Does Zoloft Help Treat Anxiety?

Posted on Wed, 3 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 3 Feb 2016 Answered on

Sat, 2 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am dealing with being treated for gastritis with sucrafate and nexium also taking potassium vitamin d and b-12. I am being treated for anxiety with low dose zoloft. I have cerebral palsy also. I have found a natural supplement for anxiety called tranquilene total calm. I have a photo of the contained ingredients and i am looking for medical opinion if i could safely take this instead of zoloft thats causing extreme side effects

Answered by Dr. Divakara (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Safe but effectiveness is doubtful.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting your query.

I saw the photo and went through the ingredients. The ingredients are quite safe and can be used ( even long term).

But how effective this product in controlling anxiety when compared to Zoloft is doubtful.

But if you are getting good results then there is no problem in replacing Zoloft with this product.

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any further clarification feel free to ask.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (2 hours later)

Can potassium chloride cause diarreha? Will it resolve when no longer taking it?

Answered by Dr. Divakara (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Potassium can cause Diarrhoea.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Yes Oral Potassium supplements can cause Diarrhoea but other causes like Infections has to be also considered. Yes if it is only due to potassium then it will resolve after stopping Potassium but if it is due to infection you may require Antibiotic/Probiotic.

First of all , I need to know why you are being prescribed Potassium supplements ? Was there any deficiency ?

Because if you have been prescribed Potassium for a documented deficiency then I don't recommend to stop Potassium.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (7 hours later)

Potassium was low and was prescribed for 5 days.

Answered by Dr. Divakara (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue Potassium.

Detailed Answer:
Well , then I would recommend you to continue taking Potassium and finish off the course.

Drink plenty of water . If Diarrhoea is more than 4 times per day , you can take Cap Redotil. Ask your doctor for its prescription.

If Diarrhoea persists even after finishing potassium then get Stool culture sensitivity tests done and revert back with report.

Hope this information was useful to you.

Regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar