Zoloft Side Effects: General Information

Zoloft is one of many popular selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) prescribed for depression and anxiety. It is the brand name for the generic drug Sertraline. It is also prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

It works by causing the brain not to reabsorb as much seratonin, so that there are elevated levels available in the brain. Seratonin is a "happy" chemical that helps regulate moods. If you have less seratonin than you should it causes a chemical imbalance in the brain that can affect your mood and outlook, resulting in depression, anxiety, etc.

I have been (happily) using Zoloft for about six years now, and I have experienced minimal side effects. I was prescribed Zoloft for both depression and anxiety. It also helps with my mild obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Although Zoloft has been approved for use in treating children with obsessive-compulsive disorder, it has not been approved for treating children with depression. Part of the reason for this is the increased risk of suicide in children who take anti-depressants. The risk is generally worse when beginning treatment.

For adults there is also an increased risk of suicide, especially for those under age 24.

Common Zoloft side effects (as listed on the package insert, and available at http://www.drugs.com/cdi/zoloft.html) are:

lack of sex drive

drowsiness

dizziness

weakness

nausea

diarrhea

dry mouth

changes in appetite

weight gain or loss

impotence

difficulty experiencing an orgasm

More serious Zoloft side effects include:

seizure (convulsions)

tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching

problems with balance or coordination; or

agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat

serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy

hyperactivity (physical or mental)

Allergic reactions to Zoloft include: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Allergic reaction side effects require immediate medical attention.

Zoloft can't be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI); MAOIs must be discontinued for at least 14 days before starting Zoloft.

People with any of the following conditions should not take Zoloft:

liver or kidney disease

seizures or epilepsy

bipolar disorder (manic depression)

a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

To alleviate the side effects that Zoloft causes, here are some tips:

For gastrointestinal problems- try varying how and when you take Zoloft. Try taking it on an empty/full stomach, in the morning/afternoon/bedtime, etc. and see which one works for you.

Don't take Zoloft with alcohol. Some people can have occasional drinks and not have serious side effects. Alcohol can increase the sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, sexual, and gastrointestinal side effects of Zoloft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sertraline).

Reducing stress, exercising, and having a healthful diet can alleviate the side effects as well (and just improve your well being in general).

If your side effects get to the point that you consider quitting Zoloft talk to your doctor about lowering your dose, which can decrease the number and severity of side effects.

Sources:

Zoloft information page- www.drugs.com/cdi/zoloft

Sertraline- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sertraline