Zoloft

Zoloft - Sertraline

Zoloft has proven to be a successful medication in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Zoloft works through its active ingredient, sertraline, which works as an antidepressant. The antidepressant effect of sertraline is presumed to be linked to its ability to inhibit the neuronal reuptake of serotonin. It has only very weak effects on norepinephrine and dopamine neuronal reuptake. At clinical doses, sertraline blocks the uptake of serotonin into human platelets. Zoloft basically affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, obsessive or compulsive symptoms, or other psychiatric symptoms.

Zoloft is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia. Zoloft may also be used for purposes other than those listed.

However, Zoloft can have large negative effects under certain circumstances. It is important to discuss these things with your doctor prior to taking Zoloft. Do not take Zoloft if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Do not take Zoloft if you are taking pimozide (Orap). A dangerous drug interaction could result. Other things to notify your doctor about prior to taking Zoloft include if you have liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, suffer from seizures, or suffer from mania/have suicidal thoughts. Never stop taking Zoloft suddenly. Always discuss with your doctor prior to coming off of Zoloft.

Potential side effects of Zoloft can include an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), irregular heartbeat, low/high blood pressure, chills/fever, headache, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, or decreased sex drive. Side effects with Zoloft are generally mild and not common, however if any side effects occur it is important to notify your doctor. Side effect chances increase with overdose, so it is important to follow the prescribed Zoloft intake instructions carefully. Symptoms of a Zoloft overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.