Best Depression Treatments

Zoloft, also known by its generic name sertraline, is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The way that Zoloft works is that it affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Zoloft is commonly used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Some of the less common uses for Zoloft include premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as sexual dysfunction in men. If Zoloft is a effective treatment for the last problem still remains inconclusive.

Patients should not be taking Zoloft if they have used a MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. The combination of Zoloft with any of these drugs could lead to some dangerous side effects. There is a vast array of potential side effects of Zoloft use, the more common side effects however, include: headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, sore throat, excessive sweating, tingling in the hands and feet, and tremors, along with manifestations of sexual arousal disorder in both men and women. Some of the more serious side effects of Zoloft use have been known to include hallucinations, blurred vision, and seizures.   Zoloft is not FDA approved for use in children below the age of 18 because they maybe more prone to depression and suicide while on the drug.

Zoloft is currently profiled under FDA pregnancy category C. The drugs that belong to this particular category may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. There is a chance that you may have a relapse in your depression if you do choose to stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant or become pregnant while taking Zoloft, do not stop treatment until you talk to you doctor first. Currently it is not known if Zoloft is absorbed into the breast milk or if can harm a nursing baby. Do not use Zoloft without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Zoloft is an antidepressant drug which is designed to help those with their signs and symptoms of depression, however there are several Zoloft side effects that one should look out for. If you would like to start taking Zoloft for your depression, consult with your doctor first.

URL References:

http://www.rxlist.com/zoloft-drug/indications-dosage.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/sertraline-oral/article.htm

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