Is Zoloft Advisable For Depression And Grief?

Posted on Tue, 14 Feb 2017

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

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 Answered on

Wed, 8 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : The explanation about this drug,Zoloft, says that it has this effect:Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically). I have a 87 year old aunt, who lost her son last month and has been depressed before and after this event. She is now in a nursing home and taking this drug. She does show behavior as irritable, agitated, hostile, restless and hyperactive. Is there another drug that she can take to help her with her depression and grief?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Low dose antipsychotics can help

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HealthcareMagic

I can understand your concern. Zoloft or Sertraline is a SSRI drug. The drug is a safe antidepressant drug. But in some individuals it's known to result in side effects. If she is feeling irritated, agitated, hostile, restless and hyperactive then she should be evaluated properly.

Her serum electrolytes should be done to rule out any imbalance. Blood sugar levels should be done to rule out any metabolic abnormalities.

For these symptoms addition of some mood stabilizer can help. Divalproex sodium can be added to her prescription and will help to reduce the symptoms. Even low dose antipsychotics like Olanzapine or Risperidone can help to control her symptoms. You can discuss with her doctor for the drugs I've mentioned. This will surely help her.

Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee