Reader’s Question

My doctor just changed my antidepressant from Wellbutrin to Zoloft because I started having side effects from the Wellbutrin. My question is is it okay for me to take Zoloft with my other medications? I take medicine for migraines. My doctors have me taking 1 x 50 mg Pamelor/Aventyl, and 3 x 20 mg Inderal — two at night and one in the morning. Then on occasion I take 100 mg Darvocet-n usually at night when my migraine isn’t tolerable. If the migraine is bad during the day I’ll take one Fioricet/Esgic. I’m also on 2 x 50 mg Seroquel on a nightly basis. I really just want to know if it’s okay to take these meds along with the Zoloft.

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Some of the drugs you are taking are known to have interactions with Zoloft, but the nature of these interactions varies, as does any cause for concern about potential adverse effects. Much of the time, the interactions between drugs involve potentiating or diminishing the effectiveness or action of one or more of the drugs.

Whenever you have many physicians treating you, it’s very important that all of them know the full range of medications you are taking as well as the reasons you are taking them. The chance for potentially dangerous drug interactions is highest when you are being treated by many different physicians, obtaining medicines through a variety of pharmacies, and do not have good lines of communication and critical information-sharing between the various parties.

The most serious concerns about drug interactions with Zoloft, which belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) class of antidepressants, involve co-use with a class of antidepressants called Monamine Oxidase Inhibitors, or MAOIs, as very serious complications can develop. Caution is also given to the co-use of Zoloft with a class of anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning drugs called NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen.

Be sure that all the doctors treating you are informed about your complete history and medication regimen, and be sure to report any adverse reactions to any drug you may be prescribed.