What is Zoloft?
Zoloft (generic name Sertraline HCl) is a medication used to treat panic, anxiety disorders, depression, PSTD, PMDD and obsessive-compulsive disorder by affecting certain chemicals in the brain which become unbalanced in patients suffering from the abovementioned health conditions.
Zoloft should be taken right as prescribed by your healthcare provider or following the label. Its not recommended to use bigger or smaller dosage of the medication as it may either not bring good results or result in overdose and appearance of side effects. Your healthcare provider might increase or decrease the dose if he/she thinks it will be effective in your exact case.
Before starting the therapy with Zoloft, you need to inform your doctor if you are suffering from the following conditions:
Zoloft shouldnt be combined with other SSRIs to avoid severe side effects appearance, as well as serotoninergic agents, MAO inhibitors and other drugs that are used to treat depression and related disorders. Consult your healthcare provider and inform him/her about all the medicines you are taking to find which drugs may interact with Zoloft.
As any other meds, Zoloft may cause side effects if used incorrect. The most common include drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, loose stools, decreased libido, failure to ejaculate, abdominal pain, anxiety, agitation, vomiting, paresthesia and others.
Recommendations for Use
Zoloft should be taken regularly, at the same time each day either with or without food. If you use liquid form, it has to be diluted before the intake. Do not stop the treatment abruptly or on your own as it may bring unwanted symptoms of withdrawal. Usually it takes about 4 weeks to notice the effect and get the most out of the treatment.
Precautions and Contraindications
- Allergy to sertraline;
- Intake of MAO inhibitors (rasagiline, linezolid, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, phenelzine), pimozide or injections with methylene blue;
- Epilepsy or seizures;
- Kidney/liver disease;
- Manic depression;
- Blood clotting or bleeding disorders;
- History of suicidal thoughts and/or attempts or drug abuse.
It isnt recommended to take Zoloft during pregnancy as the medication may cause lung issues and other multiple complications in an unborn child. However, to make the treatment beneficial, its needed to consult your doctor, because stopping the antidepressant may cause a relapse of depression.
It is forbidden to share or pass the drug to other people who may be suffering from the same condition without doctors notice, especially to children younger than 18, because every person may have a different reaction to Zoloft.
Drug Interactions
Side Effects
Some of the side effects may not need medical assistance as they go away when your body gets used to them. However, if some of the reactions become persistent or bother you, you need to consult your doctor.