I am an 18-year-old female, and I have been treated for depression over the past year and a half. With my doctor's approval, I decided it was time to finish taking my medication (Zoloft 150 mg). I feel that I must be strong enough to gain full control of my life without the assistance of medication. But it has been very difficult. I have been primarily noticing dizziness and an increase in appetite. Are these common side effects? What can I do to make this transition less emotionally demanding?

Jen

Your doctor and, possibly, your pharmacist should be able to discuss with you Zoloft's side effects and any possible withdrawal symptoms. One possibility is to ask your pharmacist for a copy of the product insert required by U.S. law to be available to those who buy prescription medication. Such inserts list the known side effects of the medication.

Appetite loss (medically known as anorexia -- not to be confused with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa) is a common side effect of Zoloft and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the class of drugs that includes Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil. Thus, I wouldn't be surprised at an increase in appetite as someone weaned themselves from such medication. (Of course, poor appetite is also a symptom of depression, and return of appetite can indicate a return to normal mood.) Dizziness is also listed as a possible side effect of Zoloft.

It's not common information among mental health professionals -- at least, not in my experience -- that people who stop antidepressant medication can go through a temporary rebound (or resurgence) of depression until their brains and bodies adjust to the absence of such chemicals.

It may be that gradually weaning oneself off of an SSRI decreases the possibility of rebound depression and withdrawal effects, but I must confess I don't really know. As a clinical psychologist my training is primarily in psychological and behavioral, rather than biological, intervention. But it's important for psychologists and other therapists to know of the possible side effects and withdrawal effects of psychiatric medications so as not to confuse the effects of psychiatric drugs with the original conditions with which their clients are struggling -- so I've made it a practice to educate myself about such medications.

Please make sure your physician knows of the appetite increase and dizziness you are experiencing. If he or she thinks they may be a temporary effect of weaning yourself off Zoloft, then it may help to remind yourself that what you're experiencing is a natural reaction of your body to the drug and will pass once you have stopped taking the medication and your body has adjusted to a medication-free status. Your physician (or therapist) may also be able to recommend ways to manage any unsettling symptoms. Good luck.