Zoloft is a commonly prescribed drug that is the brand-name form of the generic sertraline. It is an antidepressant medication within the drug group known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Though referred to as an antidepressant, it is prescribed for many uses, including to treat anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and of course, depression, as a result of brain chemical imbalances.
Though Zoloft is typically well tolerated by most who take it, there are some circumstances where it is not appropriate, safe, or effective. For example, it can conflict with many other drugs, which include pimozine (Orap) or another form of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for example phenelzine (Nardil, isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam or Eldepryl), rasagiline (Azilect), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). If a patient has been taking an MAOI, he or she must wait at least two weeks (14 days) before taking Zoloft to ensure that it has completely left the body. Similarly, after taking Zoloft, two weeks (14 days) must pass before taking an MAOI to ensure that the Zoloft is out of the body.
Age is an important factor for Zoloft users. This is because for people aged twenty four years or younger, there is a much higher risk of thoughts of suicide during the first few weeks of the use of Zoloft. Though this risk does exist for any user of the drug, it is below that age that it is significantly greater. For this reasons, though the FDA has approved the use of Zoloft for OCD among children, it is not approved for treating children suffering from depression. No matter the age of the individual, throughout the first twelve weeks of treatment, regular doctor visits for checkups will be required.
Zoloft comes in a tablet that should be taken with water, with or without food, at the same time every day according to the specific instructions as provided by the prescribing doctor. It should not be taken in different amounts nor more frequently or longer than the doctor has recommended. The doctor, however, may alter the dose of the medication as time passes and the effect of the drug can be observed.
There is also a liquid form of Zoloft which is taken orally but must be diluted first. Dosages must be mixed with water, lemon/lime soda, orange juice, ginger ale, or lemonade using a measured medicine dropper and not with a standard measuring spoon. Those mentioned are the only liquids permitted for diluting the Zoloft liquid.
It can take four weeks or more for Zoloft to begin having an effect on the way the patient feels. Zoloft should not be discontinued without the assistance and recommendation of a doctor as suddenly discontinuing the drug can cause unpleasant withdrawal side effects.
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