Zoloft & Vitamin D Deficiency

Zoloft, the brand name of sertraline, is an antidepressant that belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Zoloft is prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety disorders. Zoloft works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps maintain stable mood. You may need to take a lower dose of Zoloft if your depression improves after receiving vitamin D deficiency treatment.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that mainly helps your body absorb calcium. Recent research studies show that vitamin D deficiency may cause depression, according to the information website Vitamindcouncil. The studies also suggest that treating vitamin D deficiency may help improve depression symptoms. If your depression improves after increasing vitamin D intake, you may need to take a lower dosage of Zoloft antidepressant. Do not stop or change your Zoloft medication without your doctor's permission.

Eat foods rich in vitamin D while you are taking Zoloft to help improve the therapeutic effect of the drug. You can get vitamin D from foods such as cod liver oil, mackerel,tuna, milk, cheese, yogurt, orange juice fortified with vitamin D, eggs,margarine, salmon, sardines and fortified breakfast cereals. You also can get vitamin D from 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure three times a week, according to MedlinePlus.

Consult your doctor about taking vitamin D supplements if you are unable to eat foods rich in the vitamin. Most multivitamins contain vitamin D, usually in strengths from 50 IU to 1000 IU. They are available as soft gels, tablets and liquids. Avoid taking large doses of vitamin D supplements. Too much vitamin D may cause your body to absorb too much calcium, which can lead to calcium deposits in soft tissues of the heart, kidney stones and kidney damage, according to MedlinePlus.

Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. According to PubMedHealth, symptoms of these disorders include weakness; loss of muscle strength; weak bones; bone pain or tenderness; increased bone fractures of the wrist, hip and spine; dental caries; skeletal deformities; pelvic deformities; short stature; and delayed formation of teeth.