- Date posted
- 2y
SSRI (Asentra/Zoloft) side effects.
I have a severe emotional contamination ocd. 13 years ago I was on Zoloft. It helped. When I stopped, the OCD got so bad with each year that I wasn't able to function normally. After 7 years without medication, I started with Asentra again. Asentra is like Zoloft. It helps a lot with anxiety, helps me calm my overactive brain from thinking and worrying constantly. Even helps me cheat with my compulsions. I am not such a strict and rigid perfectionist any more. I can't imagine my life without the help from medication any more. Hadn't I started with the SSRI again last October, I don't think I would have made it till today. I would not be alive today. But both times, there are severe side effects. I feel like hypnotized all the time. My head feels like in a cloud. There is this pressure like someone was holding my head with their hands. I find it hard to motivate myself to start an activity or even housework. I have trouble focusing. If I have an appointment or meeting at a certain time, I am always on the brink of being late. I make it in time, but at the last second.I hate that. That's not me. I can't make myself go to bed and fall asleep. Since I've been on 100mg, I've had many nights when I didn't fall asleep at all. My doctor gave me another medication, Kventiax, which is antipsychotic, but in very low dose helps with sleeping problems. I only took it before sleep 4 times. Which makes only 2 pills of the lowest dosage. I fell asleep,even remembered some vivid dreams, but the following day I couldn't keep my eyes open. Every time I made at least 1 day break between taking the sleeping pills, every time the same. If I had to go to work the next day, I would get fired for not being able to function properly. If I don't take the pill, I don't sleep. If I on purpose leave out and not drink Zoloft on a day, that night I go to sleep much earlier and sleep ok even without Kventiax . But the next day, OCD gets stronger. Both times, last time, years ago and again now I have gained weight since taking Asentra = Zoloft. I just 6 months I gained 10kg. I don't sleep, I am exhausted, when I am tired instead of going to bed and sleep or prepare a nice meal for myself, I can't move and just eat tons of sweets. How can I stop this vicious circle? My doctor is not very cooperative. I see her only 1x in a month and a half. In between meetings, I am not supposed to bother her unless I feel suicidal. I haven't slept in almost 2 months, have gained 10kg, am exhausted to the point I don't know how to function anymore, but when I told my doctor, she gave me the sleeping pills and that is all. She mentioned another medication as a possible alternative for Zoloft, but it is not being manufactured any longer. I sent her an email, told her that, asked if we could try sth else, but as usual, no answer from her.It's been over 3 weeks. I need to wait till 8.May 23, when I have the next meeting with her. Even then I know she won't do anything to help. There are only 2 psychiatrists around here and the other one is full. I can't live without medication. But it is almost impossible to function when I am on it. IS THERE SOMEONE HERE WHO COULD GIVE ADVICE WHAT TO DO? IS THERE ANOTHER MEDICATION, THAT DOES NOT CAUSE INCREASING THE WISH FOR BINGE SWEETS EATING (WHEN NOT ON ASENTRA, I COULD GO DAYS WITHOUT TOUCHING ANYTHING SWEET), DOES NOT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN, INSOMNIA AND DOES NOT CAUSE BRAIN FOG? THANKS IN ADVANCE.