Zoloft for irrational jealousy?

[craigdog]

I used to be the least jealous guy in the US.  Then I had a thyroid issue 3 years ago which affected my mood and emotions.  I became extremely jealousy of my wonderful wife.  I was able to get the thyroid issue under control and went back to my normal un-jealous self.

Fast forward 3 years and my thyroid had a relapse.  Once again I'm fighting jealous/controlling thoughts, however this time those thoughts haven't completely gone away with thyroid hormone replacement.  I've been able to fight thme off without reacting, but it is a daily struggle.  My family doctor convinced me to try zoloft 50 mg and I just took my 11th pill.

Question: has anyone struggled with jealousy issues and experienced relief on zoloft?  I feel like I might be starting to chill out a little.

Note:  I have absolutely no reason to be jealous.  I honestly could not ask for a more loyal wife.  She completely loves me.

[sybrina]

I am so glad I found your thread! I too started having hypothyroid issues three years ago. I have been on Synthroid for two years. The synthroid has been making me feel depressed lately. My husband and I have been together for 21 years and I have never been jealous. I started taking Wellbutrin for the depression last month and I completely lost my mind with jealousy. I was pretty much stalking him even though really he had not even done anything. Your post made me curious to check to see what the Wellbutrin side effects were and I had almost all of the ones people complained about even the full body hives (I blamed him for those too!) Thank you for making my life so much better. I quit taking the meds and feel normal again!

[JGF25]

My OCD is centered around irrational thinking and it took Wellbutrin about 4 weeks before it really started to kick in for me so I'm guessing that Zoloft will be the same.  

[craigdog]

From my online research, it appears that obsessive thoughts are probably one of the last symptoms to get relief from with zoloft and SSRI's.  Is that everyone's experience?  I seem to be calmer, but still have the strange, jealous, envious thoughts, although they don't bug me quite as much.  If I have the slightest relief at 2 weeks, when could I expect to lose the unwanted thoughts?  (assuming zoloft works for me)  Thanks!

[craigdog]

Yes, I have hypothyroidism, and I have had no prior OCD tendancies. I will stay the course with Zoloft and thyroid replacement therapy and hope for slow improvement. Thanks!

[JGF25]

For the most part it sounds more like you are "suspicious" rather than jealous.  Hypothroidism, which is what I assume you have, and OCD are often talked about together.  Have you had any other OCD tendencies, at least before you found out about the hypothroidism?  I'm wondering if it is just heightening an already existing condition.  In any case, if you are not getting completely better on the hormones and the Zoloft is working, then it may be a case of both conditions being comorbid.  I understand you don't want to take the Zoloft if you don't need it however, since it does seem to be helping you, I would give it another 2 weeks to see if you are back to your non-suspicious self.  People with OCD, well, we are full of ridiculousness so no need to feel guilty...it is not something that is under your control at the moment.  

[craigdog]

Here are things that have made me jealous in the last 3 months that would never even have registered before:

- her and her friend dancing at the bar in front of the band.  in the past, I would have been proud if the band guys were checking her out.
- talking about male musicians, athletes, and celebrities she really likes.  As if I'm competing with Bon Jovi!  lol
- spending time texting and making plans with her friends.  this one was shocking to me but has mostly gone away.
- Talking about her successful work/career.  Another shocker as I'm as successful as her and have always been nothing but proud of her.
- I was suspicious and checked her email (I know, ridiculous).  And of course found absolutely nothing.  This one is bringing me a lot of guilt.

[JGF25]

I think you have to define the term Jealous here.  Do you think she does things better or are you suspicious of things you think she may be doing?  

[craigdog]

Thanks JGF25.  Does anyone know if this jealousy is a sign of OCD?  My family doctor brought up that acronym the day he prescribed the zoloft.  I was in such a dark place that day I didn't have the mind to ask any follow up questions.  I'm jealous of pretty much everything my wife does.  This is completely opposite of how I've been for 20 plus years with this girl.

Also, I'm a little concerned that I'm still treating my hypothyroid, and at the same time starting on Zoloft.  It will be next to impossible to pinpoint what actually gets me back to normal, assuming I get there.

[JGF25]

While I don't have jealousy issues, I think it is encouraging that the zoloft is working.  You are almost two weeks in and starting to feel some relief.  I bet when you hit the 4 week mark, you will be feeling much, much better.