Suggest An Alternative Medication For Zoloft Taken For Depression

Posted on Sat, 19 Mar 2016

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

Sat, 19 Mar 2016 Answered on

Tue, 31 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a patient with chest bellows due to severe scoliosis and removal of entire right lung as a child. I am 70 now suffer of course the pulmonary problems and use an Ivap but my weight is surging. I take Zoloft 100mg in am and norvasc for HB . in the pm I take trazadone to sleep. I have anxiety due to these chronic debilitating problems. Being an old nurse helps What anti depressants are there that are less likely to cause weight gain? My primary suggested Privigil or I believe nuvigel To help get me a more positive day but I called the pharmacy and the cost is about 700.00$ I already pay 200.00$ for a full supp. To my traditional Medicare and. 60.00 Medicare d which has royally screwed the patient this year. So my question is a losing weight med for someone physically handicapped and does not overindulge in food does not drink alcohol or soda or salt. Never snacks on sweets in am. But does have apiece of chocolate pudding after dinner. Walking is very painful and exhausting just going next door. My pulmonary studies were done here in Fl @ XXXXXXX clinic Ndmy local care is in XXXXXXX Fl. Not a Medical Mecca. Thank you if you have any advice I can use because I know this weight gain will hasten my death. I still have spirit and my blond hair just need to try and get my spunk back for ADL'S. XXXXXXX XXXX

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

You seem like a fantastic person with a lot of spunk indeed! I hope you feel better soon. Here are my thoughts.

The Zoloft you are taking is actually probably the best medication for your concerns. It treats depression, and the average weight gain is less than 5 pounds, the lowest of any antidepressant. I would stick with this medication for the time being. A note on Provigil -- this is not a terrible idea, as it would give you energy and possibly cause weight loss. The expense is a problem. You could also try a different stimulant such as Ritalin or Adderall, this may be covered by Medicare. So this might be an alternate solution.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T