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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Munki on December 16, 2013, at 18:07:19
My husband has been on a six year depression. It took me that long to get him to get help. Finally he went (huzzah!) and started Zoloft. He has a terrible MD who hasn't kept up on him AT ALL as he tries to find his correct dose, and started by saying she doesn't really believe in meds. That's great until you're relying on her to try them. So he's up to 200mg now. The problem is when he ups his dose, he normalizes, his brain works better, he gets up in the morning easier, and basically the parts that are just absolutely left-field crazy stop. He's human again. Not manic happy or anything, just as normal as he can get. Then his body gets used to it and he plateaus, and it's as though he's not even taking it. He's showing virtually no side-effects and he's a pretty big guy at 6'3'' and 260lb. Should he keep pursuing higher doses, or is there another drug that might work for him?
Posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2013, at 20:00:41
In reply to How high of a dose is too high for Zoloft?, posted by Munki on December 16, 2013, at 18:07:19
As far as I know 200mg is the maximum dose. Maybe there is an add on? Or maybe you should seek the opinion of another psychiatrist. Phillipa
Posted by mogger on December 16, 2013, at 22:53:43
In reply to Re: How high of a dose is too high for Zoloft? » Munki, posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2013, at 20:00:41
I agree 200mgs is the max dose and it seems he is having a poop out. A good psychiatrist would be very helpful. Definitely don't go it alone. That is awful about his MD. Don't let that turn you off finding a qualified and open minded doctor as there are many.
Posted by bleauberry on December 17, 2013, at 5:34:19
In reply to How high of a dose is too high for Zoloft?, posted by Munki on December 16, 2013, at 18:07:19
Zoloft has a mechanism in it that causes its own metabolism to speed up. In other words, high doses get chewed up faster, metabolized faster, as time goes on. So at some point, 200mg actually isn't 200mg any more, it is something less.
I have heard of doses as high as 400mg. But the plateau problem would likely still happen.
Here is a really good plan to liven up that zoloft and keep it alive. Add Nortriptyline to it. That's it. Period.
Or add the herb rhodiola.
Either of those choices have very good potential for your particular situation. imo
Posted by sukarno on January 3, 2014, at 9:50:50
In reply to Re: How high of a dose is too high for Zoloft?, posted by bleauberry on December 17, 2013, at 5:34:19
At that dosage -- just because I'm the extra cautious and worried type of person -- I would have an ECG/EKG and liver function tests done.
If you pursue nortriptyline also have blood pressure, ECG/EKG and whatever blood tests are necessary in the first few weeks of treatment.
If it was me, I wouldn't take both at the same time. It's just easier that way. You'll know which one is working (or not) that way.
Good luck. :-)
This is the end of the thread.
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