Zoloft And Mania Posts

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Zoloft and mania? I am in the beginning process of seeking therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and I also think I might be bipolar. The Zoloft is making my mania worse, what does this mean? Thanks. I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the Army (I am 21) and I know that I think I might have bipolar because I before I started my medication I had extreme depression and hypomania. However, now with the Zoloft the hypomania is worse and the depression is better. My dosage is 50mg of Zoloft in the morning and 0.5mg of Klonopin before bed. I am prescribed through my family care doctor and I have counseling with a psychologist.

><>Ashley<>< replied: "You either need a higher dose, OR you need a different med. Some meds don't work on all people. Im on zoloft and it's working great. Im on it for Anxiety/depression/ocd. how fun.. Lol God Bless"

deshane2530 replied: "It means that you need an antipsychotic medication as well. You need both. Zoloft may not be the right medication for you. If you are Bipolar, you really need both types of medication."

Sarah M replied: "This is actually very typical for a bipolar person. Many anti-depressants including SSRIs like Zoloft can induce mania. Bipolar people (I am one) need mood stabilizers such as lithium. See the link below and scroll down to the blog entry on the reseach about anti-depressants making bipolar people worse (Aug 30, 2007, STEP-BD reseach shows antidepressants of little value in bipolar). Good luck and please don't worry. I went through hell for a while but with the right treatment everything is great again. Hang in there."

nremtp4me replied: "No you probley are not bipolor. You just have anxety issues most likely. This anxiety can cause you to worry and think you have all kinds of medical problems that you in actuality you don't have. I think that what you think is "mania" is actually you just feeling how everyone else feels all the time. You have just never been able to feel this way, due to your anxiety disorder....HOWEVER, I am not a Psychiatrist, nor have I talked to you, or know your detailed medical history... So I am going to have to say the best thing to do is talk to your doctor about this."

Pookie's mom replied: "How long have you been taking it? It can take up to 2-3 months before it is therapuetically effective. Are you being followed by a psychiatrist? Sounds like you need to be. You may need a mood stabilizer along with the Zoloft to avoid the mania that can accompany mood elevators (SSRI'S). You can take an omega3 supplement. Best source is salmon oil, Carlson's Norwegian is the best brand, can be purchased at any health food store. There is a prescription brand omega3 called Omacor, but it is very $$$$$. Have you been tested for ADHD, symptoms can mimic anxiety disorders. Good luck"

aeonswife replied: "not every drug works for every person. In the case of Bi-polar disorder, some anti depressants will actually make the mania worse. the problem with this is that the drug may be effective in controlling the depression or anxiety, and a counter active drug maybe necessary to control the mania. the dosage of your zoloft may be too strong. sometimes bringing down the dosage will help. switching to another antidepressant may work. zoloft may not work with your body chemistry. in some cases, a counter drug may be necessary . ex: clonazapam, or buspar always always talk to the doctor before making any changes in your medication."

Lewis A replied: "Stop taking it if you get mania. I did have mania when taking zoloft and I tell you it was hell Talk to a psychiatrist and tell him/her you have manic episodes"

What if i have mania from my zoloft and i also have ocd? is that possible.. i saw that mania is a possible side effect of zoloft.. i had been fighting the mania.. because i thought something was wrong with me until about 3 weeks ago.. i havent stopped it till today.. i wanted to see what would happen.. i'm afraid to get excited. i think though if i let myself ONLY be excited about what is normal to be excited about.. then i think i could keep being on the medicine.. i dont know if i want to give up the mania... but.. i was wondering if i'm always super high and i love everything.. plus i'm not sleeping that much because i feel like i'm running on something..

Negeshia replied: "Stop obsessing. Oh sorry."

ChameleonMan replied: "It's amazing how they give you drugs to reduce symptoms of depression and you end up with bipolar symptoms.The high is a good feeling.If you are the creative type,you would find yourself with many amazing ideas,but when you get around other people,it comes off as bizarre behavior.I've been on medication for almost ten years and the doctors keep diagnosing me with a new disorder as a result of my medications.Your best bet is to eat healthy,exercise,meet people(a pill can not replace connecting with people) and take vitamins and minerals.I've been feeling a lot better and able to function in society since I started living a healthy lifestyle. Good luck."

