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Is Zoloft An Effective Medicine For Treatment Of Brain Damage?
Question: I have a son, 53, who received a brain injury 3 1/2 years ago from not getting oxygen to his brain for 17 minutes...(as told to us at the hospital). He had to learn to stand, walk, feed himself, etc. He was doing quite well, but a neurologist put him on 100mg Zoloft per day, and in the last two years, he is not doing at all well, in that his short-term memory is very bad, and he seems more confused as time goes on. Would it be possible that Zoloft isn't a good drug for him, or perhaps they could try another drug? It isn't for me to determine, but am very worried about his situation. Thank you. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
There is need to review further use of Zoloft.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. The short memory problem may be related more to initial brain damage than side effects of Zoloft, but can't be excluded as a possibility, confusion may be side effect of it. The use of Zoloft after head trauma is indicated in patients diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and in most cases used in the first year after trauma. If your son is diagnosed with PTSD, then primary treatment is psychotherapy, but often includes medication. Combining these treatments can help improve your son's symptoms. There is need of replacing Zoloft, because of its long usage and mentioned above your son's side effect. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
There is need to review further use of Zoloft.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. The short memory problem may be related more to initial brain damage than side effects of Zoloft, but can't be excluded as a possibility, confusion may be side effect of it. The use of Zoloft after head trauma is indicated in patients diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and in most cases used in the first year after trauma. If your son is diagnosed with PTSD, then primary treatment is psychotherapy, but often includes medication. Combining these treatments can help improve your son's symptoms. There is need of replacing Zoloft, because of its long usage and mentioned above your son's side effect. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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