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Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Zoloft

Posted on Mon, 19 Sep 2016

Question: I started Zoloft 25mg the last week in July. My doctor bumped me up to 50mg a week and a half later. I was prescribed Zoloft for OCD/hypochondria. Two days of being on 50mg caused burning eyes, nostrils, ect. It felt like I was sitting in a smoky bar all day, but I'm never around second hand smoke. So I tapered myself off and have been completely off Zoloft for a week and a half. However, now, at least once a day, I'm having a strong cigar smell in my right nostril. I can smell/almost taste it in the back of my throat. When I'm smelling the cigar smell, I can pick up a candle, smell it, and it will smell like whatever flavor it is. So it's not like the smell is in the air. Although I had an MRI of my brain with and without contrast a little over two years ago, I'm pretty terrified this is a brain tumor. What's going on? Should I be afraid of brain cancer? Can a brain tumor/brain cancer grow in that time?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Brain tumors very unlikely,

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Brain tumors are very unlikely to grow in such time, but a new brain MRI can exclude 100% this possibility.

Besides that, your symptoms started AFTER some time after Zoloft use, so, most likely it was a Zoloft side effect.

Changes of smell are reported to last long after Zoloft use, if they occurred.

A viral infection during this time may have been a possible cause too.

Use of vitamin B complex supplements may help with smell perception.

If still in doubt, in order to peace your mind, please discuss with your Doctor about getting done a brain MRI.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 minutes later)

So is it a legitimate concern? I don't want unnecessary testing and the medical bills from an MRI. I'm just really looking for some peace of mind. So like 1 in a million chance?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The concern is of course legitimate.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Okay, lets say that there's one in a million chance for you to have a brain tumor.

Besides bills, MRI doesn't have any negative effects on health.

Take care.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 minutes later)

I'm just scared. My husband is deployed and I do have OCD/hypochondria, so I'm hoping it's my anxious mind running away with me. If it were a brain cancer, what other symptoms would I have?

My CT scan 4 years ago and MRI 2 years ago were both for phantom smells, but not a cigar/cigarette smell.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not a brain tumor.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Smell distortions for so long are not caused by tumors, or, if it was a tumor, other symptoms such seizures, limbs weakness, vision problems etc. should be present by now.

Viral infections, drugs use as a side effect may affect smelling.

I don't think you have a brain tumor.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj