Zoloft why it causes and does it cause?

Question

I've been offered a chance to take zoloft for my moderate depression and mild anxiety.. However, before I start i have a few questions.

1. what specifically is it in zoloft that makes people gain weight? Is it because it makes you have anexcessive appetite, or is it some sort of chemical thing? Or does it just make you retain water? If it is diet related, then can't one simply diet while taking it?

2. Is it addictive? If one takes it for months do you have to tapper down off it? What happens if you quit taking it cold turkey?

3. What is the usual first dose? Can you have some flexibility in your dosing? I mean if you start feeling a little amped up from it, can you skip a day here and there?

Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

Zoloft (Sertraline) is actually associated with loss of appetite and weight loss, like many other medications the exact mechanism of the side effect are not known.
Like all other SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) it is not addictive, you will not need higher and higher doses for the same effect, like say cocaine, and it is not habit forming like say alcohol or Xanax.
however you cannot stop taking SSRI's cold turkey, they have to be tapered down. This also means you can't just skip one or two days and take it as you like.
By stopping suddenly you could experience:
dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g. paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, vivid dreams.
The dosing is flexible in that it could be taken up or down to see what works for you, however this HAS to be done by your doctor. Also like all SSRI's it takes 4-6 weeks in order to see an effect when you first start. While you could see some of the side effects when you start, they will usually go away in a couple of weeks.
In short, this is not Aspirin, you can't take it when you have a headache, take two if you have a really bad headache and then wake up, feel fine and not take any the next day. You have to start with the starting dose, stick with it for a month or so and work with your doctor in terms of side effects, dose adjustments and stopping.
Best of luck.

Answer 2

1. One theory is that since depression itself causes changes in appetite (can cause too much or too little appetite), then treating the depression can sometimes shift the appetite problem in the opposite direction. Therefore, someone who loses his appetite when depressed can sometimes have weight gain when taking an antidepressant medication that works. However, I think it is more common to have weight loss than weight gain with Zoloft. Regardless, the underlying mechanism of any weight change is unknown.

2. No, it is not addictive. With addictive chemicals, you would have to take higher & higher doses for the same effect, but this is not the case with Zoloft. That is why the discomfort from suddenly stopping Zoloft is called "discontinuation syndrome" instead of withdrawal (& easily avoided by tapering the dose slowly).

3. A usual first dose is 25-50mg/day. Yes, there are variations on how to start/titrate the dose up slowly, so ask your doctor.

Best Wishes!

Answer 3

1. I am not sure what causes weight gain.

2. No, it is not addictive. I have been taking it for years and I occasionally forget to take a dose. I haven't noticed any side effects from forgetting. Psychiatrists do suggest, though, that one should not go off it cold turkey. I am not sure why, but it is not because it is addictive.

3. The first dose is usually 50 mg. Sometimes even 25 mg. I am currently taking 150 mg. While I wouldn't suggest skipping a dose deliberately, you can forget to take a dose with no real side effects.

Answer 4

dunno, all i know is that it does cause weight gain, i didnt find it addictive and DO NOT take it if you are SUICIDAL!!!
i was only on it for a few weeks before i attempted suicide again and got myself locked up... i am 17. the doctors changed the dose so many times b4 realising that it was too high for someone of my age (it was 150mg), so then they changed me to Luvox. when i was younger i was on cipramil and effexor and now they have discovered that the reason the bloody meds dont work on me, is coz im Bipolar!!!
so yeah, i kinda strayed from the topic a bit, but thats just my experience with meds... i hope you have better luck with them

Answer 5

what is the dosage the doc wants to start you off at ?? --i have done this med and no weight gain 50 mg once a day -once you start keep a daily time to take it --it takes a few weeks to take effect and you mite have all kinds of side-effects --mood swings -headaches,treamors ,nightmares ,flashbacks

Answer 6

Causes insomnia.