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Advice for coming off Zoloft

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Posted 8/15/2013 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on Zoloft for 3 years (50 mg). I have not been depressed in the last 3 years; however I gained about 50 lbs. I've tried Lindora, weight watchers, personal trainers, Tenuate, etc., and have had little luck controlling my appetite/consistent weight gain. I'm at the point where i need to get off the medication so I don't gain any more weight.

My main concern is that I will revert back to being depressed (crying all the time, extreme exhaustion, and lack of motivation). I just landed an incredible new job. Is it a bad idea to get off Zoloft because of the new job? Does anyone have suggestions on supplements or specific diet that could help with the come down off the medication? Are there other medications that could help (I will of course consult my psychiatrist) and possibly aid in weight loss?
Posted 8/15/2013 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
hi travelgirl, welcome to the forum.

i think speaking with your psychiatrist is the right move regarding the zoloft. i am very happy for you landing that awesome job, well done. since you have been well for a long period then maybe your psychiatrist may safely wean you off your medication. this does not automatically mean that you will revert to being depressed again. i would ask your psychiatrist his / her view regarding any other alternatives that maybe conducive to your needs.

with healing compassion,
the happy turtle
Posted 8/15/2013 10:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Travelgirl, welcome to the forum.

Jamie is correct a chat with the doc is the best. We could all give you 3 different meds to try.

Currently I am on cymbalta and abilify. Depending on your depression, mind is quite severe, you might not need the abilify. Most docs start you off with just the cymbalta at about 30-60mg per day and see how you do.

I struggle with weight gain myself, I was 110lbs before all this happened 3 years ago, now I am pleasantly plump as my husband calls me and no longer receive compliments on my shape. Well I am 52 and it could not last forever.

I wish you strength in you medication change.
Peace
Trina
Posted 8/15/2013 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

Wellbutrin is weight neutral, and often people lose weight on that. Ask your doc about it... Maybe it would work for you. I wish you the best. I am trying to lose weight too. It is hard on antidepressants.

I wish you a good day!!!

Welcome to the forum!!!

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/16/2013 6:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. I forgot to mention that prior to taking Zoloft, I tried several other antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Pristiq, and Lexapro). Nothing had worked for me over a year besides Zoloft. I'm ready to stop antidepressants all together, but am scared because my depression was quite severe prior to medication.

I read that fish oil can help with the withdrawals, so I am going to give that a try. Does anyone have experience with using fish oil or other vitamin/minerals?
Posted 8/16/2013 10:48 AM (GMT 0)
Fish oil is good to take anyway. I hope that the withdrawal symptms aren't bad. I went off zoloft rather easily, but I went on another antidepressant at the same time.

Have you thought about natural antidepressants? There is st johnswort, dephlin and 5htp. I have never tried any of them, and I would consult your doctor first. But it is an alternative. Good luck hon. I hope if you go off of meds that you feel okay. Keep posting.............

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/16/2013 11:36 AM (GMT 0)
I would talk to the doc about the weight gain first, perhaps there is something he/she can prescribe to decrease the side effect of the zoloft. I know that this is done for other medications.

Would be a better alternative that risking your mental stability.

Peace
Trina
Posted 8/17/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Travelgirl,

Congratulations on your new job!

I am almost off of Sertraline (generic Zoloft) after taking it for postpartum depression for 3 1/2 years. I've tapered off very slowly since I get really bad withdrawal symptoms.

I was also taking Bupropion (generic Wellbutrin) and while it may be weight neutral for some, it was not for me! I was able to lose weight (with effort) while on Sertraline, but once I added Bupropion I was SO hungry I gained 25 pounds. I felt like I had traded one problem for another. Right now I'm doing Weight Watchers online and have found an incredibly supportive Facebook group. I'd be happy to give you the info if you decide to go that route again.

Now that I'm almost off the meds, I can tell the depression, anxiety and PTSD are still present but I'm much more functional and I'm going med-free and trying to manage it with lifestyle. I don't miss the side-effects! I know this decision isn't for everybody, though, and I fully support whatever people have to do to maintain good mental health.

I'm trying to do all the things that help me like healthy eating, exercise (walking outside is good for me, especially when I you can find some hills to walk up to get my heart rate up, and I found a line dance class at the Y that I love!), sleep, and mindfulness including yoga and meditation. I take fish oil daily.

Are you seeing a therapist regularly? I did CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and it was very helpful to identify and change the patterns in my thinking that were contributing to my problems.

I wish you the very best, whatever you decide to do.

Nina
Posted 9/12/2013 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hey travelgirl,

I can totally relate to you I was on zoloft for a long time all through college (almost 6 years!) and hada gained about 15 lb and when someone asked why I was on AD because I seemed like such a happy/peppy person I decided to try and go off of them. I did really well the first year or so and lost all the weight I gained and was back down to the weight if not lighter than I was in high school! The weight literally just came off without me changing any eating or exercise habits it was awesome.

But then I did start to get more frustrated and have random outbursts and after a very hard breakup had to go back on zoloft and I've been on it for almost a year now and have gained 6 lb of it back and am trying to shed it off but it's very hard on the zoloft and am also thinking about going off of it because of the weight gain.
Posted 9/12/2013 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hyper,

I wanted to welcome you to the depression forum. I had total opposite on Zoloft. I couldn't tolerate it though.

Try walking a little every day. It helps to get your muscles toned and makes you feel good. Walking naturally works on the stomach muscles I have heard. So it is very good for you.

Try to cut out carbs if you can. Eat protein, vegetables and fruit. Some carbs for energy.

I hope you continue to feel good on the Zoloft. And I hope you maintain your weight. Best wishes for a good day.

Hugs, Karen...
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