Why is it that Zoloft has all the reverse side effects for me? Common side effects would include increased appetite (leading to weight gain), loss of libido, inabiltity to orgasm, and increased need for sleep. For me however, is the complete opposite! I have no appetite whatsoever so I lose weight. I have tons of energy when I take it. And, since I've been on it I've been having great sex and my libido is so much higher than before. I'm crazy horny all the time now and because of Zoloft I can now achieve multiple orgasms everyday! Are all of these effects normal? One of my doctors suspected I was bipolar because SSRI's can induce mania. I was put on Effexor at the highest dose (which is one of the most likely to trigger mania) but I reacted fine to it. I definitely don't hate these side effects! LOL I was just wondering why it would have the reverse effect on me?

ndyell9 replied: "Increased appetite is not a common side effect of Zoloft. In fact, decreased appetite and slight weight loss are much more common."

Jerry Lee replied: "I Googled: zoloft "increased libido" to find which shows that it *has* happened for other people. Apparently it goes away after a year or so. lists libido as a "less common side effect""

jt replied: "These aren't reverse side effects. Unless you are experiencing mania (and your physician seems to have ruled it out) these "side effects" may be the result of your depression lifting away from you--you feel good, so you eat less, have more energy, and enjoy sex more. This is what antidepressants are supposed to do--help you function normally."

Interested to a point replied: "I would encourage you to pay attention to your doctor - it sounds like Zoloft may have triggered a hypomania episode that could suggestion Bipolor Disorder. You express that you feel better; I'd be careful to attribute your entire experience to Zoloft, continue to talk with your doctor. Best to you."

George P replied: "Actually the "side effects" that you are talking about are rather common. Many people have what are called paradoxical effects from medications. If you are taking Zoloft for depression and it is treating that problem then count your blessings and enjoy the other effects. Best wishes"

can both zoloft and abilify be used for treating depression? can zoloft and abilify be used for treating depression at the same time? two antidepressents cant be used at the same time, just clear me up? i am kind of confused because should i consider abilify as a mood stabilizer as it is used for treating mania or as am ajunct for treating depression? i want to arrive at a lebel of my illness, my doctor has a hard time telling any particular label, he tells me that my symptoms are mixed. thanks.

circa 1980 replied: "Two different meds probably have different affects on your brain's chemistry. If the same doctor prescribed them both, I'm sure he knows what he's doing. How long have you been in counseling? It's hard to pinpoint some disorders unless it's been a significant length of time."

Danika T replied: "I would say that your Dr. might not know the exact cause for your illness. It sounds like that you may have the symptoms of both depression and a mania. He might be trying to find something that works in a beneficial way with your brain chemistry. It is not unusual to prescribe more then on antidepressant because some antidepressants work on different pars of the brain better then others. However be wary, because prescribing to many things can do more harm then good. Make sure you talk with your Dr about anything that you are feeling, side effects, unusual thoughts, and whatever you feel when you are taking these medicines. Abilify is mainly used for people who are suffering from schizophrenia or other manias like bipolar disorder. Its used to stabilize your moods. Whereas Zoloft is uses to mainly treat depression, usually seasonal depression if I'm not mistaken . Don't worry about not being able to have a label, not having a label is sometimes very good. You wont be defined by that one label. Everyone is unique in not just their symptoms but also in their treatments. If your symptoms are mixed it doesn't do any good to have you labeled with to many things if you don't fit into every one of them. I hope that helps. :)"

Jan N replied: "I'd recommend you to watch following document about side effects of antidepressants like Zoloft. Psychiatrists don't always say all side effects and what they actually know. It's not an overstatement to say that it can save your life. "

Maritza C replied: "Well, Abilify is a dopamine "regulator" in certain neural pathways. Some folks report getting a bit too frenzied by the dopamine rush, and don't feel it regulated dopamine levels at all. Others swear by it. Seroquel is antimanic because it gently antagonizes dopamine receptors and tunes them down a bit. Seroquel doesn't "regulate" any dopamine signaling. Other than that the two are about the same in pharmacology. Yes, Abilify, if it works the way it is supposed to, can "prop up" dopamine levels and stabilize/lift mood. Since Zoloft is only a mild dopamine up-regulator at high doses (HIGH!), it may not do much in the dopamine area. As far as diagnosis goes--unfortunately serotonin meds like Zoloft can deplete dopamine and "flatten" moods (and sex drive) over time. Hence the intro of Abilify. Whether you are Bipolar or not cannot be determined even if your meds work perfectly for you. There are non-bipolars who do well on bipolar meds used off-label."

