Weight Gain with Zoloft

I take 100 mg generic zoloft 1x daily. I have noticed weight gain ever since my dosage was increased from 50 mg to 100 mg. Is this normal? Is there something I can do to make it stop? I eat well and exercise, but I'm not seeing any results even with increased awareness of what I eat and longer exercise bouts. I also have a history of thyroid disorders in my family so I'm thinking that might be the problem as well. Please help!

[mammo]

Hi.  Weight gain is not a normal side effect of Zoloft or it's generic form Sertraline. I would definitely see an Endocrinologist to rule out thyroid problems.  Take care.

[greenlydia]

Zoloft is frequently requested by women BECAUSE of it's weight loss side effect. I've been on Zoloft nearly a year and have lost almost 15 pounds, but I still eat like a mad cow!

While I think it's important to have your thyroid checked, I don't think it's necessary to see a specialist just yet. Your GP can order simple blood tests that will indicate to him/her if a specialist is needed. The TSH test is often the test of choice for evaluating thyroid function and/or symptoms of hyper- or hypothyroidism. It is frequently ordered along with or preceding a T4 test. Other thyroid tests that may be ordered include a T3 test and thyroid antibodies (if autoimmune-related thyroid disease is suspected).
Peace
Greenlydia

[mammo]

Speaking from my own experience, I would not trust your GP to read your thyroid tests correctly.  They look at the normal range, and your number may fall very high within the normal range or very low, and a GP will consider this "normal."  An Endo will look at this and take your symptoms into consideration and make a determination.  My GP tested me 3 times with each test showing "normal" finally he referred me to an Endo who in his words "is able to order a more precise test that he couldn't."  I tested hypo, and take medication for it.  An Endo will check your entire endocrine system which doesn't hurt to have done.  I stick with doctors who are spcialized in a particular field.  A GP can diagnose depression/anxiety and prescribe anxiety and depression medications, but this isn't their specialty.  You want a psychiatrist who is the most knowlegable in this field. Good luck, I hope you get some answers.

[greenlydia]

My GP took one look at my EKG, which showed only a minor blip in rhythm, but she knew to send me to a cardiologist.
Perhaps YOUR GP wasn't the brightest crayon in the carton, three tries and he still got it wrong! Yikes. Hope you have a new doctor. LOL
As you said, that was YOUR experience. To make a statement that GPs should NOT be trusted to read thyroid tests correctly is a rather naive statement as well as being unfairly broad.
Is it cold back there in Iowa, mammo? I hear some of you folks have a lot of snow! Sure hope you're staying warm and cozy!