My epi gave me a perscription for zoloft for my depression and anxiety. I haven't tried it yet because I've been doing some research and first it says do not take of you have Epi. Then for some people they gained 40+ pounds and with the aeds I just don't need to gain anymore weight. Though some people say they lost alot of weight being on zoloft, I know that everyone's body is different and reacts differently. That's why I'm a little nervous about starting this. Right now I'm on cymbalta and have been on many other anti depressents. So if anyone has any info(good or bad) about zoloft your feedback is greatly appreciated. I hope everyone is doing good. God Bless you guys

Hi Tiger Lilly,
I've never taken Zoloft because my epi told me it would just reverse what my AED's do for me. I also saw my father on the med and it messed him up terrible. His personality changed and he seemed like a totally different person. If you do try taking zoloft I would be careful as to how it might mess up your AED's. I wish you only the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

Thank you for your feedback Sue. I'm so nervous about starting the zoloft. I haven't even started it yet because almost everything I've found on zoloft is bad. Very few stories are positive.

Hi Tiger Lilly,
My best advice to you is to speak with your pharmacist about taking zoloft and how it might affect your AED's or any other perscriptions you take. I find it odd how your epi would want you on this drug especially knowing that it can mess up your AED's. Try taking vitamin B12 1000 mcg. a day and see if that helps before taking the zoloft. Here's wishing you well and May God Bless You!

Sue

Sue, It made me wonder too after you told me that zoloft can lower my AED's. My epi is a really great guy and has known me for many years so I was quite confused about him not really telling me it could lower my aed's. I've left messages with his secretary and apparently he's not getting these messages. I will try the B12 and I'll let you know how all this turns out. Thanks again sue. God Bless. And may everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

TigerLilly,

first - which AED(s) are you on?

second - weight change with Zoloft is minimal if any; that said, weight loss is the more likely than weight gain.

third - (depends on your answer to first question, but) to the extent of my knowledge, Zoloft doesn't quite "mess up AEDs" in general.

from RxList - Zoloft Side Effects and Drug Interactions:
from the same page, one thing you can check is whether the AED(s) you take are metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6:
of note, from the same source, diazepam (Valium) clearance is reduced (i.e. diazepam hangs around longer) and in the case of delorazepam a.k.a. chlordesmethyldiazepam - a potent benzo n/a in U.S - time-to-peak is lengthened, but "clinical significance" is not known.

Now, Zoloft can lower sz threshold, but not by much. Wellbutrin (an SNRI) lowers the sz threshold by about 4% - considerably more and of clinical significance. The warning against taking Zoloft, other SSRIs, and SNRIs with epilepsy is particularly relevant if you are unmedicated, do not have full sz control, or are unmonitored. if you feel afraid of taking the med, talk to your epi again, tell him you read the warnings, and ask if he feels you need an upwards adjustment. i am a very strong advocate of finding out everything one can and pulling docs' teeth for information for anything that goes down my gullet. it is my body after all, right?

NOTE:
I don't have epilepsy, but i have been on several AEDs and antidepressants for bipolar disorder. I have had to taper off too, and at such times i am careful to taper my AD(s) first, and then the AED(s), so as to avoid a sudden drop in sz threshold and possible withdrawal sz.

fwiw i have taken the following with Zoloft:
- carbamazepine (Tegretol),
- oxcarbazepine (Trileptal),
- lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- divalproex (Depakote) *see citation above
- gabapentin (Neurontin)

i know there are lots more AEDs that i have NOT taken eg topiramate, phenytoin, etc, but have not read (based on Zoloft information) of interactions with these.

I sure hope you feel better. depression suxxx

~ waves ~ wishing you a happy, safe, and seizure-free 2008