Reviewing Zoloft
Monday, September 5th, 2011Zoloft, generally known as Sertraline Hydrochloride is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug category. Along with its intended effects are the undesirable effects that users would want to evade. The effectiveness of the drug depends mainly on the person taking it. Intake of other drugs and alcohol while taking Zoloft can affect the drug’s effectiveness.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Zoloft to treat Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder for adults. Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in children and adolescents ages 6-17 years old was also approved by the FDA.
Prior to Zoloft intake, patients are advised to visit their doctors for there may be other conditions that can alter the drug’s effectiveness. 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. Disclosing this information is essential in making sure that positive effects will be at its optimum and negative effects are a minimum.
Within the first few months of treatment, suicidal thoughts are common manifestations and patients should be monitored regularly within that period. Patients should also see their health care provider if symptoms are worsening and/or new symptoms arise. Zoloft intake during pregnancy is said to be the cause of congenital malformations in infants exposed to the drug. Consulting a health care provider about the drug must be done before pregnant woman or woman who plans to bear a child takes it.
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. It is also advised that Zoloft and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) not be taken concurrently. Intake of these drugs should be at least 14 days or 2 weeks apart. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions may result from simultaneous use of the drug.
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. It is best that patients be on guard always.