Would love some advice please!

Posted , 3 users are following.

I am a 22 year old male and a couple of years ago I was diagnosed with PTSD and OCD. At the time I was hospitalized for a short period of time but they put me on far too many medications at once; Zoloft, Klonopin, Ambien, and Abilify taken throughout the day every day. I essentially became a zombie and had to eventually stop taking them.

A couple of weeks ago my symptoms came back full swing; intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, etc. My new doctor is taking a different approach and just wants me on Zoloft. A little over a week ago I started on 50mg a day and he just upped this to 100mg since I haven't had any nausea or physical symptoms yet other than mild grogginess. He also has me taking 0.25mg of Klonopin a day to help my anxiety before the Zoloft really starts to work which is still a few weeks away most likely. I can take an additional 0.25mg of Klonopin as needed each day if I get severe anxiety.

Has anyone ever taken these together? I am just afraid because Klonopin can be addictive... I know it's only temporary but I'm still a bit scared. My anxiety has been terrible the last couple of days in particular and I'm really trying to stay positive and keep going because I know Zoloft can take weeks to months to really be effective.

I also have learned drinking is just not going to be in the picture while on these medications. I drank quite a bit to try to feel 'normal' over the long New Year's weekend and that's when my anxiety got worse... It's now been about 36 hours since my last drink and I'm trying to chug along and detox my system so that the medications can work properly.

Just feeling down overall and any advice or comments would help.

-Ty

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Ty,

    Yes! These 2 work very well together. I started Zoloft but was in such bad shape with anxiety that I went to ER (in the States, it's Emergency Room) with tears running down my face and one of my legs couldn't stop shaking and they shot me up with Ativan, which is also a benzo like Klonopin. Zoloft takes an awfully long, long time to work, but unlike Zoloft, benzo is fast-activing. But like you said there's the addictive quality of benzo and benzo only lasts in your system for a short time so that's why sometimes you have to take a couple of them a day.  

    Yes - don't drink. I have drank before when I was on z when I was doing very well (hardly any symptoms) and even then it always gave me an ugly headache after I drank and the next day, so nowadays I don't drink at all.

    Because of this illness I have even started reading how certains foods can help with increasing your serotonin levels and vitamins (B and B Complex).

    Hang in there! It will get better.

    • Posted

      Wow, thank you SO MUCH. This made me feel better... I will be sure to take the Klonopin a couple times a day if I need to until the Zoloft really kicks in. I'm going to stick to it this time now that I'm not on so many medications at once!

      Thank you!

    • Posted

      You're welcome. Just paying it forward and we are all in this together. You are so young. I had my first big official attack in sophomore year in college so I had been living with this for 2 decades now. I am 43. Looking back, I regretted not having the guts to do CBT when I was younger, I was always so scared it would make my condition worst, but this recent attack was a real bad one so I made an appointment with psychologist to explore it. So if I can suggest something to you from my regret, you may also want to look into CBT or talk therapy. I recently started wondering if my attack would had been less severe had gone done CBT, mindfulness, etc. And do not self-medicate and try to reduce stress. Stay strong,

    • Posted

      I meant, I wonder if my recent attack had been less severe had I gone and done CBT...
    • Posted

      My first 'attack' was my junior year of college and I went to a stress center for 9 days where I underwent CBT and I also did group therapy for months afterwards. It helped me to more understand where my PTSD and OCD come from. My recent anxiety and smaller 'attacks' have primarily been my own fault as I quit taking medications because I felt better. I am going to stick to it this time! I just finished my bachelor's degree and I need to start living life!!

      I recommend CBT. It can be beneficial.

    • Posted

      Congrats on getting your degree!

      At one point in college, I didn't think I would even graduate. Or survive. smile

      Yep, same with me about quitting med. Each time I got better I quit my meds, at first I went cold turkeys a couple of times and then I slowly tapered off and then after my 2013 attack I decided that I would NEVER get off meds again but then in 2016 I reduced my dosage on my own (right before I went on a big vacation and during a very stressful time!) and obviously 25mg of expired sertraline wasn't cutting it. I recently got back on it and right now at 100mg daily. Also, I got a psychiatrist for med management (not going to reduce my dosage on my own anymore - EVER!) and my first therapist appt in 2 weeks, where I'm going to discuss CBT with him. If it doesn't help, at least I cope it doesn't worsen my condition. smile Prayer sent and fingers crossed.

    • Posted

      Wow we have such similar college experiences despite our age difference. I too am trying to get back into therapy. My family physician is the one able to prescribe me Zoloft and Klonopin for the time being. I will be thinking of you! Knowing there is at least one person out there that understands what this is like is enough to help me!
  • Posted

    Hi Ty,

    I can't help with any medication advice but totally understand feeling low, I always jogged on as I felt no one was interested, plus everyone has their own problems, so who would be interested in mine. I had CBT for 6 months, I hated admitting I needed help, I hated my therapist and I hated every minute of CBT, but it helped me enourmously, so much so in fact, that I have been advised by my doctor to have some more. Keep your chin up lovely, wishing you strength and sending you my best wishes. I hope you get the advice you need and will be keeping a check. Look after yourself. xx

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