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Lee's avatar

Oh, Kim, I’ve never heard anyone else talk about having such a similar experience as I did. For me, it all seemed to start with Zoloft, which was prescribed for menopausal and work-related anxiety. Within about 6 weeks, I wasn’t remembering details of my cases (I was a lawyer in child protection), and I had to write everything down and make notes of what to say in court. I went off the Zoloft as soon as I realized, but it didn’t improve. At times, I would have a perfectly blank brain for a few panicky moments. The biggest problem that has persisted is word-finding.

I tried edibles during knee replacement recovery and found most of them too activating. I sometimes take one quarter of a Benadryl dose. Anything more makes me too hungover the next day. I don’t take it more than twice a week. Usually reading for 30 minutes or so will work in the night to get back to sleep. And I’m on an estradiol patch, which helps.

I hope things get better.

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

Hi -- I’m a fan of yours since I read your book last month. I relate to a lot of what you describe, since I’m 54 and about a year past menopause, and I’ve extended my dry Jan into Feb because any drinking at home sabotages my sleep.

What works for me is:

-hormone replacement therapy (low dose estrogen + progesterone) has made me feel noticeably better in the past six months.

- I don’t take gummies but 3mg melatonin at night helps me sleep through (I used to have awful insomnia, awake 2-5 am, along with anxiety).

- As for reading & scrolling, I made a conscious shift over a year ago when I became a morning reader. I pick up my book and coffee and don’t get on my phone until a half hour or so of reading. This routine became my new norm, and I love it. It allows me to read at least two books/month.

- As for TV watching, I try to keep my phone out of reach. If the show doesn’t hold my attention and I feel the need to scroll, then I give up on the TV show. But I’m watching great series like the 5th season of Fargo, so I actually forget about my phone.

The fact you did dry January--and wrote a book!!-- means you CAN change phone habits.

Grateful to connect with you here.

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