- Used to treat severe depression
- Used to treat PTSD, OCD, panic attacks and anxiety
- Also used to treat PMDD, premature ejaculation and headaches
Zoloft is the brand name for the generic drug Sertraline manufactured by Pfizer. It is available in tablets in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. It is also available as an oral concentrate in the strength 20 mg/mL.
Indications
Zoloft is indicated in a number of conditions and it is prescribed for major depressive disorder as well as for post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, general anxiety including social anxiety and panic attacks. It is also, on occasion, prescribed for vascular headaches, premature ejaculation and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Action
Sertraline is an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which attempts to put right any imbalance of chemicals in the brain. This imbalance is what causes depression, mood swings and abnormal behavior. Serotonin is produced by the brain’s nerve cells and it is through this chemical that nerves communicate. The chemical is released into the space around the nerve end and makes its way to attach itself to another nerve ending. Sometimes it attaches itself to the same nerve that produced it and it is absorbed again. This reuptake means that there isn’t enough serotonin in the brain and this reuptake needs to be stopped to bring back the balance.
Side Effects
Some common side effects of this drug are insomnia or drowsiness and nervousness. There could also be side effects like rashes on the skin, headaches, stomach upsets or constipation, tremors, loss of appetite, weight loss and dry mouth. The patient could feel tired all the time and there could be a decrease in the sex drive or the inability to have an orgasm. There could be more serious side effects like irregular heartbeats and manic spells in people why are affected by bipolar disorder. There could be hyperactivity, stiffening of the muscles, lack of co-ordination, hallucinations, seizures and difficulty in breathing.
Caution
The doctor will have to be given the patient’s full medical history and if the patient is suffering from any other ailment, he must be informed about the medication he is on. You will also have to tell him about any vitamins or supplements that are being taken. Any instance of liver problems, seizures, heart or kidney ailments, bipolar disorder or alcohol or drug abuse must be revealed. Allergies too must be reported and in all these cases, either the drug will not be prescribed or special tests might have to be done before it is prescribed.
The drug could have reactions with some other drugs and this drug should not be taken with any MAIO or monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Care should be taken when the drug is first administered to patients below 24 because their symptoms could worsen before they get better and suicidal tendencies could be present. This drug should not be used to treat depressive children though it has been approved for OCD in children. This drug can cause serious lung problems in infants so pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid it.