Rapid metabolizer of Zoloft

Posted by vfrifr @vfrifr, May 25, 2023

Genetically proven, I am a rapid metabolizer of Zoloft. The half-life of Zoloft in my system appears to be 22 hours. (Not the 24 hours or more shown in literature. I have to keep my heart palpation medication at 50mg a day to stay ahead of the heart palpitations caused by the Zoloft. I have already increased my magnesium, sodium, B Vitamins and potassium intake. Any other suggestions?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

...hi sorry can't help but noticed heart palpitations caused by Zoloft. I was on low dose 25mg a bit more occasionally when needed, for over fifteen years! At first had some visual problems etc., then 2018 advised had narrow angle glaucoma and not to take any meds that raise eye pressure and Zoloft was one so took myself off for six months, not east as also got c.diff, anyway, dr put me back on 25 50 then 75 Zoloft and low and behold every night my heart started pounding... went to emerge etc., so after several months took myself off again and 2 days later heart stopped pounding at night; but they kept saying it was not the Zoloft, well by my own observations, it WAS but they still don't believe me. Still off it and on Klonapin/Rivotril but need something more for anxiety and depression but scared ti take anything re Glaucoma even tho had Iridotomies...side effects are the pits arent they? Can you take something other than Zoloft which won't affect your heart... ? Good luck

REPLY

Please have genetic testing completed to prove your body does not process Zoloft normally. Insurance will not cover the cost. Once I was able to prove my genetics was the cause of the palpitations, discussion with my doctor changed. Zoloft depletes magnesium and distrupts the flow of sodium. Combine that with genetics and you have the answer to why the palpitations are a problem for you.

REPLY

Thanks for info. I again am being pressed to take another antidepressant and when they mentioned Zoloft they just said to take heart meds; well this is similar to my husband/but different! Heart issues/triple bypass; cancer treated; diabetes; etc. and is now on SEVENTEEN meds a day plus sleeping pills and OTC drugs. He is not himself I have noticed a change in him .. un-fortunately he has not been able to quit smoking although tries to have one an hour, been smoking since a teen.. and alcohol consumption at home... the Drs. know of this but its addiction isnt it? BAck to Zoloft; I will be 80 in a few months, am on Klonapin/Clonazepam, glaucoma eye drops, Imodium for fecal incontinence and Synthroid as half thyroid out years ago and really dont want to take any more... wish I could make suggestions for you but cant even sort my own problems out! Ugh

REPLY
@lacy2

Thanks for info. I again am being pressed to take another antidepressant and when they mentioned Zoloft they just said to take heart meds; well this is similar to my husband/but different! Heart issues/triple bypass; cancer treated; diabetes; etc. and is now on SEVENTEEN meds a day plus sleeping pills and OTC drugs. He is not himself I have noticed a change in him .. un-fortunately he has not been able to quit smoking although tries to have one an hour, been smoking since a teen.. and alcohol consumption at home... the Drs. know of this but its addiction isnt it? BAck to Zoloft; I will be 80 in a few months, am on Klonapin/Clonazepam, glaucoma eye drops, Imodium for fecal incontinence and Synthroid as half thyroid out years ago and really dont want to take any more... wish I could make suggestions for you but cant even sort my own problems out! Ugh

Jump to this post

Hope you are able to lessen one or more of your medications. I have enlisted the help from of a natural healing practitioner. He has been very helpful.

REPLY

Hi,
I’ve had severe side effects since taking Zoloft. Now having severe heart palpitations weaning off it. Trying to get help for anxiety and depression has only made me sicker. It’s probably my genetics too since I have had problems with many other medications in the past. Metoprolol doesn’t help this. Thanks for info

REPLY
@cdesharn

Hi,
I’ve had severe side effects since taking Zoloft. Now having severe heart palpitations weaning off it. Trying to get help for anxiety and depression has only made me sicker. It’s probably my genetics too since I have had problems with many other medications in the past. Metoprolol doesn’t help this. Thanks for info

Jump to this post

I understand your struggle. Having another person who understands is helpful. Please feel free to message me. 🤗

REPLY

I have doing a very slow taper off off 50mg Zoloft. Today started having heart palpitations that have lasted on and off almost three hours. I’m exhausted and scared.

REPLY
@vfrifr

I understand your struggle. Having another person who understands is helpful. Please feel free to message me. 🤗

Jump to this post

Thanks! It has been very helpful. My dr. said the palpitations are from my anxiety and we’ll know in a few days if the Zoloft caused my problems. I’m really struggling in pain and misery. Will be talking to him again on Wednesday. If it’s not the Zoloft then I don’t know what the cause is. Ugh!

REPLY
@sloanbloom

I have doing a very slow taper off off 50mg Zoloft. Today started having heart palpitations that have lasted on and off almost three hours. I’m exhausted and scared.

Jump to this post

Very scary. My dr. wasn’t even concerned. Just said it’s my anxiety but I feel like I’m having a heart attack everyday. I’m on blood pressure medication which doesn’t alleviate the palpitations. I understand completely.

REPLY
@sloanbloom

I have doing a very slow taper off off 50mg Zoloft. Today started having heart palpitations that have lasted on and off almost three hours. I’m exhausted and scared.

Jump to this post

Heart palpitations are scary! Tapering is exhausting. The body is going through quite a change.
A book that helped me is “The Anti-Depressant Solution” by Dr, Joseph Glenmullen. He has 30 plus years experience helping people taper off Zoloft and other medications.
If you would like me to tell you more of the things I have done to help ease the discomforts of the Zoloft withdrawal, please send me a message. 🤗🤗

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.