Guide To Sertraline (Zoloft)

Sertraline (Zoloft) is a prescription antidepressant. It belongs to a type called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In adults, the typical starting dose is twenty-five to fifty milligrams. The therapeutic range is between fifty to two hundred milligrams. Individuals with mild liver impairment may be prescribed half of the standard dose, as it is not considered safe for moderate to severe impairment. Patients will also need to be screened for bipolar disorder first.

A sertraline prescription treats several mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorder and panic disorder. As well, these antidepressant pills are a major depression treatment. Some individuals consider them the best medicine for depression. However, other treatments for depression may be needed. This includes therapy for depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one such strategy for this.

How It Works

Sertraline blocks the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. This increases the patient's overall serotonin levels, reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. While sertraline does not make the body produce more serotonin, it does help the body use existing serotonin more effectively.

Unlike some other types of antidepressants that alter the body's levels of multiple neurotransmitters, this class of medication mainly impacts the patient's serotonin. However, high doses of sertraline can also block the reuptake of dopamine. Some researchers believe that it is more accurately categorized as a serotonin-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Continue reading to uncover the uses for this medication next.

Uses For Sertraline

Sertraline is most frequently prescribed to treat major depression. Doctors may also prescribe it to patients with panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, or social anxiety. The medication can also be used as premenstrual dysphoric disorder treatment. In some instances, doctors will prescribe sertraline for 'off-label' uses. Examples of this include treating binge eating disorder, bulimia, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar depression, autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia. It has also been helpful for individuals with alcohol dependency, neurocardiogenic syncope, bed-wetting, or aggressive behavior. Sertraline has been used to treat writer's cramp too. Patients should ask their doctor about the risks and benefits of using sertraline for 'off-label' purposes.

Reveal the side effects of this medication next.

Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of this medicine include headaches, dry mouth, sleeping difficulties, loss of appetite, and sweating. These side effects tend to be mild. Most individuals find that they resolve on their own within a few weeks of starting the medication. Some patients have experienced diarrhea, abdominal pain, chest pain, or vomiting. Additionally, it has caused confusion and aggression. Doctors should be notified of these side effects immediately. It may be necessary to adjust the patient's dose. Some patients will need to switch to another type of antidepressant.

Individuals under twenty-five years old may experience suicidal thoughts shortly after starting sertraline. Doctors should ask the patient about their mood at all follow-up visits. The patient's family and caregivers should also be alert for possible changes in their mood or behavior. Any changes should be reported to the doctor immediately. In rare cases, this medication could cause a dangerous reaction called serotonin syndrome. Fever, agitation, hallucinations, muscle stiffness, and a fast heart rate are signs of this. Patients should seek urgent medical attention for these symptoms. Emergency medical attention is also necessary for blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, and eye swelling.

Discover precautions for this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

Before taking sertraline, patients should let their doctor know about any history of cardiovascular disease, liver disease, stroke, kidney disease, or high blood pressure. They should also mention any history of seizures, bleeding disorders, or low sodium in the blood. Sertraline may not be safe for individuals with these conditions. This medication should be taken at the same time each day with or without food. Individuals must dilute the liquid form must before use. After measuring the correct dose with the provided device, they can mix it with four ounces of water, ginger ale, lemonade, orange juice, or lemon-lime soda. It must not be mixed with any other beverages. The mixture should be stirred. Patients will need to drink it immediately.

This medication may cause individuals to have a false positive on drug screening tests. Thus, patients who provide a urine sample for drug screening should inform medical staff that they take this medication. After beginning this medication, it might take up to one month for patients to notice an improvement in their symptoms. Sertraline must be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Get the full details on potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Patients should never use sertraline with pimozide due to the risk of an interaction. Individuals who receive methylene blue injections should not take it either. Sertraline in liquid form is not suitable for patients who take disulfiram. Doing so could cause a severe reaction to the former. Individuals should wait to start sertraline for at least fourteen days after stopping treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. In addition, patients need to check with their doctor before using any medicines that could alter blood clotting. This includes anticoagulants and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Taking these medicines with sertraline could cause the patient to bleed or bruise easily.

Patients must inform their doctor about all of the medications they use. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. They should make sure that their prescribing doctor always has an updated copy of their current medication list. The patient's pharmacist should check for potential interactions before dispensing sertraline as well.