Has anyone else dealt with intense drowsiness right when they first started on Zoloft? If someone is reacting this way, would it be a smart move to take Xanax to counteract the sleepiness, or is it better to just push through and let those initial side effects settle down?
I’ve been reading that Cipramex can be pretty rough on the stomach, but is it possible for it to start causing issues only after two months of use? I’m starting to deal with some stomach pains lately...
slysurfer14 said:Like I said in my earlier posts... The Social Security Administration... You grab the application forms online and submit them to the SSA along with all your medical records. Then you'll get a summons, and you'll have to show up before a board with your original documents... If you're looking for actual benefits, you'd probably need a much higher disability rating, which I doubt you'll get...
But isn't that essentially the same process as filing for physical impairment? It seems the only difference is the type of application used, yet they both go to the same office. I assumed they were identical, but it just clicked for me today—I actually need to file for disability.
Hi everyone, I’m looking for some guidance. To give you the short version, I’ve been dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve already been assessed with a 30% physical impairment rating, but honestly, the atlantoaxial subluxation is causing more issues than the actual arthritis itself. What I’m trying to figure out is how the disability percentage is actually determined, because from what I can gather, the process isn't quite the same. Apparently, having an official disability status offers more significant benefits than just a standard physical impairment rating. I’m not looking to change jobs or retire early; I just want to understand the specifics of disability status, whether I qualify for it, and where exactly I would need to file the application.
It hasn't really kicked in for me yet. I'm still feeling pretty anxious and on edge—just constant aches and pains. There are moments when I honestly wonder if this can even help, since the thoughts don't just disappear, right?
And I'm just praying it doesn't cause weight gain. I've noticed the scale creeping up a bit these last few days, and now I'm sitting here wondering... hopefully, it isn't because of the medication.
redranger2 said:It pulled me out of my depression, but more importantly, it quelled just about every kind of fear I had. I won't pretend those anxieties have completely vanished from my mind, but now I actually have the capacity to deal with them. I struggle with hypochondria, social phobia, and panic attacks myself. Personally, I found the brand-name medication significantly more effective than the generic; I could tell the difference quite clearly while I was taking both. As far as weight gain and libido go, this didn't touch those areas, though I did end up gaining weight from an antipsychotic that was prescribed to handle my stubborn insomnia. I put on 37 pounds on Vair. It’s absolutely infuriating. 😁
I'm also hoping this anxiety eventually fades, though I realize that until I change my own mindset, even medication can only do so much. My doctor told me to take half a pill for the first week before moving up to a full dose. I've been doing halves for three days now—is it really necessary to wait the full seven days, or can I switch to the full tablet sooner since I haven't noticed any side effects? Also, how long does it typically take to kick in? Two or three weeks?
I assume when the milder meds don't touch those severe bouts of insomnia, they move you toward antipsychotics?
redranger2 said:I’ve been on it for six years now, and frankly, it saved me. The side effects are negligible—just some mild nausea, dizziness, and yawning, and that’s about the extent of it.🙂
Lexapro isn't covered by insurance, costing about $20 per box. You can opt for generics like Elicea or Citram, which are usually covered without an issue.
Yeah, I paid for it. $20What ended up helping you the most? My main issue is health anxiety—just constant worrying about my physical state, which triggers these waves of fear and eventually spirals into depression. I’m worried that I might need urgent psychotherapy, but the kind of intensive support you actually need is almost impossible to find at a local clinic. Is this original formula better than the generic version? Also, did you notice any impact on weight gain or libido?
Hi everyone, I just got prescribed Lexapro. Does anyone have any thoughts on it? I’m already having those doubts—wondering if I actually need to take it or not. Do you guys ever have those days where it feels like the meds aren't even necessary? Also, does it actually help with the cost?
There are a few options out there. Just make sure to tell your psychiatrist if side effects are bothering you.
Could you list which ones they are? My main issue is that I don't fully trust the process yet. They've misdiagnosed me before, and since I don't see anyone privately, I'm worried they might just throw a heavy-duty prescription at me. I've noticed some people being put on antipsychotics...
I have a checkup scheduled for next week. I’m planning to ask my doctor about > instead of >. I see some of you mentioning Faverin; I know everyone reacts differently, but does anyone have a recommendation for something that handles depression, anxiety, and health anxiety without killing my libido? (Maybe I'm asking for too much, haha.) Since I'm seeing a private specialist, I want to be as prepared as possible.
Michelle Kelly4 said:It’s definitely worth seeing a private specialist. You can get a full hour of their undivided attention, which really helps... though you'll still need the meds to back it up
I suppose so, but the cost is going to be pretty steep. Plus, you'd likely need to go at least twice a month. Is it even okay to talk about prices here? I'm genuinely curious what the average rate looks like these days.
Michael Hill2 said:Fevarin, plus you definitely need to look into CBT.🙂
Could you please explain what this therapy actually entails? Everything is still very new to me, and I've been struggling with this for a long time—things have honestly just gone downhill lately. The last time I saw a psychiatrist, the whole thing lasted maybe ten minutes before they just handed me Zoloft. I haven't been back since.
Hey everyone, I’m looking for some advice here. I think my main issue is this massive, overwhelming health anxiety that keeps spiraling into depression. It really started after losing people close to me. I was on Zoloft before, but honestly, I didn't feel much of a difference—though, to be fair, my health anxiety is pretty intense—and the hit to my libido was just terrible. I’ve heard that Lexapro might be one of the better options out there. Does anyone have recommendations for an antidepressant that actually works for these kinds of symptoms without completely killing my sex drive? My husband is being pretty skeptical too; he keeps asking why I even need "that chemical stuff" when I'm already feeling like a zombie. I stopped taking the Zoloft about a month ago. I was doing alright until I started noticing some muscle twitching, and ever since then, I’ve been a nervous wreck. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist in a few days, and she’ll likely suggest switching to a different medication, so I’d love to hear your thoughts or any suggestions you might have. Also, if anyone here has successfully managed to break free from these obsessive fears about illness or constant anxiety, please share your advice. I’d really appreciate it.
Michael Diaz4 said:It’s a good thing you went to see the doctor. Now you don't have to worry, because I trust they gave you an accurate diagnosis. This looks like a classic case of hemorrhoids just starting up. You probably didn't notice anything with your bowel movements before, but it's actually very common to see some mucus when you're dealing with harder stools. It’s perfectly normal and has nothing to do with cancer—I think I mentioned that already. That blood? That's from the hemorrhoids. Just apply some Faktu, watch your diet, and for heaven's sake, DO NOT hold it in. Let things happen naturally without straining. Also, this is crucial: stop sitting on the toilet for ages. It’s terrible for hemorrhoids. Don't bring your newspaper, magazines, or books in there with you. The sooner you finish without pushing, the better. Watch what you eat, obviously, and make sure hygiene is your top priority. Don't just rely on toilet paper; make sure to wash up, and things should settle down. Once everything is under control, maybe ask your doctor about non-invasive ways to fix this for good if they keep bothering you. Good luck, and try not to stress. You just convinced yourself it was cancer. Bye, and good luck again.🙂
It’s possible that has been happening for a while too, but I honestly hadn't noticed. What really spooked me, though, was the fact that it was bloody mucus. From what I've been reading, that isn't exactly common with hemorrhoids, even if it does happen occasionally.
Michael Diaz4 said:Mucus can happen—it's just something the anal glands produce... As for the Fact, it’ll probably just leave your underwear feeling a bit greasy... You shouldn't have any issues with Fact... Don't worry, everything is fine, but go see a doctor so they can take a look and give you some peace of mind...
So, I went to my primary care physician. She took a look and said it looks like hemorrhoids, nothing else for now, and handed me some Fact ointment. Today, though, there was a tiny bit of bright red blood mixed with mucus when I had a bowel movement—and that was even when things were on the harder side. When it’s soft, there’s no mucus. I’m still terrified it might be something more serious; I’m just praying to God it’s just the hemorrhoids. Did you ever deal with symptoms like this?
Michael Diaz4 said:It sounds like a textbook case, and I'm sure your doctor already confirmed they're hemorrhoids... Just try not to strain, because that'll only make things worse... It isn't dangerous, but you should definitely have a professional take a close look at it just to be sure...
I've been using some Fact ointment for a few days, but could that actually be causing more mucus? Do you really think this is just a standard case of hemorrhoids? It’s honestly terrifying when you start to panic. P.S. Thanks for the replies
Michael Diaz4 said:Hold on, don't panic... What's actually going on with your bowel movements? From what I gather, you're dealing with some constipation and a little bit of mucus. That sounds like a textbook case of constipation to me. There’s really no reason to freak out; mucus often shows up during constipation because those lubricating glands are trying to help ease the passage. Honestly, almost everyone deals with constipation and seeing a bit of mucus at that moment. Just watch your diet, get your digestion back on track, and things should settle down. If you want total peace of mind, though, go see a doctor the day after tomorrow to have them take a look. Don't stress about it.☕
No, it’s not constipation. It’s more that I’m running to the bathroom constantly because of nausea and nerves, and then I end up straining. Basically, there’s some mucus in my stool, and I’ve noticed a little bit of light blood—twice now—on it. I don't have diarrhea; the stool itself looks normal otherwise. On the day this all started, I could feel a sort of lump, which I assume was a hemorrhoid. Now, I’m dealing with this slight itching, and I can actually feel those protrusions. Could this all be coming from hemorrhoids?
Michael Diaz4 said:Come on, don't be like that... Where on earth are you getting cancer from? What did your doctor actually tell you during your visit? Just go get a more thorough look at it... If you can't even pass stool because of hemorrhoids, you’d have to be at an advanced stage with prolapse... Don't be afraid to get checked out; they'll give you a treatment plan...
One doctor says it's just hemorrhoids, but my GP wants me to monitor it because it could be colitis. I'm spiraling this morning—I saw these dark, crumb-like bits in my stool, little strips of all different shapes, not round at all. I read online that bleeding can sometimes show up as black specks in the stool. Could this be that? I'm going to lose my mind waiting until Monday if anyone knows anything, please. I had bloodwork done about a week ago, and my hemoglobin was low—lower than usual. That's likely why it was noticed.
Michael Diaz4 said:What's the worst part? It’s not about being dramatic; it’s just important to get your digestion under control so you aren't straining... And go see a doctor to have them take a look and figure out a treatment plan...
But could these be symptoms of hemorrhoids? I'm terrified it might be cancer.