Salient Features of Zoloft

Zoloft is a prescribed antidepressant marketed and manufactured by Pfizer Inc. Its chemical name is sertraline hydrochloride, and it belongs to a class of medication known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). Basically Zoloft is used to treat depression in most people. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps maintain mental balance.

Other prescribed uses for Zoloft include people suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It may also be prescribed for other purposes, such as treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Currently, there is no generic version of Zoloft available on the market.

Before taking Zoloft

Before taking Zoloft your doctor needs to be aware if you suffer from any of the following conditions;

bipolar disorder
diabetes
heart disease
kidney disease
liver disease
seizures
if you are receiving electroconvulsive (shock) therapy
if you suffer from suicidal thoughts and/or mania, or have attempted suicide
if you have an allergic reaction to sertraline
if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant &
if you are breast feeding

As Zoloft is a prescription drug, it should be taken only as prescribed. Zoloft should be taken orally with or without food. Do not under any circumstance take more or less of this medication, unless directed by your doctor. Also do not stop taking this drug unless your doctor advises you to do so. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, however if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double or extra dose of Zoloft.

Drug Interactions

Zoloft should not be taken with any of the following medications as it can cause serious drug interactions.

Astemizole
Cisapride
Pimozide
Terfenadine
Thioridazine or
Any MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and selegiline.

It is important that you not to take Zoloft within 2 weeks of taking any MAO inhibitor drugs. This is because Zoloft can interact with them to cause potentially fatal side effects. Also avoid alcohol while on Zoloft as it increases side effects of dizziness or drowsiness.

Zoloft may also interact with the following medications;

amphetamine
bosentan
carbamazepine
certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine & sibutramine
certain migraine medication like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan & zolmitriptan
cimetidine
cyclosporine
dextroamphetamine
dextromethorphan
diazepam
furazolidone
linezolid
Phenobarbital
prescription pain killers
procarbazine
rifabutin
rifampin
rifapentine
selegiline
St. John's Wort
Tolbutamide
Tramadol
Warfarin &
other medication for mental depression, mania, anxiety or psychosis

It is important that you inform your doctor about all medication, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking prescription or otherwise while on Zoloft.

Side Effects of Zoloft

Common side effects of Zoloft include;

agitation or restlessness
blurred vision
constipation
diarrhea (more common)
difficulty sleeping
drowsiness
dry mouth
flushing of skin
headaches
indigestion
nausea
increased or decreased appetite
increased sweating
decreased sexual ability or desire &
tremors

If you experience any of the following side effects contact your doctor immediately

anxiety or agitation
panic attacks
sleeplessness
irritability, hostility or extreme anger and aggressiveness
engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
restlessness
extreme changes in mood
fast heart rate or palpitations
dizziness or lightheadedness
skin rash
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

It is important that you keep regular check ups with your doctor while on Zoloft. Also continue to take this medicine even if you do not feel better immediately, as Zoloft can take up to several weeks for its full effect to be felt. If you have been taking Zoloft for some time, do not stop taking it suddenly, your doctor will gradually reduce its dosage.

Exercise caution while operating heavy machinery or driving when on Zoloft as you might experience dizziness or drowsiness. While on Zoloft do not take any over-the-counter drugs for colds or allergies as they may cause a drug interaction. Also if you are going to have any kind of surgery, it is vital that you tell your doctor that you are on Zoloft.

Special Warning

Several studies have shown that children and teenagers taking antidepressants such as Zoloft are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or tendencies. If your child is on this medication, keep a close watch on his/her behavior as serious symptoms can develop suddenly. Inform your doctor immediately if your child experiences symptoms of extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; sleeplessness; irritability; aggressive behavior; impulsiveness; severe restlessness; or any other sudden or unusual change in behavior.