look back on. I live with my step mom and dad, they tell me "You won't be anything in life if you don't work hard in school". We live in a pretty big house, but I hate it here, I don't think I have hated anything more than this place. They work on weekdays and weekends to add alittle bit more to this structure of wood and stone. All my step mom does when she gets home is sleep or read one of her lame love stories, I don't want to live like that, I want to live life on the edge. Is the purpose of life to succeed? Fuck money, it brings me no happiness. I work hard in school to come home and sit on my miserable ass. Fuck it ALL, I am so sick of my life right now.
Posted by mikes on April 18, 2001, at 16:17:22
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 17, 2001, at 20:06:19
Hash- I identified with you immediately after reading your posts. I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. I moved to Virginia from Connecticut at the end of 9th grade. I had quite a few good friends in Connecticut, but when I came to Virginia I hated it. To this day I have few friends. I blamed it on a number of things, including the reasons that you mentioned, but the real problem was that I was depressed. For my entire life. I was rarely sad or hopeless, but I didn’t enjoy many activities, and I was always tired, restless, anxious, and irritable. Despite this I was able to make very good friends in Connecticut. My sister, who is the opposite of me as far as depression goes, made the transition with ease. She made lots of friends within a few months. Anyway, I was always very shy and anxious in social situations. I also had a fear of rejection like you do. I didn’t realize I was depressed until the beginning of my senior year, after a summer of trying illicit drugs. So I tried St. John’s Wort and it worked amazingly. I wasn’t restless or anxious. I blossomed socially (with the friends I did have). I could start a conversation and make friends with almost anyone I met. I was so confident in social situations, it felt great. I was happy for the first time ever.
Unfortunately it stopped working very well after a month. So I experimented for a few more months with 5-HTP, with some success. But not enough. So I decided to get some prescription medication. I started zoloft 2.5 weeks ago. So far I don’t notice any mood elevation. I doubt it will kill your personality, it may make you less edgy though, if it works. If it makes you less social, it probably isn’t working. Individual medications only work for about 20-30% of people, you should keep experimenting. How long have you been on the Zoloft?
As for the marijuana, you should cut down on it right away. Try to stop for at least a week. It could interfere with the effectiveness of the antidepressant. I’m not saying this because I’m against drugs. I love weed (and ecstasy, opium, ghb, acid, nitrous….). But you should try to smoke as little as possible until you can find an antidepressant that works. Once you do, start smoking again and see how it makes you feel. That’s the only way to know for sure what effect smoking has on the effectiveness. If you have a hard time coming off the weed, try to get a little wellbutrin prescribed, that should make coming off a bit easier, no promises though.
Why will getting on an antidepressant cheat you out of fun childhood? I know I was resistant to starting an antidepressant, but not for that reason. Being happy with life is very fun, and it will give you plenty of great memories. Wouldn’t you like to be stoned all day? I know I would. Being on an antidepressant that works is like being slightly high all day. Especially compared to the feelings you have all day when you’re depressed.
Working hard in school is a good idea, but it’s extremely difficult to do when you have no motivation to do it. I never did my homework, but fortunately I was blessed with a good deal of intelligence, so I could still do very well in school. Getting rid of depression might help you do better in school. Stopping the weed will probably help too. At the very least, don't smoke the night before a test. When I smoke at night after I study for a test, I forget everything I studied. Maybe that doesn't happen for you, but at least try it once and see if you do better.
I used to agree with you completely about living life on the edge. I still haven’t come to the conclusion that that idea is wrong. Before last summer all I wanted was to not have a normal job. I wanted to run away and grow pot, or wander around europe working odd jobs, or just become a junkie, or be homeless somewhere. Running around europe would have been quite fun. But I changed my mind and decided that I wanted to become a neuropharmacologist or a psychiatrist. That way I can research ways to make myself (and hopefully other people) very happy. Much happier than living on the edge, however exciting that would be. I agree that money is kind of useless. There is no purpose to life. Life exists because of reproduction, I guess that is kind of the purpose. Sure it’s bullshit, but why go against it if it’s an enjoyable path to take.
I was thinking about running away permanently, not just for a summer. I don’t think you should do it. People are roughly the same everywhere.
However, maybe you should go away for the summer. To a camp, to a resort town to work, etc. You could find a lot of new friends; it would be a lot better than staying home for the summer.
