What Is Sertraline (Zoloft)?
Sertraline, which seems to be prescribed as the brand Zoloft, is an antidepressant. It is considered a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Most adults appear to start with a dose of twenty-five to fifty milligrams. However, they may be prescribed half if they are dealing with liver issues. It is also possible that a therapeutic range is needed. In this case, the dose may be between fifty to two hundred milligrams.
Several mental health conditions appear to benefit from a sertraline prescription. Typically, these anti-depression tablets are used for major depression. They can also assist in the treatment of panic disorder or anxiety disorder. However, they may not be enough. More treatments for depression may be needed. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy for depression or anxiety. A natural remedy for depression, such as mindfulness, may also appear. Patients will likely need to discuss options relating to this medication with their doctor before deciding.
How It Should Work
Sertraline should block the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a neurotransmitter. In theory, this can increase the serotonin in a patient's brain. It may help with reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. However, this medication does not appear to make the body create additional serotonin. It should be able to help the body use what already exists to greater efficiency.
This type of medication does not normally appear to impact any other neurotransmitters. However, it is also possible for sertraline to block the reabsorption of dopamine. It seems as if patients will need high doses for this to be a possibility. Due to this, some researchers seem to indicate that it is better categorized as a serotonin-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
Learn about how this medication may be used next.
Possible Uses
It seems as if sertraline is usually prescribed to patients with major depression. It may also help individuals dealing with social anxiety, panic disorder, or post-traumatic disorder. Some phobias may also benefit from it. Doctors may also be able to prescribe this medication for uses that are not considered typical. This means that they are 'off-label.'
Potential applications of this nature include treating autism, bulimia, bipolar depression, and fibromyalgia. It may also be prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome, aggressive behavior, or writer's cramp. There may be some risks related to using this medication 'off-label,' so patients may wish to discuss them with their doctor.
Get the details on the potential side effects of this medication next.
Potential Side Effects
Sometimes, patients can experience side effects when they take sertraline. The most common side effects appear to be appetite loss, headaches, sweating, dry mouth, and problems sleeping. These are usually mild and may only last for a few weeks after beginning this medication. It is also possible for patients to deal with vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and chest pain. If it causes aggression or confusion, patients may want to report it to their doctor immediately. They may only need their dose adjusted. However, a change in antidepressant may also be necessary.
Suicidal thoughts may occur in patients on this medication. It seems as this is more common in those who are under twenty-five years old. This is why doctors should ask their patients about their mood during follow-up appointments. However, more may need to be done. Family and friends may want to note any potential changes in the patient's behavior and mood. Changes may need to be reported immediately. Sometimes, this medication may cause serotonin syndrome. This may be rare, but it can be serious. Potential symptoms of this condition include hallucinating, fever, a rapid heart rate, and stiff muscles. These may need prompt medical attention. Emergency attention may be necessary for eye pain and swelling, blurry vision, and tunnel vision.
Discover possible precautions to remember next.
Precautions To Remember
Patients may need to discuss their medical history with their doctor before taking this medication. Potential conditions that can cause issues include stroke, liver disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. A history of seizures and bleeding disorders may also be of concern with this medication. Sometimes this medication can result in a false positive on a drug test. Thus, patients may want to disclose that they are taking it if they need one of these tests.
They should try to take this medication at the same time daily so that it can work as best as possible. This medication should generally be kept away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Of course, it seems as if the form of the medicine matters as well. Patients taking the liquid form will need to dilute it. They should consider using the dosage device their pharmacy should have provided. However, not all drinks seem to be appropriate for this medication. Some decent ones are lemonade, water, and ginger ale. Patients may need to review what is suitable with the pharmacist.
Understand potential medication interactions next.
Potential Medication Interactions
Patients may need to consult with their doctor about their medications before being prescribed this one. There appear to be many potential interactions. One such example is any medication that may alter how an individual's blood clots, such as anti-inflammatories and blood thinners. They may interact and result in easy bruising and bleeding. Methylene blue injections and pimozide also seem to interact with this medication.
Due to the possibility of interactions, patients should review the medications they take with their doctor. This list can include more than just prescription medications. It may also mean vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. Pharmacists may also be able to assist with checking potential interactions. Individuals may want them to have a list as well.
