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Suggest Medication To Treat Severe Bloating, Gas And Indigestion Due To Zoloft

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Posted on Wed, 16 May 2018
Question: Hi!

I recently started taking zoloft for anxiety and have found it to be very very helpful to me. One thing, however, is that it seems to cause a great deal of GI problems for me. I am taking severe severe bloating, gas, indigestion and some pain. What is something I can take in addition to the medicine to help with these symptoms. I would really appreciate if someone could let me know!

Best, XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Common side effects of SSRI.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking query on this forum dear.
Firstly i am glad that you are feeling well on Zoloft.

Add a daily dose of probiotic capsule like Vizylac or Bifilac.They contain good bacteria that act in proper digestion of food.
Zoloft sertraline is a SSRI and g,i upset is one of the commonest and most frequent side effect encountered with it.So don’t worry 9 out of 10 patient feel
the same on Zoloft.
For bloating and belching add Esomeprazole 40 mg once daily.This would make you feel much better.
A piece of advice from this old doctor.If possible try to switch over to Paroxetine then Sertralline.Serta is a old SSRI hence intensity of G.I upsets are bit on higher side.
Paroxetine is far more effective and with less distressing effect.
For proper digeston take external enyme supplement like Unizyme twice daily.However loose stool and constipation with loss of libido are the most common side effectsc of SSRI’s.
Hope i was helpful.
Please feel free to follow up.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (13 hours later)
hi and thank you for the response.

my doctor has encouraged zoloft specifically because my husband and i are trying for a baby and she says it is the safest medicine - i have been before on lexapro and it worked but she said to make the switch.

i am hoping the bloating and gas will subside in a few weeks?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
follow up.

Detailed Answer:
As soon as you would start taking Nexium and probiotic bloating would go away.
Best of luck for baby.
Please do write a review.
Any suggestions to make answers better also welcomed.
Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (15 minutes later)
Thanks very much.

When should I take probiotic? With the medicine in morning?

Also I read about charcoal supplement would it help?

Is nexium for bloating or heartburn?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please avoid charcoal in pregnancy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again my dear patient,
You should take probiotic twoce a day 9 a.am and 9p.m i.e 10 min before breakfastvand dinner.
VSL#3 is over the counter probiotic and would be hood for you.
Please try to avoid activated charcoal during pregnancy.
Rather take a combination of antacid with Simethicone which is generally considered safe to take during pregnancy because it does not cross the placenta and is very effective.
Nexium is aPPI primaririly meant for acidity but has secondary effect on bloating and gas too.
Hope i was helpful dear.
Feel free to follow up.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Suggest Medication To Treat Severe Bloating, Gas And Indigestion Due To Zoloft

Brief Answer: Common side effects of SSRI. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking query on this forum dear. Firstly i am glad that you are feeling well on Zoloft. Add a daily dose of probiotic capsule like Vizylac or Bifilac.They contain good bacteria that act in proper digestion of food. Zoloft sertraline is a SSRI and g,i upset is one of the commonest and most frequent side effect encountered with it.So don’t worry 9 out of 10 patient feel the same on Zoloft. For bloating and belching add Esomeprazole 40 mg once daily.This would make you feel much better. A piece of advice from this old doctor.If possible try to switch over to Paroxetine then Sertralline.Serta is a old SSRI hence intensity of G.I upsets are bit on higher side. Paroxetine is far more effective and with less distressing effect. For proper digeston take external enyme supplement like Unizyme twice daily.However loose stool and constipation with loss of libido are the most common side effectsc of SSRI’s. Hope i was helpful. Please feel free to follow up.