Be happy that you discovered your depression early on. I have no doubts that you will be able to end it some time in the near future. Unfortunately I wasted three years of high school on depression before I came to terms with it. You have a lot of fun to look forward to. Don’t give up.
Posted by hash on April 18, 2001, at 20:00:59
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by mikes on April 18, 2001, at 16:17:22
> Hash- I identified with you immediately after reading your posts. I am 17 years old and a senior in high school. I moved to Virginia from Connecticut at the end of 9th grade. I had quite a few good friends in Connecticut, but when I came to Virginia I hated it. To this day I have few friends. I blamed it on a number of things, including the reasons that you mentioned, but the real problem was that I was depressed. For my entire life. I was rarely sad or hopeless, but I didn’t enjoy many activities, and I was always tired, restless, anxious, and irritable. Despite this I was able to make very good friends in Connecticut. My sister, who is the opposite of me as far as depression goes, made the transition with ease. She made lots of friends within a few months. Anyway, I was always very shy and anxious in social situations. I also had a fear of rejection like you do. I didn’t realize I was depressed until the beginning of my senior year, after a summer of trying illicit drugs. So I tried St. John’s Wort and it worked amazingly. I wasn’t restless or anxious. I blossomed socially (with the friends I did have). I could start a conversation and make friends with almost anyone I met. I was so confident in social situations, it felt great. I was happy for the first time ever.
>
> Unfortunately it stopped working very well after a month. So I experimented for a few more months with 5-HTP, with some success. But not enough. So I decided to get some prescription medication. I started zoloft 2.5 weeks ago. So far I don’t notice any mood elevation. I doubt it will kill your personality, it may make you less edgy though, if it works. If it makes you less social, it probably isn’t working. Individual medications only work for about 20-30% of people, you should keep experimenting. How long have you been on the Zoloft?
>
> As for the marijuana, you should cut down on it right away. Try to stop for at least a week. It could interfere with the effectiveness of the antidepressant. I’m not saying this because I’m against drugs. I love weed (and ecstasy, opium, ghb, acid, nitrous….). But you should try to smoke as little as possible until you can find an antidepressant that works. Once you do, start smoking again and see how it makes you feel. That’s the only way to know for sure what effect smoking has on the effectiveness. If you have a hard time coming off the weed, try to get a little wellbutrin prescribed, that should make coming off a bit easier, no promises though.
>
> Why will getting on an antidepressant cheat you out of fun childhood? I know I was resistant to starting an antidepressant, but not for that reason. Being happy with life is very fun, and it will give you plenty of great memories. Wouldn’t you like to be stoned all day? I know I would. Being on an antidepressant that works is like being slightly high all day. Especially compared to the feelings you have all day when you’re depressed.
>
> Working hard in school is a good idea, but it’s extremely difficult to do when you have no motivation to do it. I never did my homework, but fortunately I was blessed with a good deal of intelligence, so I could still do very well in school. Getting rid of depression might help you do better in school. Stopping the weed will probably help too. At the very least, don't smoke the night before a test. When I smoke at night after I study for a test, I forget everything I studied. Maybe that doesn't happen for you, but at least try it once and see if you do better.
>
> I used to agree with you completely about living life on the edge. I still haven’t come to the conclusion that that idea is wrong. Before last summer all I wanted was to not have a normal job. I wanted to run away and grow pot, or wander around europe working odd jobs, or just become a junkie, or be homeless somewhere. Running around europe would have been quite fun. But I changed my mind and decided that I wanted to become a neuropharmacologist or a psychiatrist. That way I can research ways to make myself (and hopefully other people) very happy. Much happier than living on the edge, however exciting that would be. I agree that money is kind of useless. There is no purpose to life. Life exists because of reproduction, I guess that is kind of the purpose. Sure it’s bullshit, but why go against it if it’s an enjoyable path to take.
>
> I was thinking about running away permanently, not just for a summer. I don’t think you should do it. People are roughly the same everywhere.
>
> However, maybe you should go away for the summer. To a camp, to a resort town to work, etc. You could find a lot of new friends; it would be a lot better than staying home for the summer.
