Expectations when Zoloft is prescribed for Fibromyalgia
There are a lot of patients of fibromyalgia that are prescribed with Zoloft. Because, the worst symptoms of fibromyalgia are depression and anxiety, so fibromyalgia patients are often prescribed with antidepressants. Most often, fibromyalgia may be causing these symptoms or these symptoms can be an underlying cause. Usually, doctors prescribe antidepressants for fibromyalgia to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and depression. A person may also feel pain relief because of these antidepressants. These antidepressants also help such people who find trouble in sleeping. Zoloft is one of the antidepressants that are prescribed for fibromyalgia. Zoloft is a brand name for sertraline which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants include SSRIs. For treating anxiety and depression, Zoloft (sertraline) is prescribed which one of the most prescribed SSRIs. A lot of doctors also prescribe Zoloft for fibromyalgia sufferers for treating the concurring anxiety and depression as well as for treating the disease itself.
About Zoloft
As we have mentioned that it is a brand name for sertraline, which is an antidepressant in the group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is not completely understood how SSRIs work, but it is believed by the researchers that they restore chemical balance in the brain or affect the positive communication between the central nervous system and the nerve cells. Either Zoloft is used by itself or it is used in a combination with other drugs for the patients who have panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Zoloft is also prescribed by many doctors for chronic fatigue syndrome, seasonal affective disorder and fibromyalgia.
Why would Zoloft be prescribed for Fibromyalgia?
According to the research, SSRIs like Zoloft are effective in helping the people to sleep, can improve the overall well-being and also helps in giving pain relief resulting in fewer effects on the tender points and fatigue from fibromyalgia.
Moreover, Zoloft can also provide some relief from the anxiety because anxiety and fibromyalgia are often diagnosed together. There are more than 20% of people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia and anxiety together. Usually, depression and fibromyalgia also go hand in hand, so Zoloft that is an SSRI antidepressant, also provide some relief from fibromyalgia depression. Zoloft does help in treating some of the conditions that are secondary to fibromyalgia even if it doesn’t directly treat fibromyalgia.
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Fibromyalgia flares can be caused by the stressful life events that lead towards anxiety and then it turns into a vicious cycle of pain and anxiety. These flares are prevented by SSRIs like Zoloft. You may find yourself better for dealing with the day to day stressors and anxiety that leads you towards flares by using Zoloft. It is worth knowing that Zoloft will help in preventing flares.
It is common in many people when they are unable to perform their routine activities make you feel depressed. It also feels depressed when you are unable to care for your children or going to the job affects badly on your life. Zoloft can help you in managing all these depressed feelings. There may be an improvement in ability to perform daily activities like driving, shopping, doing the job by taking Zoloft.
In a study, 70 female patients were traced for six months for the comparison of the efficacy of Zoloft to physical therapy. The study revealed that better outcomes were showed for pain, morning stiffness and sleep problems in people with fibromyalgia than the patients that were treated with ultrasonography and physical therapy.
Side effects of Zoloft
Zoloft also have some side effects just like other medications and some of these can be unpleasant. During the first 10 days of taking Zoloft, a lot of people report in having a feeling of nausea which wears off as your body gets used to it. Taking higher dosages of Zoloft may result in weight gain. So, it is something that should be taken into consideration before taking Zoloft. If you have any concerns about taking Zoloft, talk to your doctor.
Following are some side effects that you should tell your doctor if they continue:
- loss of appetite
- increased sweating
- upset stomach
- trouble sleeping
- nausea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- nausea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
Contact your doctor if these symptoms are experienced by you, as they can become serious:
- decreased interest in sex
- decrease in sexual ability (ejaculation delay)
- unusual weight loss
- easy bruising/bleeding
- muscle cramps/weakness
- shaking (tremor)
at last, you need an immediate medical attention if you ever experience black or blood stools, blurred vision, vomits that seems like coffee grounds, eye pain, swelling or redness of the eyes, widened pupils, or vision changes. A lot of internet forums are dedicated to fibromyalgia if you are concerned about how Zoloft affects you. It also includes many forums that specifically discuss taking Zoloft for fibromyalgia. Ask other people if they use Zoloft for fibromyalgia and also ask them how it is working.
Should Zoloft be taken for fibromyalgia?
Like all other SSRIs, Zoloft is only available by prescription, so you need to have a prescription from a medical provider who can write it for you. SSRI can also be a good option for you if your fibromyalgia is accompanied by depression or anxiety. Some providers are also there that are trained specifically in the treatment of fibromyalgia, so you should find a specialist. Consult your doctor whether or not you should take Zoloft for fibromyalgia.