Which antidepressants are more likely to trigger mania in bipolar people if they aren't on a mood stabilizer? I know Wellbutrin is probably is the least like likely. But is Zoloft more likely to cause mania than lets say Lexapro or Prozac? Just wondering which ones caused you problems before being diagnosed with bipolar.

BJ tech replied: "All antidepressants have different possible side effects. YOu'd have to do research on each one's website, which usually has the "package insert" info if you look under the physician's part of the site. Wellbutrin can occasionally cause seizures, which can be a really bad thing. I've heard people say Zoloft makes them irritable but I don't know what the studies have shown."

TPhi replied: "When my daughter was put on Paxil, she had episodes of mania. The doctor was treating her for depression, however a psychiatrist I took her to recently thinks she may be bipolar and should be on a mood stabilizer. The Paxil was fine at first, but after a couple of months she started cutting herself and having suicidal thoughts. I weaned her off of it and she's been 100% better. She still has moodswings and a depressive episode now and then, but I'm not so sure I want to deal with doctors anymore."

kewtber replied: "It does not matter. If you have Bipolar, you should not take any antidepressant without a mood stabilizer because it could trigger mania...your Pdoc should have told you this, contact them for advice on this matter."

kira k replied: "Normally for bipolar disorder most doctors will prescribe Paxil and depending on the severity they might prescribe Lithium"

Zag replied: "hi rockford, i have a good friend who has bipolar 2. all of the antidepressants send him high when he isnt on a mood stabiliser - even the herbal one, st johns wort. i think that anyone with bipolar would easily be made manic by antidepressants because the brain isnt able to regulate itself properly. i did read about at least one antidepresant that is better for bipolar but i cant remember what it was, and they probably were recomending it for use with a mood stabilizer- if i can find the details, i'll let you know. i did loads of research for my friend when he found out he had bipolar because he didnt want to take lithium and he hated the other mood stabilisers that he was given. he has bipolar 2 and we found out that lamotrogine (might be called something else in USA) had hardly any side effects. he's been on lamotrogine for ages now and its working quite well... he's not great but doesnt get any major depression or highs any more, and there arent any side-effects (it doesnt make him feel shit or half dead) - i'd recomend giving it a go (you'd have to experiment with the dosage with your doctors help) and you can take antidepressants with it if you need to. email me any time through my profile if you'd lke any further help... i know quite alot about bipolar... if you want to try an antidepressant on its own (i wouldnt recomend it), then maybe you could take tiny doses (alot less than is recomended) or try a small dose of st johns wort - a herbal but very good antidepressant. monitor yourself closely to watch out for highs - and get someone close to you to help you with that too cos sometimes you might not notice when you are going high yourself. take care of yourself"

echo22 replied: "Well my husband was originally diagnosed as depressed, but when he was put on Effexor, which I'm told is a mood stabilzer, he was back to his old self. I, at that time began to wonder whether or not he was really bipolar and had never been diagnosed. I guess when you live with someone whose moods swing, you just chalk it up to mood swings, age, etc...but when they are stabilized and you don't live with the differences and just enjoy life you realize what you have been missing. I really wish he would've stayed on it though. He took himself off and soon was in a depressed cycle again. After he returned to the psychiatrist again and was then put on paxil, he definitely showed the highs and lows and was difficult to live with. So maybe the paxil exaggerated some things, but I believe that the bipolar was there a long time before that."

Hassen replied: "It depends on the individual person and what type of bipolar they have. I have bipolar with a tendency towards manic episodes, so any and all antidepressants send me into a manic phase within 24 hours, even if I am on mood stabilizing medications. The first time I was depressed (before I found out I was bipolar) the doctor put me on Prozac. I went from being depressed and not being able to get out of bed to never being home. I later was diagnosed with bipolar and told that the extreme switch in my moods was due to the antidepressant. I was put on lithium and it worked great. A few years later (still on lithium - and a few manic episodes to go along with) I had my second bout with depression. I was severe enough that I had to be admitted into a psychiatric hospital and they gave me an antidepressant - even though I had told them my history with it. The next day I woke up completely manic and had to stay in hospital for a month and a half until the meds could get me normal again. Everyone is different - every bipolar has it's own unique trademark. You should speak with your doctor about you history and design a plan from there."

I have been on Zoloft for about 2 months now...My doctor just added Seroquel into the mix? Although I dont think I am bipolar. I do have sleep issues though. I am wondering if I should even be taking this drug. I am definetely depressed and anxious, but I dont have delusions or "mania." Is anyone else on this stuff for sleep disorders only?

Hopefully Helpful replied: "Yes. I take 200 mg. of Seroquel to help me sleep each night. I also take Cymbalta for my depression. I hope you will find the Seroquel helpful. Good Luck."

melanie k replied: "My daughter is on Zoloft and she was having a horrible time sleeping. She said she would flip flop all night long and then be tired all day the next day. The Dr did put her on Seroquel so she would sleep at night. She loves it. She doesn't have mania or delusions either."

Kate replied: "i am Seroquel too, but it's because i am Bipolar. But, i just wanted to let you know that Seroquel is more a sedation (my psychologist told me). It makes you super calm and allows to fall asleep instantly. When i take it i pass out! like i can't even keep my eyes open. (it takes about 2 hours for it to hit me though) I think that it will really help. Try not to look at the medicine as Bipolar medication think it as another sleeping pill. If you are really concerned about taking it, talk to your doctor. I used to talk sleeping pills, you could also talk to your doctor about taking Trazodone. That really helped me. :)"

homewrecker7874 replied: "Seroquel is an atypical anti psychotic! My son was on this and he is bi polar This drug is BAD!!!! My son started seeing things on this drug He saw and spoke to angels and demons. I am so glad i finally got a decent doctor.Also their is now a class action law suit against the makers of seroquel it is known to cause serious health problems. "The use of the antipsychotic medication Seroquel has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, pancreatitis and death.""

Toffee733 replied: "Seroquel is used to treat a number of illnesses, not just bipolar, so don't look at it like it's only an anti-psychotic. Different drugs react to people differently so I don't think it's fair to see a drug is bad as such, it's just not compatible with that particular person (speaking from experience - i've been treated for bipolar/depression for 15 years and been on nearly every drug out there)... It does have some amazing sedative effects (I'm out of in within half an hour of taking it) which means you should get a good nights sleep. If it doesn't work for you or you're still concerned, go back to your doctor. You should feel comfortable with how the medication works and what it will do and what it's for BEFORE you start taking it."

angelgirl replied: "What does your doc say about the possible bipolar diagnosis? How did he arrive at his decision? Getting a second opinion is a good thing. I know that Seroquel is not prescribed for a sleep disorder in itself. There are many reasons for this disorder, and many treatments. I take seroquel and I never had a sleep disorder. It definitely was prescribed for schizoaffective disorder. I haven't had any drug for BPD. I have many bipolar friends who don't take seroquel, but some that do. Zoloft is commonly prescribed for anxiety, but doesn't always work. Do the research because it will make you more comfortable with talking with your doctor about the issue. He/She needs to be more forthcoming with reasons for therapy. BTW, I've been on Seroquel and Effexor XR for many many years. I have had dry mouth as a result of these drugs. I have an appointment next month with an oral surgeon who will be pulling ALL MY TEETH caused DIRECTLY by dry mouth. I'm only 53 and had perfect teeth before taking these drugs. I was never told about this serious side effect. Never forget that we haven't got long term studies on a lot of drugs.!!!! Good Luck!"

