Posted by Cam W. on April 15, 2000, at 14:55:08
In reply to Zoloft; Weight Gain? Has this Drug helped anyone?, posted by Jen on April 15, 2000, at 14:12:20
Jen - Have patience. You didn't become depressed overnight, so you cannot expect the drug to work that fast. The drug must first fix the connections between you nerve cells, to get the electricity from one nerve to another flowing properly, again (a readjusting of your serotonin neurons and an upregulation of the glucocorticoid receptors of the HPA axis, etc.). This readjustment takes time.The "two weeks to feeling better" rule of thumb is just that; a rule of thumb. Some people do not see an improvement for 6 to 8 weeks. Do not give up; successful resolution of your depressive symptoms may be a week or two away. Give it some more time.
Ask your doctor about an increase in dose the next time you see him/her. Some people need between 100mg and 200mg to see an effect.
Weight gain is possible with Zoloft, but so is weight loss. It really depends on your body chemistry. Eat a balanced diet and engage in some vigorous exercise a couple of times a week and the weight gain will probably not be an issue. The exercise and eating properly will also help to resolve your depressive symptoms; drugs cannot do that alone, usually. I do not think I would choose depression over gaining 5 pounds, no matter how good my hairy body looked in a string bikini ;^)
You have to take an active role in your recovery as well (eg therapy or counseling - the antidepressant is only a bandage so that the counseling will have some effect).
The Zoloft may not be the right antidepressant for you, but you have to give it an adequate trial period to be able to tell.
Good luck and keep us posted. - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:30120
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000411/msgs/30125.html