Reversing the side effects of Zoloft

[beaniesbaby]

I was put on the anti-depressant Zoloft in July of 2001; I was given a 100 mg per day prescription, which I later found out was a very high dosage.  When I went back to the loony navy doctor in September and wanted to wean myself off the drug, he suggested we double the dosage.  It was at this time that I quit taking the zoloft.  I did not need it anymore and I still don't.   The problem I have is that I gained nearly 30 pounds after quitting the drug and also developed serious digestive and intestinal problems.  They have not gone away and though I exercise intensely 3 to 5 times a week and eat well, the weight will not go away and neither will the digestive problems.  I have seen a doctor twice and they do not seem to think that there is anything wrong.  My thyroid has been tested and is normal.  Also, I do not know what type of doctor to see; I am frustrated with doctors who seem to think that there is no way that zoloft caused these problems (I have been researching the side effects)  and that I am just a fat girl making excuses.  I was wondering what it is that I can do to reverse these side effects and what type of doctor, or specialist would be able to help me?

[noquitter]

There is a strong tendency in my family for biochemical depression.  I took Norepinephrine for several years and felt great.  For the past 4-5 years - I think, I have been taking Zoloft.  I started on low dose and increased over time until I had seemed like my normal self = about 150mg. (all under doctor's supervision) I have complained to the doctor about dramatic weight gain, carb craving and itching scalp - dermatitis on arms and legs.  He didn't relate these symptoms to Zoloft and actually recommended that I increase to 200 mg. of Zoloft - which I did and lost 7 lbs. then within a month gained 12 lbs.!  Recently, I found your site and see that many of the symptoms that I have are shared by others.  I really am not a hypochondriac - I'm just admitting these symptoms to myself. In the past few months I have been getting sore muscles = like the flu and my legs always feel close to cramping and restless.  I know that I will need some form of antidepressant for the rest of my life = that is fine, it sure beats that constant downer but I think that this may not be the right thing for me.  Would Celexa be better for me - weight wise? Are there any new things out there without these side effects?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

If you had said that you gained thirty pounds while taking Zoloft, I would have an easy answer for you, and that is most people return to their normal weight in about a year.  But since you gained weight after, that doesn't help you. You are certainly aware that there is no more Zoloft in your body, and there has not been for months.  Zolfot does effect the serotonin systems, and most of the serotonin is in the intestine, so there is a link there, at at least a possibility.  I think you need to see a gastroenterologist for the intestinal problem, and to explore whether those problems are causing the weight retention.

[bodekar]

I can identify.

having the same problems with Celexa, though I only took it for two days.

Most tests show I've got no problem, but I know otherwise.  Celexa totally ravaged my digestive system....now I've got a burning stomach amongst other, less pleasant side effects where before there were none.

These drugs alter body chemistry drastically, and despite what doctor's say, they really do not have a grasp on what exactly they are doing.  I've read it can take as long as 18 months for your body chemistry to "normalize".  But I agree...there must be some way to treat some of the digestive symptoms.  I'm looking myself....

Most patients who suffer negative reactions to these SSRI's are so traumatized they don't file a complaint with  the Doctor, or are made to feel crazy for having symptoms, digestive or otherwise.

I'm headed to an Endocrinologist, I'll post and let you know how that goes.  I had one Gastroenterologist tell me it was IBS without running any tests....