London UK–Pharmacists who fill prescriptions regularly of Zoloft as well as its generic counterparts could be surprised by research that suggests the effects that first appear to differ from what has been assumed to be the case.
A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that sertraline is a drug that can result in an initial reduction in anxiety symptoms typically seen in depression up to a few weeks prior to any improvements in symptoms of depression.
It is believed that the University College of London-led clinical trial is billed as the biggest-ever placebo-controlled study of an antidepressant not sponsored from the drug industry. The study also involved many sufferers, which included those suffering from moderate to mild symptoms.
In essence, the study revealed that sertraline didn’t appear to alleviate depressive symptoms that include mood swings as well as loss of enjoyment and poor concentration, in the first six weeks, though weak evidence suggested that the results were evident after 12 weeks. Indeed, those who used sertraline had twice the likelihood than those who used placebo to claim that their mental health was improved.
Zoloft (sertraline HCl) is an SSRI antidepressant produced by Pfizer. It first came out as an antidepressant in the year 1992. Zoloft has been recognized by the FDA to treat:
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Major depressive disorder
Post-traumatic anxiety disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) is a common disorder in children as well as adolescents and adults
The disorder is known as premenstrual dysphoric (PMDD) for adults
Dosage Information
Zoloft is produced in tablets that are scored, containing 25 mg 50mg, 25mg, and 100 mg. Zoloft is also available as an oral liquid concentrate. Your physician may start therapy by introducing a small dose which is gradually increasing. Zoloft is typically taken once every day.
Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects of Zoloft are:
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Nausea
Diarrhea
Sex drive is reduced
Orgasmic and ejaculatory delay, or impairment
A rise in sweating
Many people notice that these side effects get better after taking medications for period of time. However, if they continue to be unsettling, it is recommended to talk to your physician or another medical expert.
If you suffer from any of these less frequent adverse effects, it is recommended to contact your doctor immediately:
Irrritation or aggression
Restlessness
Impulsiveness
Hyperactivity
Tremors
Confusion
You should seek emergency medical attention if one of these rare and serious adverse consequences:
Allergy reaction (including skin rash, hives and breathing difficulties, as well as difficulty swallowing as well as swelling or swollenness of the lips, face or tongue)
Seizures
Suicidal thoughts
How Long Does Zoloft Take to Work?
There are some people who experience some improvement in their symptoms in about a week or two after beginning Zoloft. However the full therapeutic effect of Zoloft is typically achieved within eight weeks.
Is Zoloft Addictive?
Based on research studies conducted in clinical settings, Zoloft is not believed to be addictive nor habit-forming.
What if I Miss a Dose?
Do the missed dose when you can remember it, except if it’s almost time for the next dosage. Do not take Zoloft to replace the dose that was missed.
Precautions and Contraindications
Pregnancy. There is evidence to suggest that Zoloft taken during the third trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of your baby developing persistent pulmonary hypertension that is an extremely serious and even fatal disease. If you’re expecting or nursing it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of Zoloft therapy with your physician.
Aspirin and NSAIDs. The use of Zoloft in conjunction along with aspirin or NSAIDs could result in an higher chance of bleeding.
Kidney disease or liver problems. Before you take Zoloft inform your doctor that you are suffering from impairment to your kidney or liver function. Based on your medical condition your doctor might need to alter your dosage and conduct certain tests while you are on Zoloft treatment.
Alcohol. Consuming alcohol while taking Zoloft is not advised.
Serotonin Syndrome
Any SSRI antidepressant is at chance of creating a life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome.
This uncommon condition is typically due to the interaction of two or more medications that alter brain serotonin levels.
Certain over-the counter supplements, like St. John’s Wort, can cause an increase in the likelihood of developing serotonin syndrome when mixed with SSRIs.
It is particularly problematic to mix the SSRIs and a class of antidepressants known as monoamine antioxidants (MAOIs). SSRIs can be initiated two weeks after having stopped an MAOI. MAOIs are able to be initiated within two weeks of having stopped an SSRI however, with the exception that of Prozac (fluoxetine) due to its lengthy half-life. MAOIs shouldn’t be taken up to five weeks after the end of Prozac because of the higher chance of developing serotonin syndrome.
How Serotonin Syndrome Is Diagnosed and Treated
SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome
Before you stop taking Zoloft discuss the matter with your physician. There have been reports of withdrawal-like symptoms after reducing or the amount of SSRI treatment. The theory is that the symptoms are a result of the brain’s attempt to maintain serotonin levels after an abrupt shift.
Some of the symptoms that could occur upon the cessation of any SSRI therapy are:
Nausea
Headache
Muscle Aches
Dizziness
Electric like sensations of shock on the neck as well as the head
Although all of these signs aren’t believed to be harmful however, they can be troubling. When you stop taking an SSRI Your doctor might provide you with a gradual reduction schedule to prevent withdrawal-like symptoms.
FDA Black Box Warning
The connection between more suicidal thoughts and behavior in particular for adolescents, children and young adults who are receiving SSRI treatment has been the subject of debate and attention in recent times. In response to concerns raised in case studies and other studies in the field, FDA issued a statement in 2007. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an announcement in 2007.
The FDA suggested that the makers of all antidepressant medicines display the product’s label with a warning regarding the possibility of a higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents, children, and young adults until 24 years of age, especially in the first few days of treatment.
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