Below are the 3 most recent journal entries recorded in zoloftbirthdefe's InsaneJournal:

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011
10:54 pm	Reviewing Zoloft Medication Zoloft, generally known as Sertraline Hydrochloride is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug category. Positive outcome are almost always paired up with negative one but users will try to avoid the latter. Drug effectiveness depends largely on the patient taking it. Intake of other drugs and alcohol while taking Zoloft can affect the drug’s effectiveness. Zoloft is an FDA-approved drug for treating Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Stress Traumatic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder for adults. An approval on managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, not with depression, in children and adolescents ages 6-17 years old was also given by FDA on the drug. Before taking Zoloft, it is highly recommended that the patient talk to his health care provider and divulge with him/her information that may alter the efficacy of the drug. Some of them are having a bipolar disorder or family history of the disease, an unstable heart disease, diabetes, seizures, suicidal thoughts, liver disease, any food and drug allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding a child. Information like these are important to note so that the negative effects of the drug will be avoided and the desirable effects be achieved. Patients will experience suicidal thoughts during the first few months of the treatment so regular monitoring must be done within the period. Patients are advised to consult their health care provider if symptoms are not improving and if other symptoms develop. Congenital malformation on infants exposed to Zoloft during pregnancy has also been associated with the drug. Pregnant woman or woman about to have a baby is advised to talk to their health care provider first before taking the drug. Alcohol intake during Zoloft therapy is prohibited because it can increase some side effects of the drug. Also, mental alertness is impaired while taking Zoloft, thus, activities requiring one should be minimal. Simultaneous intake of Zoloft and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) is prohibited. 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. Any prescribed drug can result to both positive and negative 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 informed. (1 Comment |Comment on this)
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
3:08 am	The US FDA Guidelines on Zoloft The U.S. FDA is the agency responsible for regulating the products and drugs found in the market and inform consumers what to watch out for through updates and reviews. Information dissemination is necessary so the public will be aware. Zoloft is one of the medications that the U.S. FDA reviewed. Reports have surfaced that an increased risk of spontaneous abortion may occur in Zoloft together with other serious side effects. Studies in children and adolescents, however short-termed, showed that Zoloft can increase the risk of suicidal ideations and attempts which prompted the FDA to release a public health advisory. What is Zoloft? Zoloft, with generic name Sertraline Hydrochloride is an anti-depressant medication belonging to the SSRI class of drugs which acts towards a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. If the amount of serotonin decreases, it can cause depression while increase in its level can cause mania. This is primarily used to treat depression but also a number of other conditions such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Phobia. Certain precautions are needed when taking this drug. Initially, the individual needs to inform the doctor or pharmacist if he or she is allergic to the drug or any of its components. It is also important not to take it with MAOI medications. MAO Inhibitors is another classification of drugs used in treating depression however, one must stop taking MAOI and wait for at least 2 weeks (14 days) before taking Zoloft as a severe reaction can happen if taken at the same time. Zoloft should also be avoided by patients with liver and blood disorders because it can worsen the condition. These are some of the important precautions and contraindications to remember but there are still a lot to consider. Zoloft, just like any other drugs, have side effects. More common side effects that are also found in other antidepressants are sleepiness, nervousness, headache, dizziness, nausea, tremor and etc. It is important to note that this medication may trigger mania so it is strongly advised not to use this in patients with bipolar disorder. One must also be vigilant in other serious side effects such as arrhythmias, chest pain, severe allergic reactions (hives, urticarial, rashes, wheezing), suicidal thoughts and attempts and worsening of the condition. The FDA has also released warnings in the use of this medication in pregnant women and of the child bearing age as Zoloft birth defects have been reported especially when used during the third trimester of pregnancy. Some of the birth defects mentioned are heart anomalies, lung defects and skull malformations. Generally, medications classified under SSRI are believed to have more benefits than risks but researches have to be made to support this claim. (Comment on this)
Saturday, July 2nd, 2011
2:51 am	Studies show Zoloft pose Risk to Infants Infants born to mothers who were treated with Zoloft during their pregnancy are at risk of having birth defects as a serious side effect of the antidepressant drug according to several studies. Zoloft which is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat several disorders because of its ability to increase the serotonin level in the brain. Among the disorders that could be treated with Zoloft as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are depression, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, premenstrual dyphoric disorder (PMDD) in patients 18 years old and above and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among patients aged 6-17 years old. Pregnant women, however, may put the babies they are carrying at risk as continuing to take Zoloft and other antidepressant drugs may have serious side effects such as serious developmental birth defects, a potentially life-threatening lung disorder, and increased risks in premature and stillbirths. Studies have linked Zoloft to a developmental birth defect wherein an infant is born with parts of its intestines outside the abdominal wall known as “Omphalocele”. It is also said to cause anencephaly wherein a baby is missing a large part of its brain and craniosynostosis wherein an infant has problems with the normal growth of its brain and skull, two brain development defects in infants, according to another study. Aside from these birth defects, a study released in 2006 by the University of California at San Diego also revealed a significant increase of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) which is fatal soon after birth in 10 to 20 percent of cases. Infants who survived from the PPHN may not be as fortunate as it would need mechanical aids to breathe and may suffer developmental delays, hearing loss and brain abnormalities. The FDA issued a report on the study of infants with PPHN but stop short of requiring warnings about birth defects on any antidepressant drug except Paxil. However, with the results of the various studies, the FDA issued a warning regarding the risks involved in taking Zoloft during pregnancy. Mothers, however, must not immediately stop taking Zoloft as they are liable to suffer withdrawal symptoms after giving birth. It is best for pregnant women to consult with their doctors first and discuss the risks the medication may pose to their newborns. (Comment on this)