Sertraline (Zoloft) is a drug belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some of the other drugs in this category are Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram) and Luvox (fluvoxamine). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by nerve cells in the brain. It is used by the nerves to communicate with one another. Depression is caused due to a disturbance in the balance between serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Sertraline (Zoloft) blocks the reuptake of serotonin and therefore changes the level of serotonin in the brain.
Sertraline (Zoloft) is used for curing depression, obsessive?compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post?traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is also an excellent medicine for treating social anxiety disorder and postmenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
The recommended dosage of Sertraline (Zoloft) is 25?200 mg, taken once daily. The drug is initiated at 25?50 mg once daily for treating depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder.
The dosage of the medicine should be increased at weekly intervals. The recommended dose for PMDD is around 50?150 mg every day of the menstrual cycle or for 14 days before menstruation. This drug can be taken with or without food.
Sertraline (Zoloft) increases the level of pimozide in the blood by 40%. Higher levels of pimozide may affect electrical conduction in the heart, which may lead to sudden death. Thus, patients should not receive treatment with both pimozide and sertraline. Due to unknown reasons, this drug may increase the blood thinning action of warfarin. Thus, the effect of warfarin should be monitored when sertraline is started or when it is stopped.
Like any other antidepressant, Sertraline (Zoloft) has various side effects. Some of the common side effects of this drug are sleepiness, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, tremor, skin rash, upset stomach and loss of appetite. Patients may also experience headache, diarrhea, abnormal ejaculation, dry mouth and weight loss. Apart from this, some of the important side effects are irregular heartbeats, allergic reactions and activation of mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
If Sertraline (Zoloft) is discontinued abruptly, a patient may experience abdominal cramps, flu like symptoms, fatigue and memory impairment. It is always advised to gradually reduce the dose of sertraline when therapy is discontinued.
Sertraline (Zoloft) also increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior especially in children and adolescents. A doctor should be informed immediately in case of clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts and unusual changes in the behavior of the patient. Sertraline (Zoloft) has an adverse effect on nursing mothers and pregnant woman. This medicine may harm the fetus. Women undergoing treatment with this drug should inform the doctor in case of pregnancy.
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