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Zoloft and IBS

Zoloft is one of the anti-depressant drugs of the type known as SSRIs, which stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Other SSRIs apart from Zoloft include brand names such as Prozac, Cipramil, Lustral and Paxil. The anti-depressant effect of these types of drugs comes from increasing the levels of serotonin by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the brain cells.

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that is found in the central nervous system, the blood and in the gastrointestinal tract and which helps to regulate functions such as mood and appetite as well as other physiological functions in the body.

How can Zoloft help IBS?

No one really understands why anti-depressants should help with symptoms of IBS but the reality is that in some cases they do. Anti-depressants are more likely to be prescribed for IBS when other treatments have proved unsuccessful. The most common types of anti-depressants used to treat IBS have been tricyclic anti-depressants but more recently, the newer type of SSRI’s have been used with some success as they too appear to have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of IBS.

Zoloft helps increase serotonin levels and serotonin helps regulate many physiological functions including motility, which is the passage of the contents of the digestive system through the intestines. In IBS the process of motility is impaired in some way and the digestive system basically doesn’t function properly.

Zoloft is particularly helpful when constipation is a predominant feature of irritable bowel syndrome as it can increase the frequency of bowel movements. In people with diarrhoea predominant IBS, however, it can trigger severe attacks of diarrhoea so is not recommended.

Side effects of Zoloft

Side effects are possible with any medication and Zoloft is no exception. You should contact your doctor straight away if you suffer an allergic reaction to Zoloft or if you experience agitation, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea, confusion, chest pain, sweating, rapid heartbeat, tremors, visual disturbances, or a reduction in the output of urine. You may also experience dry mouth, constipation, headaches, nausea, anxiety or loss of libido. It is advisable to inform your doctor if you experience any side effects at all, even if they are mild.

When should Zoloft not be used?

Certain drugs and substances interact in a negative way with Zoloft so it is vital that your doctor knows exactly what other drugs, vitamins, herbal preparations and over the counter medicines that you are taking in order to avoid unwanted or potentially severe reactions. It is also important that you don’t drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

There are many health conditions too that would exclude the use of Zoloft and these can include liver or kidney disease, epilepsy and diabetes so your doctor should be made aware of any existing medical conditions first. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.