Getting to Know Zoloft

Zoloft, generally known as Sertraline Hydrochloride is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug category. Together with the intentional effects are the unintentional ones that drug takers like to skirt away with. The effectiveness of the drug depends mainly on the person taking it. Concurrent use of other drugs and alcohol while taking Zoloft can change the drug’s usefulness.

Zoloft was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder for adults. An approval on managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, not with depression, in children and adolescents ages 6-17 years old was also given by FDA on the drug.

Other underlying situations can affect the drug’s effectiveness, hence, it is suggested that patient consult their health care provider before using Zoloft. Situations like pregnancy or breastfeeding a child, any known food and drug allergies, having suicidal thoughts, liver disease, bipolar disorder or a positive family of the disease, unstable heart disease, diabetes, and seizures are to be discussed with the health care provider. Information like these are important to note so that the negative effects of the drug will be avoided and the desirable effects be achieved.

Patients will experience suicidal thoughts during the first few months of the treatment so regular monitoring must be done within the period. Worsening and/or development of new symptoms should be reported to the health care provider for further evaluation. Congenital malformation on infants exposed to Zoloft during pregnancy has also been associated with the drug. Pregnant woman or woman about to have a baby is advised to talk to their health care provider first before taking the drug.

Drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft is not recommended for the reason that alcohol increases some side effects of the drug. Activities that require mental alertness should be minimized for the drug can impair the patient’s thinking and reactions. Simultaneous intake of Zoloft and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) is prohibited. Intake of these drugs should be at least 14 days or 2 weeks apart. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions happen when these two drugs are combined.

Taking the prescribed drug can give both desirable and undesirable effects. Positive or negative effects, this depend mainly on the patient’s compliance to the regimen. Suicidal thoughts, impaired mental alertness and other Zoloft birth defects are only some of the possible outcomes. Patients must be aware always.