reflux, lapband, and Sertraline (zoloft) issues

[YankeesFan 2]

Here's a wild one -- has anyone had a severe reflux reaction immediately after taking their zoloft? For the past week I've been having the worst time. I had a barium swallow, and everything looks ok -- and I had .5 cc removed (down to 2.5cc). I'm I the only one?

[Constance 0]

Oh WOW, I was certain this was just me! Yes, I take my Zoloft at night and it is like swallowing flaming hot pokers a few minutes later. I've learned that I MUST take it with mouthfull of food. Somehow that insulates it as it goes down. I just take a bite of food, chew it up, then pop the pill in my mouth beforeI swallow. That is the only way I can do it. If I am too full or it's too late for even a biteful of food -- I just skip the pill for the day. It is not worth the intense fiery pain!

[chickie1667 0]

Get out of here!!! I have the very same thing!! I'm glad I ran across this...I thought I was nuts or something LOL.If I take it after I've eaten a few bites...then I'm usually ok...weird isn't it?!?!?!

[YankeesFan 2]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one. For a bit, I thought I was going nuts (despite the zoloft). I called my dr (psych) about it and sure enough, Zoloft has been known to have significant gastroinstestinal side-effects (including nausea, abdominal pain --which doesn't even begin to describe it). I'm seeing him today and we're switching meds. He said this kind of reaction with a band could lead to further complications. I'd call your drs. I'll let you know what happens with my dr. tomorrow.

[chickie1667 0]

OMG!! I guess I better call my doc too....Thanks for letting me know about this!! I will be waiting to hear how it all goes.

Have a great day.

Brittany.

[Constance 0]

Yankeefan, not sure if you've already gone to the doc...but I wonder...

If I take it with food, I'm fine. So as long as I do that and I'm pain free, should I still consider switching? Maybe you could ask? I can ask my doc too, but I'm not due for an appt for awhile.

Very interesting that we all share this. That what I love about this board!

[YankeesFan 2]

Hey all -- I went to a doc covering for my doctor, who's conveniently out of town. Here's what he suggested after speaking with my doc. Since I've been on Zoloft for 6 years and have been extremely stable, they are reluctant to take me off of it. They did lower the dose and recommend the following: 1) divide the dose up and take it throughout the day rather than all at once. 2) take it with food (preferably yogurt). I skipped yesterday altogether, but I did take 100 mg (I usually take 200) this am with about 1/2 cup of yogurt. Not nearly as bad as before, but still some slight discomfort. I'm not going to tempt fate and won't take any more today.

I am going to call my GP/gastroenterologist and get his POV. It's odd that after 6 years on Zoloft and 1 year out from surgery, this problem shows up now. Just want to make sure there's not an underlying factor that the Zoloft is exacerbating. I'll keep you posted.

It probably wouldn't be a bad thing to call either your prescribing doc or your surgeon. It's good to keep them in the loop.

[YankeesFan 2]

Oh, one more thing. Apparently of all the antidepressents Zoloft and Cymbalta are the worst.

[dotofoz 0]

Well, I too have had issues w/the zoloft! Just about 2 weeks ago, I took my pills and ended up with the sliming and horrible pain on my breast bone, much like when you eat too fast. I tried to throw them back up, but didn't work. Just had to deal with it....

[lornajh 0]

I have really enjoyed many, many of your "posts." Too bad you're a Yankees fan!!!

Fenway Friend

[YankeesFan 2]

Yes, after the past week, it is too bad I'm a Yankees fan.

[YankeesFan 2]

Update: I went to my gastroenterologist today to discuss the Zoloft/reflux issues. He found it odd, but interesting, and prescribed Xifaxan, an antibiotic that reduces the amount of bacteria growth in the stomach. His theory is this: with the band at a certain restriction, some bacteria from the lower gut (i.e., colon - yuck) has found its way to the pouch and has flourished. With the overabundance of bacteria, the zoloft for some reason triggers an intense reflux response. He's not sure why eating yogurt w/the Zoloft seems to offset it. Anyhow, I'm supposed to take the Xifaxan for 2 weeks and check back w/him in a week. If I can take the Zoloft w/o the yogurt after a week, we have our culprit. I'd bet this is more prevalent than anyone realizes -- many haven't put two and two together yet. Perhaps I ought to start a poll -- I'm convinced this is an issue (minor if treated) that many people have overlooked. Considering the reflux and the vomiting, I'm sure it could cause the band to slip.

[ts505050 1]

Hi. I haven't posted in a really long time...but I am having some issues this week and I can't believe this thread. I am on Zoloft, and over the past couple of months I have started experiencing intense fiery pain after I take it. I attributed it to the pill getting stuck, but that doesn't seem to make a lot of sense considering I am able to take most pills without a problem. I threw up right after taking it two nights ago, and haven't quite recovered as of yet. I'm still trying to figure out how one thing can lead to the other...I plan to call my doctor(s) about it as soon as possible. I would appreciate any suggestions as others learn more about this...at the moment, I can't really eat anything because I had a bad reaction two nights ago and I'm still feeling crappy. I keep thinking something has gone wrong. Thanks for the information, I plan on doing some more research.

[Serena 0]

Wow...I've been taking 200 mg. of Zoloft every morning on an empty stomach and never experienced a problem but I haven't had a fill yet (not until 7-20). I'm so glad that I read about this beforehand and can find a solution before it happens. Thanks!

[edistogirl2602 0]

I used to take Zoloft and had the same problem. I was snapping my 100mg pill into 2 pieces because it was too big to get down. I asked my friend who is a pharmacist and she said it is very irritating to the stomach and since I was breaking them in half it was probably making the irritation worse. Who knew??