Zoloft and Seizures-- Has anyone else been affected - Epilepsy Message Board

Lisa T · 01-22-2002, 09:20 PM

(I'm new here so please bare with me!)

I was put on Zoloft to treat Hypotension. Three weeks into this I began having seizures. One of my Doctors added a Beta-Blocker into my fourth week of zoloft, because my chest pains had not deminished. Then I was sent to a nuerologist. After countless tests and NO answers, he put me on Depekote. Within ten days my seizures changed. I no longer came out of them right away. The worst one - eight hours I could not move anything below my neck, but because I was able to cough when the Doctor asked me to, he believed this was all in my head and sent me to the psych unit of the hospital. This has terrified me. I can't think of any reason why anyone would fake this??????
The second time this happened I went to a different hospital. After I came out of it and talked with the Doctor, he also believed Zoloft started this. (After 4 different ones said NO WAY) I went off all meds, but the seizures have remained with me. (atleast 2 a week)

Three weeks ago I started back up on my beta-blocker, because my chest pains had returned (stronger). Six days into that and my seizures came on strong!!!! In three days I had a total of 17. I was admitted into the hospital for seven days. I was hooked up to the EMU for five days. I had no seizures during that time and was sent home. I have been off the beta-blocker for two weeks and have not had any seizures for almost a week and a half. What is the deal? Am I not going to be able to take anything now? I really need help. I'm not sure what to do? Or who I should see??

Labs-R-4-Me · 01-23-2002, 07:33 AM

I don't have a clue, but good luck.

Karla · 02-12-2002, 10:10 PM

I believe all if not most antidepressants contain warnings about seizures as a possible side effect in people who have history of seizure disorder. I had been seizure free for several years without meds but when I tried amitrytaline 50mg I had seizures. When I tried celexa 20mg I was ok at 40mg I had seizures. So I take topamax along with any antidepressents and antiphycotics. Yes I belief Zoloft could do this to you. Easy enough stop the antidepressant and you will see if the seizures stop. If you need the antidepressant like I do take an anticonvolsant like topamax to prevent the seizures and live with it. Good luck!

Lisa T · 02-14-2002, 11:49 AM

I've been off the Zoloft since December (and all other meds). I'm still having a pretty rough time. I had my first seizure at work on Monday. I go back into the hospital at the end of the month. (EMU Unit) Maybe it wasn't the Zoloft I really don't know!?! I just know that there has to be a reason for this and its driving me crazy that the doctors can't figure it out.(especially since I had no prior seizure problems) Any suggestions would really be appreciated!

Thanks for listening/reading again. Hope all is blessed your way.

[This message has been edited by Lisa T (edited 02-14-2002).]

Elleigh · 02-16-2002, 11:19 AM

hi lisa,
i have seizures and have since 18 now 44. doctors don't know why i have them. i have grand-mal no meds can control, however i only have about 2,3 year. BUT, since i have been on Zoloft (4 months now) i have had a seizure once a month. so as of 3 days ago i stopped taking the zoloft and i will deal with my depression.
good luck..