Question:
Need some advice; what would you do? Doc says back to Zoloft...
I saw my neurologist this past Mon. and he suggested I go back on Zoloft. I was taking it for about 2 yrs., up until surgery (open distal RNY) on 5/21/01, and I haven't had any since. Doc said the dizziness I'm having could be a result of going off the Zoloft. Now he didn't order me to start taking it again so I guess the ball is in my court. I'm hesitant b/c I've been reading that alot of you have gained weight from Zoloft. When I was on it before, I didn't pay attention to whether I was gaining as a result of the drug; I just figured I was gaining anyway, with or without any meds. But if Zoloft does indeed cause weight gain for me (I read that for some it causes weight gain while for others weight loss), I feel I didn't have wls to have some stupid drug mess it up for me. But on the other hand, I seem to be experiencing extreme rage triggered by stupid things. I can't control my anger. For ex. I drop something and I go off into a rage that lasts for several hours. I've already broken several things in the house. Then when the rage is over, I'm like the total opposite. At this point, I'm becoming afraid of myself. I haven't had any counseling since my counselor (whom I'd been seeing weekly for 2yrs & whom I'd become attached to) left for a new job 2 months ago. Btw, I hadn't told my neurologist on Mon. about the rage stuff. Am I becoming bi-polar or something? Should I go back on Zoloft even if it will cause me to GAIN weight? My weight loss is already slowing to a crawl as it is. What would you do if you were me? I know the decision is mine & mine alone but I'm hoping for some advise. — lalasmommy (posted on August 11, 2001)
August 11, 2001
I am also on Zoloft and was before having WLS. I had surgery May, 2000 and
have lost 167# so far with about 10 yet to go. I have not had any trouble
with weight gain and have steadily lost weight. My Dr. sees me once a
month to continue the treatment for the depression. It sounds like the
anger symptoms could be controlled with the Zoloft. Good luck and hope you
find a new Dr. that you feel comfortable with in discussing these
situations. Please feel free to email me if you have further questions.
— Ruth M.
August 11, 2001
My doctor put me on Zoloft because I was have severe mood changes due to
the return of my periods and anxiety of a new job. Over the last three
months, I have become more calm, cool and collected. I've notice that I'm
losing more weight because of the Zoloft. I was losing an average of 10 lbs
a month and now I'm losing 14-15 lbs per month now. My doctor said Zoloft
do not cause the weight gain like other anti-depressants. I went on
nortriptilyne a few years back because of bad migraines. The neurologist
was very concerned about the risk of weight gain from this medication. Good
luck with your decision.
— [Anonymous]
August 11, 2001
I took Zoloft prior to WLS, missed a few doses afterward, but back on it
and averaging losing 15 lbs per month.
I call it my "happy pill"...I take it and I'm happy as well as
all those around me. To me, the risk of gaining weight outweighs what I
might do if I don't. It was prescribed for severe PMS and has been a God
send!
I'm sure you know this without me saying, but Zoloft isn't the only drug of
it's kind on the market. Ask your doctor about your other options.
Good luck!
— Lisa S.
August 11, 2001
Have you tried Prozac before? I've been taking 40 mg for about a year
and the result is good. No weight gain and I feel like I can atain
pespective when my mood
shifts instead of getting caught up in it. I have heard Prozac has the side
effect od discreased
libido but I haven't felt it. It was a godsend to my depression and I
don't think of it as a "happy pill"
it just helps me to see clearly through my depression.
— [Anonymous]
August 11, 2001
I have taken Zoloft for 5 1/2 years since taking estrogen after having a
total hysterectomy. They could not regulate my estrogen level and after
giving me the highest dose and still having severe mood swings, they
finally perscribed the Zoloft and it worked like magic. It is kind of
funny because anytime that I get overly upset (not often) about something,
my wonderful husband will ask me if I have been taking my Zoloft. He
remembers well what I was like befoe Zoloft and doesn't care to see that
woman return! I have lost 110 pounds with about 30 more to go. I don't
think that Zoloft has hindered it at all.
— livnliter
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