Zoloft is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is used for managing such conditions as major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and some others.

Important facts about Zoloft

One should be aware of the fact that antidepressant medications might provoke suicidal thinking and behavior, especially, in children and young adults. That is the reason why patients of all ages who treating with antidepressants or are prescribed a new dose of a medication should be monitored closely for worsening of their condition and appearing unfavourable body reactions particularly such as suicidality or unusual behavior. If you notice any unusual behavior of the person who is treated with an antidepressant medication, contact the medical professional immediately.  Among the symptoms that should be reported about are the following:  anxiety, hostility, sleep disorder, agitation, impulsive or strange behavior, and suicidal thoughts.

Zoloft should not be taken together with such drugs as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as certain serious conditions and even a possibility of a lethal outcome might occur.

Zoloft medication might provoke the development of certain life-threatening effects known as serotonin syndrome which is a drug reaction that causes the increased production of serotonin in the body. If Zoloft is used with other antidepressants, it can provoke neuroleptic malignant syndrome which is a brain disorder.   In this case such the following symptoms might happen: mental status changes, increased heart rate, temperature, muscle rigidity, coordination disturbance, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is important to let your medical provider know in case these side reactions occur.

Contraindications of Zoloft

Zoloft is contraindicated for the use in people who take antipsychotic medication pimozide. Besides, MAOIs should not be taken within 2 weeks before or after treatment with Zoloft.

Zoloft oral concentrate should be avoided by the patients who are using Antabuse, which is a medication used to manage alcoholism.

Zoloft medication should not be taken in patients allergic or sensitive to this drug or any of its components.

Precautions before starting the treatment with Zoloft

Before starting the treatment with Zoloft medication, it is important to tell your medical provider about all the medications you are currently taking.  Your medical provider should also know your medical history before prescribing Zoloft medication for you. Let your doctor know if you have such conditions as liver impairments, seizure or bleeding problems, or a history of suicide or mania.

The dose of Zoloft medication

The dose of Zoloft medication depends on the type and severity of the condition the patient has. Never change the dose prescribed by your medical provider, otherwise it can result in worsening of your condition.

The typical adult dose of Zoloft medication for treating major depression and premenstrual dysphonic disorder is 50 mg once a day. In some cases the dose can be increased.

The typical dose of the medication for adults as well as children of 13-17 years old for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder is 50 mg once daily. Children of 6-12 years of age are prescribed a dose of 25 mg once a day for managing this condition.

Dealing with panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder involves using the adult dose of 25 mg once per day. After a week of treatment the dose may be increased to 50 mg a day and in some cases up to 200 mg a day.

In case you miss a dose of Zoloft medication, it must be taken as soon as your remember. But don’t take a dose if it is time for your next dose.

The use of Zoloft medication

Zoloft medication is to be taken once per day, either in the morning or in the evening. It is advisable to take this drug at the same time each day. It can be used with or without food.

When treating with Zoloft antidepressant medication one should avoid consuming alcohol. It is also not recommended to operate machinery as the drug might affect your alertness.

This drug should not be discontinued abruptly as such reactions as dizziness, irritability, agitation, emotional changes, headache, or sleep disorders might occur.

Potential side reactions of Zoloft antidepressant medication

The use of Zoloft with certain other medications can alter the effects of either.  That is why it is important to tell your medical provider about the use of other drugs before starting the treatment with Zoloft medication.  Zoloft should not be used with alcohol, other antidepressant drugs, aspirin, MAOIs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tramadol, warfarin and a number of other drugs.

Adverse effects associated with the use of Zoloft are: dry mouth, sleep disorders, sexual problems, diarrhea, nausea, and some others.

The use of Zoloft during pregnancy or breastfeeding

The actions of Zoloft medication during pregnancy and nursing are unknown. It is important to tell your health provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing before starting the treatment.

Zoloft was approved by Food and Drug Administration for curing such mental illnesses as OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, MDD or Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. Originally, Zoloft is one of the best antidepressants; it’s a SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Sometimes there can occur some imbalances of chemicals in our brain, which can cause different mental disorders and problems like different kinds of depressions; Zoloft works like this: it improves the situation by balancing these chemicals in order to make our brain work in a right way. Zoloft was even approved for the treatment of some mental diseases in kinds under 6 years.

Zoloft: Facts to Know

Zoloft is considered a rather safe medication. It’s strongly recommended to take it according to the prescription of a doctor. Also here are some points which should be followed in order to get maximum use of taking Zoloft and not to suffer from side effects.

• It’s crucial to consult a doctor before starting Zoloft treatment in children, since it’s approved for treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in kids, but not depression.
• Before you start taking Zoloft, inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking. Zoloft shouldn’t be taken together with several drugs, since there can occur some implications because of their interaction. If you have taken MAO inhibitors, you should wait until two weeks pass before you start Zoloft treatment.
• Those people who are taking care after patients who, are taking Zoloft, should always be vigilant, since Zoloft treatment may cause the increase in suicidal thoughts or attempts. So, such occurrences shouldn’t be left without doctor’s attention.
• When doctor prescribes you Zoloft, he decides on a dosage according to some facts, like your age, weight, current health, etc. You should inform your doctor before you start taking Zoloft about any illnesses or diseases you had or have now, such as seizures, kidney or liver diseases, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, etc.
• When you are taking Zoloft, do it only according to the dosage, which was prescribed by your doctor. Drink it after with a glass of still water. Don’t stop Zoloft treatment abruptly, do it gradually. Also the results of Zoloft treatment are usually felt and seen after a month of continuous treatment.
• While taking Zoloft, avoid alcoholic drinks and anything else that can make you feel slumberous. Also different sleeping drugs, narcotic pain relievers and muscle relaxers should not be taken together with Zoloft.
• Before starting Zoloft course, breastfeeding or pregnant women should discuss it’s effect (positive effect and side effects) with doctors.

Zoloft: Side Effects

Most allopathic medications have several side effects. Zoloft is the same. There can be minor or severe side effects. Minor side effects just may disturb you a little, but they most surely will over when Zoloft treatment will be stopped. Among minor side effects of Zoloft treatment are:

• Constipation, stomach pain, nausea;
• Insomnia;
• Feeling dizzy, drowsy or tired;
• Weigh and appetite changes;
• Impotence or decreased sex drive.

But if you suffer from several severe side effects or there appear allergic reactions while taking Zoloft, stop this treatment, contact your doctor and seek for medical help as soon as possible in order to prevent implications. So, here are some serious side effects, which may occur while taking Zoloft:

• High fever;
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity;
• Overactive reflexes and tremors;
• Excessive sweating;
• Vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhea;
• Uneven heartbeats;
• Breathing difficulty;
• Seizures;
• Loss of coordination.

Zoloft is one of the most popular and best antidepressants. It is available for you either in your local pharmacies or in online drug stores. If Zoloft is purchased online, there can be allowed some discounts and the price can be reasonable.

I was on this anti-depressants and the side affects made my life hell…so I decided to stop taking them and so far I am coping okay!

Anyone here had any similar experiances.

My depression is due to the loss of my mom in 1998, when I was down I would call her and now I can’t do that and it hurts.

Cathy

Would love to chat with anyone