Anti-depressants and running? (Read 777 times)

Hi! I've got severe depression, and I will start taking Zoloft soon. My doctor said that since I'm under 18, Zoloft could make my depression worse if she doesn't prescribe the right dosage. Would an anti-depressant affect my running, or make it less enjoyable? My doctor already knows I run. The endorphins help...but only for about an hour.

Yes, it should make running better, ONCE SHE GETS THE DOSE RIGHT. You should have more motivation and more energy. Since you're under 18, please please be careful and pay attention to any suicidal thoughts that start cropping up. Anti-depressants can be a little funky with adolescent brain chemistry. That said, they can also be a GODSEND. Good luck. Don't be afraid to try a different drug if Zoloft doesn't work. Patience really pays off once you find the right meds and feel the weight lifting. Hang in there.

Good to meet you, Fly5k. I'm not a doctor, but your questions struck home. My own brother went through a terrible depression when we were kids. I hurt for him every day. He saw doctors, took meds, and attempted suicide once. Thank God he made it through. My brother is a different person now. We're in our late 30's, and he hasn't been depressed in years. I guess all I'm trying to say is stay in there and work on it. Don't give up. I don't know what I'd have done if I'd lost my brother. He was, and still is, my closest friend. I just don't think he could see it at the time because of the fog he was living in. I hope this hasn't sounded too tragic. I just wanted to encourage you if I could. I hope you have a friend or relative who you can count on. There are too many false "friends" out there who will make your depression worse by feeding it with alcohol or drugs, offering a hollow freedom. With running, you've got a better path. Good luck to you. God bless. Run the good race.

Hi Fly, I'm new to RA and to running (I'm still at the hybrid stage..run slow and walk), but not to taking Zoloft, so I'll chime in. It has helped me with running because I'm more calm, have a more even mood, so feel more relaxed as I run. I'm not as anxious feeling all the time, which helps because running is such a challenge for me, but now I'm not anxious about it, so I'm doing better. I am a bit more tired feeling all the time, but this does not hurt my motivation to run. I sleep better, which helps me overall. If it does hurt your running, just realize it's temporary and that not addressing the issues may hurt your running even more...be patient with your treatment, just like a physical injury. I do notice that my sex drive has taken a dive--I'm not dead, just not as frustrated if I don't get it, I guess I can say. That can be calming in some ways LOL! Everyone reacts differently, so don't get too discouraged and keep the talks going with your doctor on how you are doing. Sometimes the chemicals in our brains get all out of whack and there's nothing wrong with getting some help. Just realize that you are okay, you are normal, you are not alone. The last 2 bits don't seem to be about running but they are...life is just like running...just keep going!

All I wanted to do was sleep, watch TV, and eat (and drink beer

Obviously someone is slipping me some antidepressants.

One word of caution: Don't trust your doctor. They give that stuff out like candy. If you're gonna get the right dose/type, it will take time. But, you HAVE to use therapy in conjunction. Be careful. Good luck.