Is Zoloft any good?

tonyac2

My DH just got out of the hospital and was sent home on Zoloft for anxiety. I had hoped they would have given him Klonopin or something similar to use PRN. Nope, it’s addictive. He went in for chest pains and my thought is that it’s more anxiety related. All tests were thankfully negative for a heart attack. I told them that I think he struggles with anxiety and then come the complaints of chest pains and shortness of breath. If I had Klonopin to give, I’m sure it would calm everything down and we wouldn’t have to make a trip to the ER. But if it didn’t resolve, I’d give him a Nitro and take it from there. But here we are with Zoloft. What’s the low down on Zoloft and dementia? Helpful? Thanks.

Jgirl57

Zoloft(sertraline) was a big help for my DH/alz. He started on 50, and then after several months 75, then 100 and now we are at 125mg . It has really helped anxiety and confusion . I don’t see us going any higher than 125mg with the Zoloft , but will add other medications if needed.( btw, my doctor put me on 25mg a day to manage my stress as a caregiver)

Carl46

I took Zoloft for 20 years and it helped me a lot.

BPS

My wife is in MC and started taking Zoloft for anxiety from delusions. It has help her

tonyac2

He started on 25 mg. Thanks for your help. Might mention he’s also on Seroquel.

Timmyd

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73953/is-zoloft-any-good

I understand your experience and frustration with Klonopin. I have used it as prescribed a couple of times over the years and found it to be immediately effective in providing some relief. However doctors seem increasingly unwilling to use because of the propensity for abuse, thus opting instead for an SSRI. Nothing wrong with SSRI, but it can be weeks before you start seeing effects which is not as useful when you would like some more immediate relief.

harshedbuzz

@tonyac2

Zoloft is an excellent SSRI for anxiety driven behaviors. That said, it can take up to 6 weeks to see the full effect of the medication which doesn't work for everyone (this is the case with many psychoactive meds).

Unfortunately, asking a physician in a hospital setting for a powerful benzo can look like drug-seeking for themselves or wishing to sedate a difficult LO for their own purposes to the prescriber. My suggestion is to find a geriatric psychiatrist for medication management as they are the specialists in this class of medication and may be more willing to prescribe something that works faster like an atypical antipsychotic and/or something to be given for breakthrough anxiety.

I hope you can find something to take the edge off for your DH.
HB

jfkoc

While non-pharmacutical (sp) treatment is best oft times extra help is needed. Have you had a chance to talk this over with your husband's Dr?

tonyac2

We have a follow up appt. this Wednesday. I asked about Klonopin, as I’ve read many times on this forum where people are giving that to their LO’s. The hospital psychiatrist said to give him 1/2 dose of Seroquel when he’s anxious. I’m going to look for a geriatric psychiatrist and see if we can get something a little more helpful. I just hate seeing him suffer when I know he doesn’t have to.

harshedbuzz

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/252342#Comment_252342

I personally don't care for the Seroquel as needed approach to dosing. It's like playing wack-a-mole. That said, Seroquel daily added to his Zoloft might be very effective for dialing back his anxiety. Dad took a cocktail of an SSRI (Prozac), Seroquel and Wellbutrin which worked nicely for him. Taking the 3 different meds meant lower doses/few side effects while allowing dad to remain in his home for at least a year longer than he would have otherwise. YMMV.

HB