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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Minimum Dose Of Zoloft?

Posted on Wed, 2 Mar 2016

Question: Hi I asked a follow up question on Healthcare Magic that wasn't answered. I have cerebral palsy and was given 25 mg of Zoloft and the nausea was extreme. So I stopped 5 days and started back on Monday splitting the pill. If I take the lower dose for 2 weeks, once my body is used to it will the increase to the full 25mg give me more side effects again?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thank you very much for using my private service. I now consider you my private patient, and will do everything within my power to help you.

You strategy of splitting the pill for two weeks as we discussed is a good idea.

This has as good chance of lowering side effects. To answer your question, the body will build a tolerance to excess serotonin in the gut that causes GI symptoms and side effects.

By the time you increase up to 25mg daily, the odds of side effects are drastically lowered. I would not expect you to have side effects when you increase the dose to 25mg daily in a couple of weeks.

I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to ask any followup questions you would like!

Dr. Sheppe

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

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)

Having an endoscopy in the morning to confirm stomach pain. Hoping it isnt as bad as I am thinking.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Stomach pain is actually a very common side effect of Zoloft, and usually goes away pretty quickly. I'm confident that nothing serious is going on. Good luck with your endoscopy! Let me know how it goes.

Dr. Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (15 minutes later)

I had the stomach pain before zoloft. Burning and gnawing pain. Been told gastritis ulcer hietal hernia. Been eating bland food and been on nexium and 3 weeks of sucrafate

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Ah, I see. No wonder your stomach is upset on Zoloft -- you have a sensitive stomach to begin with!

Have they tested you for H. pylori? It's a bacteria that causes ulcers sometimes, especially in people with hernias. Nexium is great, but you might need an antibiotic as well. Hopefully the endoscopy will shed some light on the issue.

Dr. Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (23 minutes later)

Was tested for h pylori. Came back negative

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

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
That's a good sign. Nexium should really help. Can take some time to really kick in, though. Sometimes several weeks. Hang in there.

Dr. Sheppe

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad