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Zoloft – An Introduction

Published in: Internet News Search: dentist April 20th, 2005

Zoloft – An Introduction

Our medical panel have produced the following information about Zoloft in order to supplement – not substitute – the expertise and judgement of your doctor, physician, pharmacist or healthcare professional. You should not assume that the drug is safe, appropriate, effective or suitable for you.

What Exactly Is Zoloft?

Zoloft® (sertraline HCl) is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. Nerve cells in the brain and the rest of the nervous system use chemical messengers. These messengers help cells send messages to each other. One of these messengers is called serotonin. Studies show that serotonin plays a vital role in how our body works. It controls sleep, appetite, temperature, and blood vessel tone. It's also in charge of the release of certain hormones and how much pain we feel. Because it is linked with so many functions in our body, serotonin has an effect on a wide range of conditions such as depression.

How Should I Take Zoloft?

Zoloft is usually taken once a day at bedtime. It may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zoloft exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Zoloft even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zoloft without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet when you begin treatment with Zoloft. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Are There Any Possible Side Effects?

Some people taking Zoloft might have some side effects. The most common Zoloft side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea, and sleepiness. Not everyone gets side effects. Any side effects will most likely lessen over time. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects you might be having.

What Else Should I Know?

Before taking Zoloft,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Zoloft or any other drugs.

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially diazepam (Valium) and vitamins. Do not take Zoloft if you are taking an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; these drugs need to be stopped 14 days before starting Zoloft.

• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had, or anyone in your family has or has ever had, depression, bipolar disorder (mood that changes from depressed to abnormally excited), or mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood), or if you have or anyone in your family has thought about or attempted suicide. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a heart attack, low blood pressure, heart or liver disease, phenylketonuria, or high cholesterol.

• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Zoloft, call your doctor.

• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Zoloft.

• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

• you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways, especially at the beginning of your treatment and at any time your dose is increased or decreased. These changes may occur at any time if you have depression or other mental illness, whether or not you are taking Zoloft or any other medication. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling or staying asleep; irritability; aggressive behavior; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied, abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor when you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

What Should I Do Next?

Because Zoloft is one of the most popular and successful means of treating depression and associated conditions, you should consider it as one of your options. For many users who take it as prescribed, its high success rate and the speed with which it achieves meaningful results outweighs any of the possible side effects. Speak to your doctor about Zoloft today.

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