[stuff deleted]

>  First of all, does Zoloft have any
>    interactions with antibiotics (I am on them for bronchitis and sinusutis
>    infections complecating the mono).  Does Zoloft eventually lose its
>    effectiveness over time?  Lastly, I weaned myself from the Zoloft in
>    January to find that my symptoms returned in a few weeks.  Supposedly,
>    drugs are a temporary treatment for depression, along with counseling
>    (I go to therapy once a week), is it common that the symptoms return
>    at this unbearable level (the doctor insisted on reinstating the drug
>    therapy)?  How long will I have to be on Zoloft.  I hate taking medicine
>    as it is, and don’t like the idea of wearing this "mask".  Will I ever
>    be able to deal with the depression without drugs?
>    -Belinda Williams
>    igu…@lamar.colostate.edu

First, ALWAYS ask your pharmacist about potential drug interactions
whenever you get a new prescription.  That’s a normal part of their job,
and in my experience they are glad to help. In fact, even if you ask your
MD first, i’d still ask the pharmacist; often the MDs say there’s no
problem but really they dont know offhand and are too lazy/busy to look it
up (sorry, but this has happened to me often enough that the trend is quite
clear).  Also, request the descriptive sheet that comes with every
medication (but isnt usually given out unless you ask) — it’s basically
the same information that’s in the PDR, but if you can get through the
jargon you’ll find out if there are basic incompatibilities.  It’s a good
idea to keep that around for future reference, especially if you start
having problems and the MD doesnt believe your claims that it may be due to
a drug reaction….

Second, i empathize with your desire to avoid unnecessary medications and
reluctance to keep on the Zoloft indefinitely. However, you may want to
consider it from another angle — if depression is truly related to
inborn, inadequate seratonin production or excessive reabsorption, then you
are simply ameliorating a built-in problem by taking the drugs which cannot
be "fixed" any other way.  The question of identity and antidepressants
(i.e., am i still "me", and can i even tell?) is a good one, and
unfortunately we all have to come to terms with it on our own. Personally
i’d rather be functional than severely depressed (even if it requires
taking chemicals), as long as other basic aspects of my personality are not
affected.  A big motivation for drug companies to keep researching new
antidepressants is the minimization of side effects, which IMHO include
undesireable personality changes as well as physical symptoms.  This is a
good topic to discuss with your therapist, BTW, if you havent already. Good
luck!

–
Judy Karpen                        "I’m a scientist…I dont think, I
observe! "
kar…@nrlfs1.nrl.navy.mil    (Dr. C. Forrester, MST3K, "Hercules vs the
                                                 Moon Men" )

(Belinda Williams) writes:
>    I’ve been on Zoloft 50mg since October.  Although I have noticed a
>    significant improvement in my depression symptoms, I am concerned  
with
>    what the long term effects may be.

i’ve been on it for 2 years and its still good for me. also belinda  
referred to it as "wearing a mask" – Balinda, this is not a mask, it is  
the way your body should be and i for one really feel normal and happy  
since beginning neurotransmitter drugs 3-4 years ago. for me Zoloft has no  
ill effects. good fortune to you

brian