InsaneJournal

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.