How long does it take to wear of the withdrawal symptoms of Xanax & Zoloft? Doc gave me zoloft cause I asked.? I am enaged to be married. I am getting married this month. I was a very happy person after I met my fiance. We were so much in love with each other. I would do anything for my fiance & give him my life. Last summer my fiance & I went to visit my sis who lives out of state. She doesn't like my fiance 1 bit. I didn't know about it until last November when I talk to her over the phone. My mom & all my relatives love him. He is the best thing ever happend to me. I got sick after my sis told me she didn't want to hurt my feelings but she didn't like him. So I got frequent periods after that. So I went to the doc & they gave me provera for 10 days. I got real bad side effects. So the doc gave me xanax & zoloft to get rid of my provera side effects. Ever since then I am going down hill. I am off of xanax & zoloft for 6 days now. Now I have symptoms of mania, I constantly think alot. My fiance is so supportive of me. I pray everyday. But I am sad I am putting him through this.

Jake C replied: "Sometimes an emotional triggered reaction can make an individual "sick". If your sister is making you feel this way, the first thing you need to understand is that you have the opportunity to create your own social surroundings. If she disproves of your life and your marriage, spend less time speaking with her and concentrate more on the flourishing of your new family. I was prescribed Xanax some years ago and when I went off of them, I had intense feelings of withdraw as well. They lastest for several months."

tomboytina2002 replied: "It takes about 6-8wks to withdraw, fully."

mark f replied: "The withdrawals from xanax can drag on for months and months and months before they settle down. You are coming off the worst drug. Read this page You should go back on and gradually reduce your dose. Stopping abruptly like that can make you go crazy."

Zoloft for post partum depression...? I was just diagnosed with PPD, my baby is 2 mo. I have been bipolar (diagnosed as such) for about five years. Has anyone had any experience with Zoloft and being bipolar? My doctor seems to think zoloft will keep my moods at "even keel" though for some reason I'm afraid zoloft will send me into a manic episode unlike any other. I am very prone to mania if I am happy or don't sleep enough or don't eat enough. I'm also a recover(ing) anoretic, so will this help or make me go back to anorexia?? Because I know that my manic episodes in the past would be triggered by not eating enough, then I'd feel so empty and "clean" inside that I wouldn't eat ANYTHING for two weeks.... I am concerned because I am new, breastfeeding mom, I don't want this medication to send me over the edge on the happy end of the spectrum. I tried to tell my doctor, I didn't think it would work, because I am prone to either trow my meds away, forget to take them... Has it worked for anyone else whos bipolar?

gardensallday replied: "Sorry about what you are going through. I think you are right to be worried about mania - and I wonder if you are taking any mood stabilizers like lithium when you are breastfeeding, which you shouldn't. I think it's unwise to take an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer, and I think most psychiatrists would agree - but I'm just a bipolar person who is well-informed, not a doc. *I hope you are seeing a psychiatrist and not a family doc - a family doc has no business treating bipolar.* That's like going to a family doc when you need bypass surgery. There are programmable medicine boxes now that set off an alarm when you need to take your meds. Try one of those. Also, are you eligible for social services for mental health? If your bipolar is quite severe & you've been hospitalized for it before, you may be entitled to it in your state. The social workers are helpful. I know a lady with schizophrenia and her worker calls her twice a day to take her meds. Others get help setting up their pill boxes. You get emotional support at home too. Also, you should make sure your family members/friends keep an eye on your behaviors. You don't want to neglect your new baby, or harm him/her because you're off your head from the bipolar plus fluctuating hormones. A social worker can help with this too, and they really do try to help folks. don't discount the social worker idea if you are eligible - I felt dumb about it, but it does really help. Good luck!!!"

morgan1cj replied: "I'm not bipolar but I do know that Zoloft is one of the milder drugs around with very little side effects (atleast compared to others). I took it for a little while after having my first kid and did notice after taking it steady for a couple of weeks, my bad moods did seem to mellow, I didn't notice it affecting my good moods at all. The plus with Zoloft is it doesn't hurt the baby when you breastfeed. As far as diet, I don't know if it affects that or not, but keep in mind that your baby is depending on you to eat the right foods so he can "eat" them, too. If you don't eat, your screwing your baby. If you're that concerned with the Zoloft, maybe try controlling your moods with diet and exercise. No artificial colors, flavors, sugars, basically not eating food that has ingredients you can't pronounce."

sxy_tang replied: "Personally Zoloft was not a good one for me, it made me feel like I was nuts. And the withdrawels were somethings else. Ask your doctor about Effexor. It worked for me. But I would still be concerned since you mentioned breast-feeding, maybe try a holistic approach so if the baby does get anything it's natural. I know of one that my Doctor tells me I should take for PMS is Evening Primrose, maybe that would work on moods too."