>
> Be happy that you discovered your depression early on. I have no doubts that you will be able to end it some time in the near future. Unfortunately I wasted three years of high school on depression before I came to terms with it. You have a lot of fun to look forward to. Don’t give up.What is St. John’s Wort and 5-HTP? I was taking Zoloft for close to a month, at first I saw a change, things would slide off my back alot easier and I would just forget about stuff that would make me depressed. But then the personality thing came along, and I blamed it on Zoloft. Maybe I shouldntve but eather way it wasn't helping my social problems. Plus it made me sweat so bad I woke up every morning thinking I pissed all over myself. I stopped taking it about 8 days ago. My dad is on Paxil, he says that it has helped him with socialization. Is Paxil supposed to help you with this sort of thing? I havn't smoked any weed sense last friday, but I have to this friday, its tradition ;). I used to smoke everyday in the bathrooms at school, not a good idea...
I said it would cheat me out of a fun childhood because I'm thinking if I become happy with this lame ass life I am living now, I will start to think that this life is fun, when I could actually be having a much more fun life. Anyways, thanks for the post dude, I really appreciate your help.
Posted by mikes on April 20, 2001, at 0:07:56
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 18, 2001, at 20:00:59
St. John's Wort is an herbal, over the counter antidepressant. 5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin, sometimes it can work as an antidepressant. Don't take either of these things without telling your doctor first. And if you're seeing a regular doc, not a psychiatrist, you should see a psychiatrist. They are much more knowledgable about depression.
It sounds like zoloft was working for you. Why not try another drug and see if it works without killing your personality? Paxil is supposed to help you be more social.
Yeah, I think every smoker there is including me will be rolling a fat one on friday. If you get caught in the bathroom at my school, you get expelled. I don't know what happens at yours. I smoked in the bathroom once, but never again after that.
Everything is relative. You can see the life you have now as good or bad. Aren't there any happy people in the place that you live? Don't you wish you could be happy?
I can't really say for sure that living a normal life would be more fun than living on the edge. But doing drugs is enough of the edge for me. I think you should try a few more antidepressants, and if you still aren't satisfied, then you can consider other options. What exactly did you want to do?
>
> What is St. John’s Wort and 5-HTP? I was taking Zoloft for close to a month, at first I saw a change, things would slide off my back alot easier and I would just forget about stuff that would make me depressed. But then the personality thing came along, and I blamed it on Zoloft. Maybe I shouldntve but eather way it wasn't helping my social problems. Plus it made me sweat so bad I woke up every morning thinking I pissed all over myself. I stopped taking it about 8 days ago. My dad is on Paxil, he says that it has helped him with socialization. Is Paxil supposed to help you with this sort of thing? I havn't smoked any weed sense last friday, but I have to this friday, its tradition ;). I used to smoke everyday in the bathrooms at school, not a good idea...
> I said it would cheat me out of a fun childhood because I'm thinking if I become happy with this lame ass life I am living now, I will start to think that this life is fun, when I could actually be having a much more fun life. Anyways, thanks for the post dude, I really appreciate your help.
Posted by cole on April 20, 2001, at 14:40:22
In reply to Re: Zoloft Marijuana, posted by hash on April 18, 2001, at 20:00:59
hash,
I can also relate, but I'm a little older-- 23 now. I was _extremely_ depressed in high school. Here's my take on the AD issue-- antidepressants won't make you sit back drooling, blindly accepting the world around your for what it is. For me it's the exact opposite. It took me until last year to find the right med (I was diagnosed with depression in 1990!!) but once I did, I've been able to do some amazing stuff. Sure, I went to college, and double majored, and worked in mental health, but being depressed made me more likely to accept things as they were. As my depression began to lift I discovered an amazing source of motivation within myself, and now I'm a post-bacc premed student, earning A's. An antidepressant can give you the strength to actually give a damn about what is going on around you, and to work on yourself instead of getting high or loaded to forget about the crash course upon which you are letting your depression lead you. I can speak from experience: I didn't do much drinking or drug use in HS, but when I got to college I was pretty much stoned or drunk every night. I made friends, worked, and graduated but I could have accompish much more-- better grades :) if I had proper treatment for my depression. Running away to cali isn't going to solve your problems.
As a person living on the west coast, I'll support the statement that people are generally the same wherever you go. I may be a jaded northwesterner, but I've found a portion of people from california (mostly southern)to be rather superficial. It's a generalization,and I know I'll get roasted on that one, but hey maybe it's just the folks that come vacationing up here.
I can't help it, I was raised with the Oregon/Washington "thanks for visiting but please don't stay" attitude. Anyways, I don't know if my rambling makes any sense, but you need to get better before you can write off everything around you. Sometimes things aren't exactly what they seem. Good luck, and happy 4/20 but keep this in mind: pot can really keep you passive.
cole
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