Help - Sertraline Or Zoloft

[AmandaD]

Hi guys:

 

My doc is trying to make sure I"m on a correct dosage of the antidepressant zoloft - I had been prescribed the Greenstone brand but the pharmacist at Pfizer just told us that I should not take it because it has sodium starch glycolate and they cannot be sure if it is gluten free.

 

Then Walgreens advised me to call my doctor. I have put in a call - do any of you know of a generic like zoloft that would be safe? or should i ask specifically for zoloft?

 

I'm confused.

[BZBee]

No Zoloft! I will tell everyone this as my life long mission. I took it and it caused me three weeks in a wheel chair, 2 months on a walker, then cane and 6 mos. physical therapy. I had parasthesia and muscle weakness in my legs. If you read the fine print this happens to 2% of those who take it. Not worth it!

[kareng]

No Zoloft! I will tell everyone this as my life long mission. I took it and it caused me three weeks in a wheel chair, 2 months on a walker, then cane and 6 mos. physical therapy. I had parasthesia and muscle weakness in my legs. If you read the fine print this happens to 2% of those who take it. Not worth it!

Are you saying that it has gluten and caused your issues? Or you just have a problem with the medication, in general?

It looks like Zoloft is likely gluten-free.

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[BZBee]

I had a reaction. I wouldn't risk it. The side effects are too risky.

[LauraTX]

I had a reaction. I wouldn't risk it. The side effects are too risky.

BZBee, while it is fine that you share the experience you had, it is off topic. The original poster has already decided to take this medicine and is looking for a gluten-free version.  It is a common issue when a Celiac needs to start a new medication.  

 

Amanda, Zoloft/sertraline is a very commonly prescribed medication with a lot of generic manufacturers, and you should be able to find a brand that has no gluten in it.  Hopefully someone will follow up on here and let you know what they take, but if they don't, ask your pharmacy what manufacturers they are able to order in your strength, and then take that information and look up each one.  If the one they regularly stock is not gluten-free, they will be able to order another brand in to fill yours with, it just may take a little pestering on your side.  

 

I would look at other generic brands before taking the brand name, because insurance companies probably won't pay for that without a lot of fuss, and sometimes not at all.  Generic sertraline tends to be a less expensive thing compared to other RX drugs, and is usually seen on the special pricing lists that chains have.

[AmandaD]

Thank you for all of your answers. I feel that sertraline is an excellent medication, I'm sorry you had a poor experience.

 

Greenstone is likely safe. And Lupin is the new generic that was recommended.

[GwenO]

My daughter has been on it for almost two years.  It's been amazing and has greatly improved her quality of life.  It's lovely to see her being the person she was meant to be.