’Ć’Ć Zoloft side effects
Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is an antidepressant that is in the
group of antidepressants known selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
or SSRIs. Zoloft is used to treat a variety of psychological disorders
including, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety
disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual disphoric disorder (PMDD). These
disorders are caused by chemical imbalances within the brain, and
Zoloft as well as other antidepressants in this class work to regulate
the imbalance to alleviate symptoms. As with other antidepressants,
side effects of Zoloft cannot be ruled out and are different in each
individual patient.
Patients are encouraged to
consult their prescribing physician or
psychiatrist if new symptoms appear, if they become worse, or if
suicidal thoughts occur at any time during treatment, which occur more
often in patients under the age of 18. Since the signs and symptoms
of many psychological disorders overlap, patients may be
diagnosed with more than one mental illness, therefore the same
precautions should be observed whether the patient has major
depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or any other
psychological disorder. For most antidepressants in this class, the
patient will not start experiencing relief from symptoms until after at
least one week of therapy at the earliest. The average length of time
varies, but is usually two to three weeks, and in some patients may
take longer. Of course, if symptoms do not subside, possibly a dose
adjustment may be in order.
According to various online
references, some patients have experienced
various Zoloft side effects during treatment including insomnia,
agitation, panic attacks, restlessness, fatigue, impulsivity, and
mania. Other symptoms may include dizziness, dry mouth, headache,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or urinary retention. Zoloft
should not be taken if alcoholic beverages have been consumed
either. The patient should wait and take the next dose the
following morning. This medication should always be taken with food or
milk as well, not on an empty stomach. Patients should also avoid
driving or other activities requiring alertness until they have taken
it long enough to know how they react to the drug. Another possible
side effect of Zoloft is weight gain, which is common in some patients,
as is decreased appetite in others. Zoloft should also not be taken if
you are pregnant, lactating, have liver or kidney disease, or have a
history of seizures or heart attack. Patients should also not abruptly
stop taking this medication without being instructed by their physician
or psychiatrist. Debilitating symptoms may return or become worse,
which could put the patient back to square one in their
treatment.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
