Antidepressant Zoloft

Zoloft is a popular brand name for Sertraline, an antidepressant medication belonging to the group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). Pfizer was the first to introduce this medication in the market in the year 1991. This medication is majorly used for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. It can also be used for treating panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, in case of children and adults both.

In the year 2013, this medication got to be known as the most prescribed antidepressant drug as well as the second most preferred psychiatric drug following alphrazolam in the United States.

The side effects produced by this drug are more subtle as compared to other antidepressants. Some of the side effects would include sexual dysfunction, nausea, and diarrhoea. Diarrhoea incidences are higher if the medication is prescribed in high doses.

Uses of Zoloft

As mentioned earlier, Zoloft is used commonly for treating depression and its symptoms. It can also be effective against post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe forms of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

This medicine is known for enhancing sleep, appetite, mood, and energy level that can restore the patient’s interest in life. Some may also find the incidences of compulsive behaviour like counting, hand-washing, and checking after consuming this medicine. This drug focuses on restoring the level of serotonin in the central nervous system.

Side Effects of Zoloft

It is not difficult to imagine that a powerful antidepressant will bring about positive changes in the personality without bringing certain side effects. However, this drug is considered to bring subtler forms of side effects as compared to other antidepressants. Some of the side effects that are commonly observed are discussed below:

• Unable to discharge semen
• Decrease in the sexual ability and desire
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Aggressive reaction
• Dryness in the mouth
• Confusion
• Breast enlargement or tenderness
• Talking fast about feelings which may seem out of control
• Dryness of the mouth
• Fever
• Racing heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Lack of energy
• Unable to sit still
• Losing bladder control
• Restlessness
• Overactive reflexes
• Nosebleeds
• Increase in the amount of body movements
• Increased sweating
• Behaviour or mood changes
• Loosening, peeling, or blistering of the skin
• Bleeding gums
• Unusual milk secretion in case of females
• Losing consciousness all of a sudden
• Hives, skin rash, and itching
• Shivering
• Darkened urine
• Depressed moos
• Chills

Contraindications of Zoloft

Certain conditions that do not allow the use of Zoloft in patients include:

• Mild forms of mania
• Seizures
• Liver problems
• Close angle glaucoma
• Weight loss
• Suicidal ideation

Pregnancy and Zoloft

The FDA assigned the pregnancy category C to Zoloft in Australia and the US. This indicates that pregnant women should not be prescribed Zoloft because of potential foetal harm.

Mode of Ingestion

This medication is administered through the mouth in the form of a solution or tablets.