Anti-Depressants

I had gastric by-pass, well my 2 year anniversary will be the 12th of this month. I had a question about the mal-absorption process and anti-depressant pills. Prior to WLS I was taking Zoloft and it really helped me. I am in a point in my life right now where they would be beneficial again but am just not sure how it will affect me now, and if it will at all. I've had my doctor call in the "new" generic of Zoloft called Sertraline I believe and since I brought up the issue of mal-absorption she wants to see me before I finish them to see if it's working. So my question is are any of you taking this or something similar? Does it seem to be working for you? I've emailed my bariatric nurse, but she doesn't have first hand experience with this. Thank you!

I took Zoloft after the birth of my daughter, and it DID help. I think that there can be malabsorption issues at times, but I do not believe they are as widespread as some would like to think.  Valena

Hi Amber,   I take an anti-depressant for OCD/Depression.  Before surgery I was taking 150mg. a day.  I was okay with that dose up until around 8 months post op, I had to be raised to 200mg. a day.  They believe I was mal-absorbing some of the medicine.  I know feel better again & I'm able to function.  Talk with your doctor & see if you need your dose adjusted. Carly

Hi, Amber!  I was on Prozac before my surgery 2-1/2 years ago.  I came off it after - I was on the "high" of losing and getting compliments, etc.  About 6 mos. ago, the old insecurities and life came back (like we've been told a million times - this surgery is on the stomach, not the head!) and so went back on Prozac.  I have definitely seen the improvement.  I did go on a lesser dose which I may have to rectify but if there's malabsorption, I don't sense it.  Best of luck to you!! 

Hi Amber -  My surgery was 01-09-06.  I take Effexor 75 mg and have since before my surgery.  My surgeon also had me taking the meds when I was in the hospital post op.  I've not been off of it and I've had no problems with mal-absorbtion.  Of course, I see both my surgeon and my regular MD every 6 month and have blood work to make sure everything is working. I wouldn't be without my Effexor!  Good luck to you.  Follow your doctors advice and know that you make have to try a few different meds and dosages before you find something that works for you. Kim :)

Hi Amber,  I too take Zoloft and probably will have to the rest of my life. I did have to up mine gradually, I was 100mg pre-op and until about a year out post-op I went upto 150 and I am now at 200mg. I do believe it is because of malabsorbtion. I take the generic and I do well with it. I am glad they came out with a generic because I have to pay 50% on my scripts.  Good luck with everything.

Hi, I've recently been put on Zoloft - 25 mg to start then gradually upped to about 150 mg.  I feel great. However,  two weeks ago I was hospitalized for a bowel obstruction and they refused to give me my Zoloft (idiots).  So I went without for about 4 days.  After that, I tried the 150 mg  but it made me nauseous, so I stayed at 100 mg.  I feel pretty good.  I go between the Zoloft and the Setraline (generic) depending on my coverage, but at 100 I'm ok/.  I t hink at 150 I would be better.  I will talk to my doc when I have see him next.   I am almost 3-1/2 years out.  I never took antidepressenants before the surgery - I probably needed them - some really traumatic things happened to me.  Kathy

I haven't been on the boards in a while, but thought I could help.  I also take the generic Zoloft - 100mgs a day - but my doctor has me break them in 2 and take one in the morning and one at night.  It seems to work great. Take Care, Jennifer

I started on Prozac, went through Zoloft, Celexa, Depakote, and finally ended on Effexor. I took these medications over the course of 8 years, for PMDD (PMS). A few months after my surgery Roux-n-Y, I noticed that my moods were not as managable.  The Effexor was "time realease" and I DID have a problem with not absorbing it. My Dr. changed the type of Effexor to non time realease, all that did was make me so nausiouse that I couldnt stand the thought of my next dose. I decided then to take myself off the meds. I have since quite taking all antidepressants, and am doing great, my moods are very managable. moral to my story is, Maybe my obesity was partially to blame for my need for antidepressants, since I havnt had the need for them since losing 125 lbs, and also, make sure your Doctor prescribes a "NON time realease" version of any medication. Good luck