Afraid of weight GAIN if I go off Zoloft... please read.

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Annette R New Member Date Joined Aug 2008 Total Posts : 3	Posted 8/14/2008 10:14 AM (GMT -6)
	Hi, everyone! I found this forum and have a very specific concern about going off Zoloft. So, here's my story. I went on Zoloft my second year of college, which was 2002/2003. Very shortly after beginning the medication, I became bulimic. (I don't really think it had anything to do with the medication, I think I was just redirecting my depression.) I wasn't the type of bulimic who ate normally and binged/purged in addition to that, I was the kind who threw up most of what I ate, whether it was a snack, a small meal, or a binge. (On a sidenote, I have heard this diagnosed as a purging anorexic, but regardless, I was throwing up most of what I ate.) Naturally, I lost weight. When I started on Zoloft, I weighed 135, which was my weight after gaining my "freshman 15". (I am 5'5'' for reference.) In less than two months, I was down to 120 and over that summer, I lost to about 115. My eating disorder continued on for two more years, for a total of 3 years. During that time, my weight fluctuated between 110 and 117. I finally sought help and along with the therapy and severe chest pains I began having when purging, I was finally able to gradually recover. I completely stopped the behaviors of my eating disorder in 2006. Since then, I have maintained and even lost a bit more weight. I had gotten down to 106 lbs without even trying to but am now maintaining at 110. During this time, I have eaten what I wanted and for the most part, I haven't watched what I eat. My appetite is pretty small now, so I think that certainly helps. So, back to the Zoloft. I have now been on it for... 6 years. I can't believe it's been that long. But over the last 2-3 years, I have stayed quite thin and haven't had to watch what I eat at all. I want to stop taking Zoloft, but I am afraid my body or appetite will change and that I'll gain weight. No one wants to gain weight, but my biggest concern is that I will gain weight and fall back into being eating disordered as a result. Does anyone have any advice? Am I being paranoid for no reason? I just feel like my appetite and weight have been perfect for the last two years and am afraid that going off Zoloft might change that. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a ton!!! =) Post Edited (Annette R) : 8/14/2008 10:18:17 AM (GMT-6) Back to Top

getting by Forum Moderator Date Joined Sep 2007 Total Posts : 42299	Posted 8/14/2008 2:00 PM (GMT -6)
	Hi Annette, 110 is very thin for you so if you gained a few pounds I think that would be healthy. As far as gaining weight when going off zoloft, I have never heard of that. But that doesn't mean it wont happen. But if it did, all you would have to do is eat more healthy, which you should be doing anyway. Do you take any supplements to make up for not eating? Keep posting and let us know how you are doing. Hugs, Karen Moderator-Depression and fibromyalgia fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue, depression,allergies Back to Top

Tapestryloom Regular Member Date Joined May 2008 Total Posts : 169	Posted 8/14/2008 8:53 PM (GMT -6)
	I recently started Zoloft 3 weeks ago and can't tolerate more than 10 mg. at a time or else it makes me incredibly wired and agitated. I had lost weight steadily after the birth of my son who is now 10 months and don't find weight an issue. Maybe after a while I will start to gain again and that would stink because I gave away all my larger clothes! 110 sounds to slender. I wouldn't worry about gaining weight since you seem to have a fudge factor there. Do you know what your BMI index is? Your ideal weight for your height? Good luck Carolyn I am a mother to 4 children; James 7 mo.'s, Davey 2 yrs, Dana 4 yrs, and Anne 9 yrs. I am currently studying to become a natural childbirth educator.... and just trying to figure out where my priorities are right now. Back to Top

