Zoloft is a brand name of the antidepressant sertraline, which is from the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline is a prescription medication that provides treatment for mental illness and disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder, bipolar disorder, depression in people with schizophrenia, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What are the Side Effects of Zoloft?
Like other antidepressants, Zoloft (sertraline) can have a variety of side effects with varying severity. The most important side effect to watch out for are suicidal thoughts and new or worsening depression. Particularly for youths and young adults, mental health can change in unanticipated ways in response to taking sertraline. If you experience manic episodes, panic attacks, thoughts about harming or killing yourself, unusual risk-taking behavior or any other significant degradation of your mental health, tell your doctor immediately.
The common side effects of Zoloft include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- vomiting
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- dry mouth
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
- weight changes
- dizziness
- excessive tiredness
- headache
- nervousness
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- sexual problems (lowered libido, issues achieving orgasm)
- excessive sweating
People who have used Zoloft for prolonged periods of time can develop an addiction or dependency, similar to xanax addiction, which can cause people to experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly discontinue use. Withdrawal symptoms can include but are not limited to, drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and indigestion, change in sleep habits, increased sweating, sexual problems, tremor or shaking, tiredness and fatigue.
If you experience any of these side effects or believe that you might be having an allergic reaction, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
Zoloft’s Reaction To Other Medications
While Zoloft is an effective antidepressant, it has many adverse effects when taken with certain medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain but when taken with Zoloft, they increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. When taken with triptans, such as sumatriptan or lithium, Zoloft increases your chance of developing serotonin syndrome. While taking tricyclic antidepressants, such as desipramine, Zoloft should be avoided because it will cause a build-up of serotonin in your body.
If you experience new or worsening symptoms as a result of drug interactions with sertraline or other antidepressants, seek medical attention at your local poison control center or contact your healthcare provider for professional medical advice.
Other Benefits Of Zoloft
Zoloft is a medication that is typically used to treat the major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, with lots of potential benefits for people who struggle with depression as a result of behavioral addictions.
Zoloft is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being mild and temporary, however, Zoloft can cause serious side effects in some people. Therefore, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting Zoloft or any other SSRI medication.
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