NikkiB's new thread, new life

[DonH]

Wow, there are a lot of questions in there. I'll try to answer them in order.

As for the degenerative problems along with steroids and such, that unfortunatly is going to be a bit out of my relm. As a paramedic I have a pretty good knowledge but on a limited amount of topics. You'll have to speak to a real doctor to get sound advice on these.

I would still guess that they gave you some IV Ativan in the ED. That certainly would have been appropriate. I can only guess though. Yes, it will help you to sleep. Ativan is a lot like Valium. Perhaps that might help you to understand it more since Valium is more commenly known to people. It is a schedule IV controlled subsance meaning that it has a pretty low abuse potential but is still habit forming enough to be a contolled substance. That is why they don't want to keep you on these over the long term. The drill is to use them until something like Wellbutrin or Zoloft can take effect and then stop the Ativan or use it just for attacks which would mean getting 30 or 60 of them a year. The last thing you want to do is become dependend on a medication on top of everything else.

You are correct with the side effect issues. From what I understand, the side effects that you mention are much worse with Zoloft. People seem to find that the sexual issues and weight gain are not nearly as bad with Wellbutrin. It has to do with the make up of the drug itself. Wellbutrin has norepenehrine and dopamine effects where Zolft does not. Norepenehrine could actually make you a bit hyper at first but it is because of this added energy that weight gain may not be a problem for you.

Have you ever had your blood tested for a estrogen or testostorone level? I'm again on the frinde of my understanding here but your lack of desire could again be a chemical issue that can be corrected. It could also be related to other medications you may be taking.

The best advice that I can give you on all of this is to find a very good and understanding doc that you can work through all of these items with. Someone who will take the time to listen to you, be willing to try different things until you find something that works and be willing to keep at it. Then you have to do your part which will include TAKING THE MEDICATION and also learning as much about your condition, the medications and getting better as you can.

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

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