CRANKY 1 Veteran Member Date Joined Aug 2005 Total Posts : 617	Posted 8/15/2008 12:34 AM (GMT -6)
	Hey Annette, Congratulations for stopping your eating disorder behaviors. Unfortunately, you still sound like you are pretty obsessed with your weight. You said yourself that you think you'd start back with your old ways if you gain some weight. That's a problem. You have listed several different weights at different times, and they are fairly close together for the average person. I think you still have some of the old thought processes working in the background. What really stands out to me is the complete lack of any explanation as to why you want to go off of the Zoloft. You may not feel depressed anymore, but did you ever stop to think that maybe it's the Zoloft just doing its job? Why alter the playing field now, what is different in your life? Just something to think about. Personally, I wouldn't change or stop the meds without a really good reason. For example, stopping meds when they feel normal is a classic problem for people with Bi-Polar disorder. They stop taking their Lithium when they feel better, and the next thing you know, they are talking to people that aren't there, acting out in outrageous ways, or hiding in their closet/not getting out of bed. I have witnessed this a number of times with both a cousin and a friend. I'm a firm believer in "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Please discuss this issue with your prescribing physician. You don't want to make a move that you are not truly ready for. Good luck to you, and let us know how things are going. Leigh Ann Basic info: On Disability for: Chronic Migraines, serious Back and Knee problems (will need surgery eventually), moderate Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorder, TMJ, stomach problems Divorced, 43, spawn-free Surgeries: Gastric Bypass, Gallbladder Removed (followed by a week in the hospital for a Blood Clot), Impacted Kidney Stone Removed, Broken Ankle, Major Dental work(ten molars pulled, multiple cavities, root canals) Current Meds: Prozac, Klonopin, Atenelol, Stadol Nasal Spray, Lortab/Percocet, Trazadone, Buspar, Protonix, Tramadol, Visteryl, Carafate Suspension, Co-Q10, B2(Riboflavin), Remifemin(Black Cohosh) PROHIBITED FROM ALL NSAIDS Current Problem: Mysterious Internal GI Bleeding, possible ulcer in location of Gastric Bypass "The weather is here, I wish you were beautiful." - Jimmy Buffett Back to Top

Annette R New Member Date Joined Aug 2008 Total Posts : 3	Posted 8/15/2008 9:39 AM (GMT -6)
	Hi everyone, thanks for the responses! I guess 110 does sound a bit thin for 5'5'', but if you see me, it looks right. Leigh Ann, I guess you are right, I still have some of those old thought processes... luckily they are just in my head and not being put into action. There are a couple of reasons I want to go off Zoloft. First is just that I don't want to be on this medication forever. I was very depressed when I started it, but I had a lot of things going on in my life that are no longer going on... I don't think I am one of those people who is just naturally depressed and needs the medicine for life. My boyfriend has also been telling me I should get off it. Now I know he is not a doctor, but he does have some good points. We are close to getting engaged and one of the things he has said is that he doesn't want me to be on it whenever we decide to have a child a few years down the road. I definitely understand that... of course I don't know anything about if being on that medicine and being pregnant is a problem. I have discussed it with two different doctors I visit. The first one (who prescribed Zoloft to me to begin with) thinks I should stay on it. The other one thinks I should go off it if everything is good in my life. I guess the main thing is just that I don't want to be on it forever. It's been six years, which has been a lot longer than I thought I would've stayed on it. But I definitely understand the theory of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Any more advice would be great. =) Back to Top

thirstyforchrist Regular Member Date Joined Jun 2008 Total Posts : 416	Posted 8/15/2008 10:18 AM (GMT -6)
	Hey Annette, I would say stay on it for you. I understand the thought process of your fiance but getting married is a huge stressor anyway. And your thinking of children that do not exist yet. And since your doctor that prescribed the Zoloft to you thinks you should stay on it, I'd side with him. Have you asked him if you could start tapering off instead of just quiting it altogether? It may help you out with your decision. I hope things work out for you. Love to you!!! Rachel " When you feel like you're alone in your sadness, and no one in this whole world cares, and you want to get away from the madness, you just call my name and I'll be there..." Third Day Back to Top

getting by Forum Moderator Date Joined Sep 2007 Total Posts : 42299	Posted 8/15/2008 10:27 AM (GMT -6)
	I hope that if you do go off of it, that you still feel good. Sometimes we think that we don't need a medication because we do feel good, when the medication is the reason that we are feeling well. I went off of effexor for that reason, boy was that a mistake. I will have to take it for the rest of my life. I was reading about zoloft and it says that it should be discontinued gradually. And to let the doctor know if you are pregnant. Best wishes to you, I hope that this works out for you. Luv and hugs Karen Moderator-Depression and fibromyalgia fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue, depression,allergies Back to Top

stkitt Forum Moderator Date Joined Apr 2007 Total Posts : 32602	Posted 8/15/2008 9:09 PM (GMT -6)
	Hey Annette, I think you would benefit from visiting wiith a professional. I would not stop the med without talking to your Doctor and also make sure you have your eating disorder under control before you ever get pregnant because nutrition will play an important role in a pregnancy. Take care. Kitt Kitt, Moderator: Anxiety/Panic & Depression & GERD Forums ~ http://www.healingwell.com/donate *~* Not a mental health professional of any kind ^{It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.~Mahatma Gandhi~}Clickable Link: Anxiety-Panic Resources Back to Top

CRANKY 1 Veteran Member Date Joined Aug 2005 Total Posts : 617	Posted 8/17/2008 2:45 PM (GMT -6)
	Annette said... First is just that I don't want to be on this medication forever. I was very depressed when I started it, but I had a lot of things going on in my life that are no longer going on... I don't think I am one of those people who is just naturally depressed and needs the medicine for life. My boyfriend has also been telling me I should get off it. Now I know he is not a doctor, but he does have some good points. We are close to getting engaged and one of the things he has said is that he doesn't want me to be on it whenever we decide to have a child a few years down the road. I definitely understand that... of course I don't know anything about if being on that medicine and being pregnant is a problem. Hey Annette, Taking medication forever shouldn't be a consideration. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain which the medication balances out. People that stop their medication when "everything seems fine", usually find out that it was the medication keeping things stable, and often quickly deteriorate after stopping the medication. Think of it this way, there are many illnesses that require medication daily for life...diabetes, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, chronic pain...this list goes on. People with these problems adjust and just consider their meds a way of life. Next, listening to a boyfriend who hasn't done anything to cement your longterm relationship shouldn't get any input into the matter of your health and well-being. "Close to getting engaged" is about as dependable as "I'm going to start my diet on Monday" or "My New Year's Resolution is to 'quit smoking' or 'get more exercise'". Those "promises" aren't worth a plug nickel, and until your boyfriend puts his money where his mouth is, you need to depend on your own best judgement. As for being concerned about taking medication during pregnancy sometime in the future, that may or may not play out the way you want. I spent almost eight years with my ex-fiance, which I was sure was going to end in marriage and children. Then I got dumped one day, out of the blue, with no warning at all. We had never even gotten into a single fight, but the relationship was instantly over. Eventually, I did get married to someone else, but he turned out to be autistic, and not a good parental candidate (divorced him). Now I'm 43 and single with no children. Not to sound like doom and gloom, but never make major decisions based on what you think will happen in the future, cuz things just may not work out that way. You sound like a very reasonable, together person. As the old saying goes, "don't fix it if it ain't broke". Best wishes, Leigh Ann Basic info: On Disability for: Chronic Migraines, serious Back and Knee problems (will need surgery eventually), moderate Depression, Anxiety/Panic disorder, TMJ, stomach problems Divorced, 43, spawn-free Surgeries: Gastric Bypass, Gallbladder Removed (followed by a week in the hospital for a Blood Clot), Impacted Kidney Stone Removed, Broken Ankle, Major Dental work(ten molars pulled, multiple cavities, root canals) Current Meds: Prozac, Klonopin, Atenelol, Stadol Nasal Spray, Lortab/Percocet, Trazadone, Buspar, Protonix, Tramadol, Visteryl, Carafate Suspension, Co-Q10, B2(Riboflavin), Remifemin(Black Cohosh) PROHIBITED FROM ALL NSAIDS Current Problem: Mysterious Internal GI Bleeding, possible ulcer in location of Gastric Bypass "The weather is here, I wish you were beautiful." - Jimmy Buffett Back to Top

Annette R New Member Date Joined Aug 2008 Total Posts : 3	Posted 8/17/2008 10:48 PM (GMT -6)
	Thanks to everyone for your responses, they have been a definite eye-opener for me! Leigh Ann, you are absolutely right. A boyfriend, not a fiance or husband, shouldn't get a big vote on my health and well-being. Point well taken. I think I will continue on Zoloft for now. I am going to talk to my doctor about it, but after everything I have heard from all of you, I do think there is no reason to go off it at this time. Thanks again for all the input, you all helped me out a lot. XOXOXO =) Back to Top

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