Overview of Zoloft for Treating Depression

Living with depression can't really be called living at all. In the times we live in, it seems that everyone is depressed. Everyone is medicated and seeing a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Even general practitioners are dispensing mood-altering medications. The choices in prescription medications are practically limitless. One of the most widely prescribed and most effective antidepressant is Zoloft.

Zoloft is one of the most widely prescribed antidepressant medications because it is so well tolerated by the people who take it. Zoloft is a selective serotonin re uptake inhibitor, also known as an SSRI. I could throw some big and fancy words at you about how this works, but neither of us will fully understand it. Basically, SSRI's make serotonin used more efficiently and add a low dosage of serotonin into the system. It is believed that serotonin helps to regulate mood, sexuality, sleep, and appetite. Zoloft is one of the best ways to counteract this deficiency in serotonin and help to improve depression and its symptoms.

Zoloft needs to be prescribed by a doctor. Make sure to share with your doctor what other medications you are taking to insure that Zoloft will not react with these other medications. Do not take Zoloft with other MAOI medications. MAOI medications are other forms of antidepressants. Zoloft can be taken with or without food and at any time of the day. It is important not to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft. Also, do not stop taking Zoloft without consulting your doctor, as new studies have shown there can be serious withdrawal.

Zoloft comes in multiple strengths so that the dose may be altered to suit your needs. It can take up to eight weeks for the antidepressant to fully kick in, although you may experience some relief of your symptoms within the first week or two. A common side effect is feeling tired within the first several weeks of taking Zoloft. This generally disappears after a few weeks, if it doesn't then consult your doctor. Some of the other side effects you may experience while taking Zoloft are dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, nausea, diarrhea, and sleepiness. Not everyone will experience side effects and the side effects will generally disappear after several weeks of use. Again, if the side effects are not alleviated, then consult a doctor.

Zoloft is often one of the first prescribed antidepressants that a doctor turns to for patients suffering with depression. Depression is a serious medical condition and needs to be treated. If you are feeling depressed, then seek medical attention and consider asking your doctor for Zoloft.