Bipolar mania or drug psychosis? I took some LSD a few months ago. About two weeks after that hit of LSD I went into full blown mania. During my manic episode I ended up taking more LSD and went into a mixed episode. After that I quit LSD and my mixed episode crashed into a depressive state. I went to the doctor and he said it was Bipolar 1 for right now... but if I never used drugs again I might never show symptoms again. The doctor prescribed me Seroquel 100mg and Zoloft 100mg. After three days of being on the Zoloft I once again went into a manic episode. Am I Bipolar? Or would this be considered a drug psychosis from the LSD instead? Keep in mind. When I was younger I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. I have always been impulsive and had moods that went up and down... it's just that my moods changed quite a few times throughout the day instead of one mood lasting days or weeks at a time.

Fe F replied: "Yeah sounds like you are bipolar. People can be bipolar for a while without something triggering it, but when it does then they become full blown bipolar. There are a lot of triggers, sleep deprivation is the most common one for mania, but it could have just as easily been something benign like allergy medication. Basically, if you are vulnerable, you had it coming anyways. If not the LSD, it could have been studying for exams, or being really stressed about something. so don't blame yourself, don't think "wel if only i hadn't dropped acid' because if you hadn't something else would've caused it definetly don't take LSD again though... if nothing else it's a definite trigger for mania"

I am on 200mg Zoloft and 150mg Wellbutrin SR. I need advise on how to dose during the day.? I have tried 200mg zoloft in the morning and 150mg wellbutrin in the afternoon. It's too much for me. I have tried 100mg zoloft in the am. and 100mg in the pm, and 150mg wellbutrin in the afternoon. I am just experiencing nausea, neck pains, trouble sleeping, tremors, and a little mania. I have clinical depression and anxiety/panic disorder. I would just like to feel a bit more balanced. I also take xanax .5 mg as needed. Please help. I have tried 200mg zoloft in the morning and 150mg wellbutrin in the afternoon. It's too much for me. I have tried 100mg zoloft in the am. and 100mg in the pm, and 150mg wellbutrin in the afternoon. I am just experiencing nausea, neck pains, trouble sleeping, tremors, and a little mania. I have clinical depression and anxiety/panic disorder. I would just like to feel a bit more balanced. I also take xanax .5 mg as needed. I no longer have health insurance, that's why I am asking. I would like to know what has worked for others. My doctor said it would be ok to split doses throughout the day. He told me that I could not overdose with these dosages. So, I know it would help to talk to a doctor, but since I no longer have one. I am just seeking some insight by people who are actually taking these meds at this dosage.

caylo2ooo replied: "it isn't wise to be adjusting your medication on your own- you need to talk to your doctor and have him make the changes. it is too dangerous to your health to be doing this. if the doctor doesn't know about your problems, he cant adjust your medication. sometimes, if you are having a lot of problems, they will change the pill instead of the amount you are taking. talk to him, and tell him what you are experiencing, and let him help you. good luck."

donamkuhn replied: "I think this something u an ur Dr. aught to discuss. As far as ur side effects, most of them will eventually dissipate. Again if they don't speak to ur Dr. Good Luck and Happy N.Y."

Mimblewimble replied: "Do NOT alter your medication without seeking your doctor's approval! There are hundreds of accidental overdoses because of this very thing! When you're medicated on two different things, you don't know how they'll react with one another. Please seek your doctor's help first. Let him/her give you the dosages. Tell him/her your ideas and they'll surely help."

Paul A replied: "I take Wellbutrin SR (150 mg) in the morning, and Lexapro (10 mg) in the evening, for depression and anxiety. I've been taking that for over two years, and it's working very well for me. I would suggest taking the Wellbutrin SR in the morning - I've been told if I take it in the afternoon or evening it'll keep me awake at night. That's not a big dose of Wellbutrin SR, so it shouldn't bother you too much. I don't know much about Zoloft, but that sounds like a big dose to be taking along with the Wellbutrin SR. And, I would suggest you take the Zoloft in the afternoon or evening. Best of Luck to you :-) Paul."