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What Causes Severe Diarrhea With Increased Anxiety And Depression While On Zoloft?
Posted on
Tue, 19 Jul 2016
Tue, 19 Jul 2016
Answered on
Wed, 10 Aug 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello,
I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years. To cope I abused alcohol for several years. I then quit for 9 years and then relapsed 2 years ago following a heart attack and 5 bypass surgery. I then had to have a partial colectomy. Both of these surgeries exacerbated my depression which I understand is common.
So, my psychiatrist has been working with me on different medications, I recently switched to Zoloft (7 Weeks ago), At about the 4 week mark I developed severe diarrhea with increased anxiety and depression and have lost 25 pounds. I informed the Dr, and he prescribe low dose Effexor with a small amount of kolonipin as needed for panic attacks.
Then about 2 weeks ago, after a separation from my wife I began drinking very heavily. Though I have a history I had not consumed to this degree before. I became anxious, agoraphobic, completely dysfunctional. I stayed in a very bad state before finally reaching out to friends for help. Today is my first day back at work after having gone through medical detox. They have given me valium for a couple of days to ease wtihdrawl symptoms. My worry is that when I am done with this, I will go back into the serious depression and anxiety and possible drink again. What can be done? With a history of substance abuse, the only thing that has ever helped (Kolonipin) seems like not a good idea but I must do something.
I have tried paxil, Effexor, prestiq, zoloft, and others I can't even remember. It seems that nothing really truly works. I can be stable but not "well' I used to just tell my Dr. I'm fine on a medication just so I wouldn't have to switch and risk getting worse.
Could the zoloft have contributed to the anxiety, drinking and depression? What can I do to become stable in the short term as I am really barely functioning at the moment? I'm scheduled for an appointment with my psychiatrist in 3 hours.
Thank you for your help.
I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years. To cope I abused alcohol for several years. I then quit for 9 years and then relapsed 2 years ago following a heart attack and 5 bypass surgery. I then had to have a partial colectomy. Both of these surgeries exacerbated my depression which I understand is common.
So, my psychiatrist has been working with me on different medications, I recently switched to Zoloft (7 Weeks ago), At about the 4 week mark I developed severe diarrhea with increased anxiety and depression and have lost 25 pounds. I informed the Dr, and he prescribe low dose Effexor with a small amount of kolonipin as needed for panic attacks.
Then about 2 weeks ago, after a separation from my wife I began drinking very heavily. Though I have a history I had not consumed to this degree before. I became anxious, agoraphobic, completely dysfunctional. I stayed in a very bad state before finally reaching out to friends for help. Today is my first day back at work after having gone through medical detox. They have given me valium for a couple of days to ease wtihdrawl symptoms. My worry is that when I am done with this, I will go back into the serious depression and anxiety and possible drink again. What can be done? With a history of substance abuse, the only thing that has ever helped (Kolonipin) seems like not a good idea but I must do something.
I have tried paxil, Effexor, prestiq, zoloft, and others I can't even remember. It seems that nothing really truly works. I can be stable but not "well' I used to just tell my Dr. I'm fine on a medication just so I wouldn't have to switch and risk getting worse.
Could the zoloft have contributed to the anxiety, drinking and depression? What can I do to become stable in the short term as I am really barely functioning at the moment? I'm scheduled for an appointment with my psychiatrist in 3 hours.
Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Zoloft does not cause depression, so we can rule that out. Klonopin is an anti-anxiety medication, which is not useful for depression, and is very dangerous when combined with alcohol, so I would also not use Klonopin. There are many antidepressants out there, and often someone who has tried many with no effect with try one that suddenly works. I would consider trying Effexor as your doctor suggests, or trying Lexapro. The biggest thing that will worsen your depression is drinking alcohol. No medication will work when you are drinking, so abstinence is key. With a combination of no alcohol combined with an antidepressant like Effexor or Lexapro, you will feel better.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Zoloft does not cause depression, so we can rule that out. Klonopin is an anti-anxiety medication, which is not useful for depression, and is very dangerous when combined with alcohol, so I would also not use Klonopin. There are many antidepressants out there, and often someone who has tried many with no effect with try one that suddenly works. I would consider trying Effexor as your doctor suggests, or trying Lexapro. The biggest thing that will worsen your depression is drinking alcohol. No medication will work when you are drinking, so abstinence is key. With a combination of no alcohol combined with an antidepressant like Effexor or Lexapro, you will feel better.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you for your response. I have tried both Effexor and Lexapro while not drinking. I was sober for 9 years prior to this episode. I believe they were somewhat effective but as I said, nothing has really worked. Wellness is subjective but, I've never had that "wow this really works" moment.
I have read anectdotal accounts of people claiming that Zoloft increased cravings for alcohol. I never mixed Kolonipin and alcohol just the Zoloft.
The other part of my question is what to do for immediate issues. My anxiety levels are extremely high and when this happens, of course there is risk of relapse. I have never abused prescription drugs. But of course I realize the potential. I need to do something to alleviate the anxiety in the short term as these drugs take a long while to kick in. What is the safest thing to do? I don't think I have the luxury of experimenting with possibilities at the present time. I am at risk of relapse if I don't get some kind of immediate relief.
I have read anectdotal accounts of people claiming that Zoloft increased cravings for alcohol. I never mixed Kolonipin and alcohol just the Zoloft.
The other part of my question is what to do for immediate issues. My anxiety levels are extremely high and when this happens, of course there is risk of relapse. I have never abused prescription drugs. But of course I realize the potential. I need to do something to alleviate the anxiety in the short term as these drugs take a long while to kick in. What is the safest thing to do? I don't think I have the luxury of experimenting with possibilities at the present time. I am at risk of relapse if I don't get some kind of immediate relief.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There are other options other than Effexor, Lexapro, and Zoloft. Other options include Pristiq, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Prozac, and vortioxetine. Any of these might help you.
There are drugs other than benzos that can lead to immediate relief for anxiety. These include gabapentin and hydroxyzine. However, it seems to me this is a pattern -- you are unable to tolerate emotions and seek out a substance like a medication or alcohol to help. It might be better to try psychotherapy to figure out why you do this and to learn to tolerate emotions without resorting to substances.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Followup
Detailed Answer:
There are other options other than Effexor, Lexapro, and Zoloft. Other options include Pristiq, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Prozac, and vortioxetine. Any of these might help you.
There are drugs other than benzos that can lead to immediate relief for anxiety. These include gabapentin and hydroxyzine. However, it seems to me this is a pattern -- you are unable to tolerate emotions and seek out a substance like a medication or alcohol to help. It might be better to try psychotherapy to figure out why you do this and to learn to tolerate emotions without resorting to substances.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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