Hello everybody,
Today, I'll discuss a depression update. Previously, I was on Busbar and Hydroxazine, but there have been some changes. I want to share what happened and the current situation.
I used to take Busbar and Hydroxazine. The Hydroxyzine dosage was "as needed" at 10 milligrams, allowing up to six times a day. However, I rarely took it more than once a day, typically two to three times a week. Over time, I began to dislike it. Every time I consumed it, it made me so tired that I felt compelled to nap. I couldn't use it at work, and it felt unsafe to take before driving. Every subsequent dose intensified its subdued effect, leaving me feeling off the next day.
Busbar, on the other hand, was 15 milligrams daily. My doctor had mentioned it was a low dose. For a while, it worked wonderfully. Then suddenly, it stopped being effective. This coincided with some personal challenges: my son's unexpected diagnosis and a minor disagreement with my boyfriend. These events, among others, made me feel so low that I struggled to get out of bed. I even began to resent my job, which I used to love, and felt constantly tired with zero motivation. One peculiar side effect of Busbar was that it seemed to prevent me from crying. It felt as though I couldn't genuinely experience my emotions.
Seeking a solution, I consulted another doctor. She evaluated my entire health profile and asked about Hydroxyzine's effects on me. When I shared my experience, she linked its effects to my low blood pressure and the fact that I have lupus nephritis, a kidney disease. The medication I take for this condition further lowers my blood pressure, and Hydroxyzine can compound this issue. Recognizing this, she advised me to stop taking Hydroxyzine.
Regarding Busbar, while I was initially told I was on a low dose, this doctor believed it to be a high dose. She suggested combining it with Zoloft might yield better results, but she wasn't comfortable with me taking it alone given my symptoms. Consequently, she started me on 25 milligrams of Zoloft, hinting at possibly increasing the dose after assessing its effects. Since starting Zoloft, my ability to cry returned, which was a relief, though it sometimes feels excessive.
She also introduced me to cross titrating: decreasing one medication while increasing another. In line with this, she had me retain Busbar for days with intense anxiety, using it alongside a base dose of Zoloft. I'll be meeting her again in two weeks to discuss the results.
With the introduction of Zoloft, there were some side effects like upset stomach, but they were short-lived. A pleasant side effect is that I've been sleeping remarkably well, far better than with Busbar. However, I do feel more tired by day's end.
This medication journey is accompanied by therapy sessions, which have been invaluable. Since moving, I've been confronting and processing old memories, and therapy offers guidance through this. Additionally, my life post-divorce has been a whirlwind. I've been working hard to establish stability for my child and grow my online presence on platforms like YouTube and Etsy. Now, settled in a place I want to be, I've allowed myself to slow down and process things, which feels therapeutic.
Lastly, a gentle reminder to everyone: if your medication isn't working or stops being effective, consult your healthcare provider. As for me, I'm giving Zoloft a chance. I'd also appreciate any feedback or questions about my experience, depression, lupus, or just general queries. You can ask them here or DM me on Instagram. I plan to compile these questions for a Q&A session.
Thank you for staying updated on my journey, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Take care.
Author: Garrett Campbell