Could Zoloft be the cause of my urinary problems?

[Jax72]

Hi

I've had a history of UTIs, but this latest one has gone on more than 6 weeks and the infection is definitely gone. Doc thinks it might be IC. I've had 3 UTIs in the last 6 months - which is way more than I would normally get (maybe 1-2 a year max). I switched from Paxil to Zoloft 7 months ago, and now I'm thinking that Zoloft may be the culprit? I've had chronic pelvic pain, bladder burning for weeks now. :(

Jax

[leelee88]

The main problem most people have with Antidepressants like Zoloft is urinary retention.

[Mrs. Peel]

Zoloft worked pretty well for me, but did cause urinary and bowel retention. The sphincters wouldn't open. Good thing my IC hadn't kicked into gear yet.

I'm on Lexapro now, which is my favorite in 30 years of experience, though it is pricey. You know how anti-depressants are... different for everybody. A friend of mine swears by celexa, but I gained a bunch of weight on that one.

[pengwin1982]

I have been on zoloft before, right when I was diagnosed in 2006. I had success with it and did not notice too many affects on my bladder. What I did notice was a weird sensation "down there" for awhile.... but I remember I think it subsided. I am now back on zoloft have been for one week...had that weird sensation again but started taking the med at night and noticed a big difference. I am urinating more often, however that could be due to diet/what i'm drinking rather than the med. I've been told that it takes 4-6 weeks for the body to adjust to a new antidepressant/anti anxiety. I like zoloft because it's an "all in one" and that way it's not a med cocktail for symptoms.

anyone else had success w/ zoloft and side effects that went away?

[ophelia33]

It is very possible for any med to make your IC worse. I was on zoloft before IC and it worked for about 6 months for depression and then stopped working.:cussing: I remember though after I got IC when I was on the MAOI anti-depressant, EMSAM, that I had increased frequency at night from a then 3-4 times to 6-7 times. I mentioned it to my pdoc only to get the "it wouldn't do that" line again. :loco:

Listen to your body and don't be afraid to let your dr. know of your symptoms. Trust yourself. I trusted my body and my then warped brain which isn't any less warped now, just sleep deprived. :bonk:

Hugs and best of luck.

[pengwin1982]

side effects seem to be subsiding a little.... urinary retention is worst at night but as long as I drink a lot during the day it seems better. Expect that it will only get better from here as my body gets used to it! anyone else had success with zoloft?

[kadi]

SSRI's can improve IC symptoms or worsen them. The ICA had a booklet that included an question/answer on antidepressants & IC. I wish I could remember which one it was. Perhaps if you email their question-person, you might be able to get it...
Hope you are feeling better soon,

[Briza]

Hi

I've had a history of UTIs, but this latest one has gone on more than 6 weeks and the infection is definitely gone. Doc thinks it might be IC. I've had 3 UTIs in the last 6 months - which is way more than I would normally get (maybe 1-2 a year max). I switched from Paxil to Zoloft 7 months ago, and now I'm thinking that Zoloft may be the culprit? I've had chronic pelvic pain, bladder burning for weeks now. :(

Jax

Hi
I see you're fairly new to the board so :hi: and sorry I have not run across any of your other posts as of yet so don't know much about your history...

so my main question is if you have been diagnosed with IC? When you say that your doc "thinks it might be IC"...do you mean that he/she is attributing your current symptoms to diagnosed IC?
-OR- that you are undiagnosed and your dr thinks that your symptoms sound like you could have IC?

would be helpful to have clarification on that before I could respond as to whether your current symptoms may be due to IC?
Zoloft aggravating an already IC dxd bladder?
or if you have NOT been diagnosed, if you are asking if your symptoms in general ("I've had chronic pelvic pain, bladder burning for weeks now. :(") sound like IC symptoms?... (whether Zoloft is a factor or not...and possibly if your bladder is experiencing some residual or chronic irritation due to your history of UTIs and your most recent UTI)

Hope this makes sense ;)!

[ophelia33]

Good luck with Zoloft. I hope your body adjusts and it treats you well,
hugs,
O

[pengwin1982]

well turns out the symptoms of urinary frequency/burning are not from the zoloft, i have a slight UTI...first one in two years! Let's pray that they stay away! FYI, i have found that taking kyolic garlic pills daily help keep symptoms away and resist UTI somewhat. I do kyolic garlic because it doesnt smell. Youcan get it at sprouts or health food stores wherever u live.

hopefully this week of cipro will knock this uti out of there and ill be on my way to feeling good again :)

[pengwin1982]

hi everyone,

Im seeing my PCP this coming week and am going to talk to hima bout other antidepressants that may not cause urinary retention but after reading on here, seems they all do... Im worried about gaining weight and urinary problems butI need to be on an antidepressant that also works for anxiety as well. I used to be on zoloft years ago and never had urinary issues so does anyone think it may just be my body getting used to it again???

I need some reassurance!!!:pray: