Mother's Zoloft. Help?

Question

Yesterday when I was looking through a cabinet I found a pack of Zoloft. An Antidepressant. I found out it was my moms so today I asked her If I should throw it out, seeing what her response would be, and she got all egdy and said No.

5 years ago my dad died, and when I was younger I saw them but never knew what they were.
So i'm assuming it's for that and i think she's still using them.
I'm worried. Should I ask her about them? Sometimes I feel depressed about the same subject? Any ideas?

Thank you.

When I asked if I should throw it out I didn't mean it in a rude or accusing way. :(
And Thank yous for all the help so far.

Answer 1

Hello. I want to let you know that you have no reason to worry. My mother takes Zoloft as well, and it has been a great tool for her. Zoloft is a well known medication. The only thing you should worry about is your mothers shame/pride. She shouldnt be ashamed of taking this medication, and you shouldnt be ashamed of her.

Answer 2

Zoloft is not a "feel good" drug, not the sort of thing people take for recreation or escape. It is not "for" sadness about a death in the family. A normal person feels sadness and grief, and goes through a mourning process that can take years. You may always feel sad about having lost your father, and it's normal. Zoloft is for clinical depression - it's for people who can't function in their daily lives because they are so plagued with sadness **for no reason** they can name. Your mother probably has (or has had) clinical depression or anxiety (and don't blame yourself for not realizing it - people hide such things well from their children) and that's why she has it. If you want to know more, you could ask her about it -- but unless you make it clear you aren't disappointed in her, and you aren't wanting to be depressed too so you can take drugs, she'll probably be less than open with you.

Never start taking psychotropic drugs for a condition that isn't disabling to you, especially if you are still growing (your brain keeps developing all the way into your 20s). Those drugs are difficult to quit taking, the long term effects are not known, and they aren't a cure but only cover up symptoms (and can cause other problems, like inability to orgasm). If you are clinically depressed, and do take such drugs, make sure you're offered some kind of talk-therapy in conjunction, so that you may improve enough to get off the drugs eventually.

I'm sorry for sounding preachy, but those drugs are serious business, and in my opinion people take them far too lightly, when they could cause permanent changes in your brain -- without even really solving any of your problems.

Answer 3

Zoloft is usually taken under the supervision of a doctor. Some people get defensive when asked if they are on medication for depression, as there are many social stigmas due to ignorance or lack of understanding.

I wish you well and hope that you and your mother can talk openly on this topic without any pressure. Perhaps the next time you see your family doctor you might ask them for advice. You'd be surprised how much of an understanding resource they can be. Good luck.

Answer 4

Zoloft can be used to treat depression, anxiety or something else. Feeling depressed sometimes is normal especially if someone you loved died. Clinical depression is not and sometimes people chose to treat it with medication, therapy or a combination of both. If the Zoloft is working, you shouldn't have to worry, but you can ask your mother about it to calm your mind.

Answer 5

Yes, you should talk to her about it. People with depression most often feel like their depression should be kept a secret. They dont want to tell others for various reasons. If you share that you feel the same way sometimes, this might her her and you get some help or, even help you both heal.

Answer 6

Depression may be a result of your father's death or a combination of things. Depression can result from a traumatic event, stress, genetics, the birth of a children, side effects of other drugs (legal or prescribed) or a combination of said things.

You probably should not have mentioned throwing them up. Mental health is a touchy topic. All you can do is be there for her.

ALSO, Zoloft is approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. She *may* be using it for another condition.

Answer 7

I don't think you should worry, my mother passed away 12-27-05 and the doc put my dad on it to help him, and it has, you could always research this med and print out anything you find interesting and sit down with your mother if she is willing to talk about it, if not don't push the issue, if she needs you she will let you know, in the mean time let her know you are there if she needs talk or have shoulder to cry on. Print out the usage, side effects, and then if you have questions write them down hand it to her and let her answer when she is ready

Answer 8

let me tell you about Zoloft it was about 4yrs ago i almost died with heart complications the lung doctor i was seeing at the time thought i was depressed so she put me on the Zoloft but i believe to this day i wasn't depressed i just gone through a lot of things of my life like almost dying the had to do CPR.on me and give 4or5 times defibrillator shocks on the way to hospital the grace of God i am still here.

Answer 9

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Your mom should be congratulated for getting help for her depression. Why would you even think of throwing out someones medication like that? Give your mom some credit for at least getting help for her depression.

Answer 10

Maybe your mom has a serious case of depression that was triggered by your dad's death. There are different types of depression. If you are that concerned then why not suggest counseling for both you and her..