Headache and temperature related to Zoloft

[Big Bob]

I am a 76 year old male in excellent health. For the first time in my life,as a result of back surgery and my bladder shutting down for two weeks I was diagnosed with depression and my MD prescribed 50 mg Zoloft.  I took it for 7 weeks and then tapered off for a week.  At the onset of starting Zoloft I had a pressure in my head (and slight discomfort), accompanied by a one degree temperature (99.5) in the afternoon (I would wake up in the morning with very little discomfort and no temperature). I returned to my MD and he prescribed an anti-biotic and clarinex for a sinus infection.  There was no result so he scheduled a CAT scan of my brain.  That turned out negative (no abnormalities).  Now he has scheduled me to see a Neurologist in December.  This was done by phone so I didn't have an opportunity to ask any questions.  I am three weeks from my last dose of Zoloft.  The discomfort and temperature still persist.  Is there a possibility that this discomfort that started with the onset of Zoloft could STILL be a part of the Zoloft withdrawal?  I have scheduled an appoinment with my MD to ask more questions.  Thank you for your assistance

[Big Bob]

Thank you for your comment.  As a result I have made an appointment with an Opthomologist.  It's been a month now since I last took Zoloft and the feeling in my head is still there.  From what you say, I would guess my problem is not nearly as serious as yours.  I hope the problem is Zoloft withdrawal but my family doctor was skeptical.  Good luck and thanks again.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

It's very unlikely to have the side effects and the withdrawal effects the same.  Usually the tapering off period goes three weeks, but from your account it sounds like you didn't not have any aggravated withdrawal symptoms, so again its unlikely that Zoloft is the cause.

[CraftyCrazy]

From a current fellow sufferer of Zoloft withdrawals, I can totally relate.  My complaint of headaches lead my MD to schedule a CAT scan which proved negative; the pressure in my head lead my allergist to increase dosages on my weekly shots -- nothing; the strain and pull in the muscle behind one of my eyes has lead my opthomologist to refer me to a specialist for strabismus.  I go on Tuesday but still believe, after telling each and every doctor, that my symptoms of dizziness, nausea, headaches, temperature fluctuations, eye strain and many other problems are related to tapering off of Zoloft.

I can't answer your question from a medical standpoint but I would definitely bring plenty of print outs from here as well as other sources on the web backing up your complaints when you see your MD.  I know I'll be doing just that when I go next week.

Good luck.