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Many people living
with depression or certain anxiety disorders find Zoloft® ® (Sertraline)
and its generic to be an effective treatment with relatively few side
effects. Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressants with most of the pros and
cons of other medications
in that class.
Sertraline tablets
are used as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
and the liquid concentrate is used to treat MDD and some anxiety related
disorders, including panic attacks, posttraumatic stress disorder, social
anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also used to
relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
First approved in
1991, Zoloft® has been the top-selling antidepressant in the U.S.
Its patent expired in 2006 and in June, the FDA approved the first generic
versions. Generic sertraline tablets are made by Ivax Pharmaceuticals
and sertraline hydrochloride oral concentrate is made by Roxane Laboratories.
How
does it work?
Sertraline works by increasing the amounts of serotonin, a natural substance
in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
How is it taken?
Sertraline comes as a tablet and a liquid concentrate to take by mouth.
It is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening, but follow your
doctor's instructions. Sertraline may be taken with or without food on
a full or empty stomach. The concentrate should be mixed with 4 ounces
of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade or orange juice. Take
it right away after mixing. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of
sertraline and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.
Do not stop taking
this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor will
gradually reduce the amount you are taking to decrease the chance of having
discontinuation symptoms.
How fast does it work?
You may have to take sertraline for 4 weeks or longer before you begin
to feel better. Your doctor should regularly check your progress during
this time. If you are taking this medicine for depression, you may need
to keep taking it for 6 months or longer to help prevent the return of
the depression.
What are its side effects?
Like most psychiatric medications, sertraline may cause side
effects.
Side effects that
may be temporary:
These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine and
usually do not need medical attention. But, tell your doctor if any of
these continue or become a problem:
More common:
Acid or sour stomach; belching; decreased appetite or weight loss; diarrhea
or loose stools; dizziness; drowsiness; dryness of mouth; headache; heartburn;
increased sweating; nausea; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; stomach
or abdominal cramps, gas, or pain; trembling or shaking; trouble in sleeping
Less common:
Agitation, anxiety, or nervousness; bladder pain; burning, crawling, itching,
numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings;
changes in vision, including blurred vision; cloudy urine; constipation;
difficult, burning, or painful urination; flushing or redness of skin,
with feeling of warmth or heat; frequent urge to urinate; increased appetite;
pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones; sore throat; stuffy or
runny nose; vomiting
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Side effects that
may need medical attention
More common
Decreased
sexual desire or ability; abnormal ejaculation or difficulty reaching
orgasm.
Less common
or rare
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these effects.
Abnormal bleeding;
aggressive reaction; breast tenderness or enlargement; fast, pounding,
irregular, or slow heartbeat; fast talking and excited feelings or actions
that are out of control; fever; hallucinations; inability to sit still;
loss of bladder control; symptoms of low blood sodium (confusion, convulsions
[seizures], drowsiness, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, lack of energy);
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities; nose bleeds; restlessness;
symptoms of serotonin syndrome (diarrhea, fever, increased sweating, mood
or behavior changes, overactive reflexes, racing heartbeat, restlessness,
shivering or shaking); skin rash, hives, spots or itching; sudden loss
of consciousness; unusual or sudden body or facial movements or postures.
Like all antidepressants,
Zoloft® could trigger a manic
episode. Let the doctor know if you've ever had this problem.
Always tell your doctor
immediately if you are having suicidal
thoughts or your depression is getting worse.
What do users say about Zoloft®?
People who have taken Zoloft® and have posted their experiences on
forums have shared these comments**:
- “Overall,
I've had a really good experience with Zoloft® . It did take two
or three weeks to take effect. I had no side effects until trying to
taper off of it.”
- “I was first
prescribed Zoloft® for OCD and it helped a lot. But I have sexual
side effects.”
- “It's taken
the edge off my mood swings. I still get angry, tense, sad, guilty,
but I no longer feel suicidal.”
- “I am definitely
less hungry (I gained 60 pounds on Cymbalta!) But it kills my sex drive.”
- “Zoloft®
was a GODSEND for me. I was a total wreck and it worked well for me
for many years. Expect it to take a good 2-4 weeks until you know if
it's right for you.“
- “I had headaches,
but they went away after I'd been on it awhile. But now I have trouble
sleeping and have to take Trazodone to help me sleep.”
- “It's made
life worth living again. It controls the depression really well.”
**Edited for brevity
Where can I find more information?
Complete
FDA Patient Information
Complete
Zoloft® label information
Pfizer,
Inc., maker of Zoloft®
Sources
FDA
Drugs.com
MedlinePlus
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