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Readers questions answered by the editor

Antidepressants

I am a 56 year old surgical menopause patient.  I was on HRT for 23 years and have been off them for about 6 months.

 

My health care professional prescribed Zoloft for my menopause symptoms.  I am really not all that comfortable with taking that kind of a drug.  She stated that she had been to a seminar on menopause and that the Zoloft is supposed to help with all the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia that seem to be affecting me.  My thoughts are that you don't just start taking an antidepressant to see if it might work, because it is not that easy to stop taking them.

 

I would appreciate any information you might have on this subject.  Until I have a little more info I will continue with some of the more natural over the counter things that are available.

 

Thank you

Martha

Published Wednesday, January 03, 2007 2:18 PM by Editor

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Editor said:

Discuss with your doctor about taking a lowered dose of Zoloft to prevent you from becoming dependent. If you are adamant about not taking antidepressants there may be other options, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

There are a number of herbal remedies you could try to relieve some of your symptoms, although not all of them have been scientifically proven to be effective. Some herbs will work for some women and not for others. Primrose oil is believed to work well as a sedative and may also relieve hot flashes. Black cohosh is one herb that has been proven to help with hot flashes and may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. You should consult a doctor before taking it if you have any chronic illnesses. Dong quai may also relieve vaginal dryness, hot flashes and depression. Vitamins such as vitamin E and vitamin B complex may also be useful.

As simple as it sounds, eating healthy and getting regular exercise will also help to relieve symptoms during menopause. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly dark green vegetables and dairy products. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, spicy foods and cigarettes as much as possible.

January 3, 2007 2:19 PM
 

Lisa said:

I was on Zoloft (depression) for a few years before entering menopause.  I knew I had gone through menopause when I stopped having periods.  I have not had a period for about 5 years now.   I had and continue to have absolutely no symptoms such as hot flashes, urinary infections, ect.    
March 26, 2007 11:13 PM
 

bookhound said:

I went through surgical menopause and could not take HRT.  My very wise doctor suggested Wellbutrin - which for me not only helped but gave me a boost and took off the edge of wanting to eat all the time.  I've been taking it off and on for five years with no problems.  You don't have to take any pill forever.  But just don't stop taking it cold turkey.  Taper off (with your Doctors help) then you can stop when it feels right for you.

After my husband died I went through major depression and yes - was put on anti-depressents.  Since no one pill works for everyone I had to go through the trial and error phase.  Zoloft did not work for me but might for you.  It is trial and error.  It does take 2-3 weeks to know for sure which anti-depression medication will work for you.  Just have patience and know you're not alone.

October 9, 2007 9:07 AM

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