The regulating body, U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) is responsible for updates and reviews on products and medications that consumers should look out for. They should disseminate the information to the public for awareness. Zoloft is one of the medications that the U.S. FDA reviewed. Reports have surfaced that an increased risk of spontaneous abortion may occur in Zoloft together with other serious side effects. The FDA has released a public health advisory because short term studies in children and adolescents also revealed that this medication can increase the risk of suicide.
Facts on Zoloft
Zoloft, with generic name Sertraline Hydrochloride is an anti-depressant medication belonging to the SSRI class of drugs which acts towards a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. If the amount of serotonin decreases, it can cause depression while increase in its level can cause mania. This is primarily used to treat depression but also a number of other conditions such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Phobia.
Certain precautions are needed when taking this drug. Initially, the individual needs to inform the doctor or pharmacist if he or she is allergic to the drug or any of its components. It is also very important not to have it taken together with MAO Inhibitors. MAOI medications also treat depression but one must wait at least 14 days before taking Zoloft because a very serious reaction will take place if both will be taken at the same time. This is also contraindicated in patients with hepatic and blood disorders as it can make the condition worse. These are some of the important precautions and contraindications to remember but there are still a lot to consider.
Side effects are common in almost every drug and that does not exclude Zoloft. Sleepiness, nervousness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and tremor are found in Zoloft as well as in other anti-depressants as these are the common ones. It is important to note that this medication may trigger mania so it is strongly advised not to use this in patients with bipolar disorder. One must also be vigilant in other serious side effects such as arrhythmias, chest pain, severe allergic reactions (hives, urticarial, rashes, wheezing), suicidal thoughts and attempts and worsening of the condition.
The FDA released warnings regarding Zoloft especially when used by pregnant women and of child bearing age as Zoloft birth defects were reported especially when taken during third trimester of pregnancy. Some of the birth defects mentioned are heart anomalies, lung defects and skull malformations. Generally, SSRIs are thought to have lesser adverse effects than other drug classes but further researches are needed for this to be proven.
Facts on Zoloft
Zoloft, with generic name Sertraline Hydrochloride is an anti-depressant medication belonging to the SSRI class of drugs which acts towards a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin. If the amount of serotonin decreases, it can cause depression while increase in its level can cause mania. This is primarily used to treat depression but also a number of other conditions such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Phobia.
Certain precautions are needed when taking this drug. Initially, the individual needs to inform the doctor or pharmacist if he or she is allergic to the drug or any of its components. It is also very important not to have it taken together with MAO Inhibitors. MAOI medications also treat depression but one must wait at least 14 days before taking Zoloft because a very serious reaction will take place if both will be taken at the same time. This is also contraindicated in patients with hepatic and blood disorders as it can make the condition worse. These are some of the important precautions and contraindications to remember but there are still a lot to consider.
Side effects are common in almost every drug and that does not exclude Zoloft. Sleepiness, nervousness, headache, dizziness, nausea, and tremor are found in Zoloft as well as in other anti-depressants as these are the common ones. It is important to note that this medication may trigger mania so it is strongly advised not to use this in patients with bipolar disorder. One must also be vigilant in other serious side effects such as arrhythmias, chest pain, severe allergic reactions (hives, urticarial, rashes, wheezing), suicidal thoughts and attempts and worsening of the condition.
The FDA released warnings regarding Zoloft especially when used by pregnant women and of child bearing age as Zoloft birth defects were reported especially when taken during third trimester of pregnancy. Some of the birth defects mentioned are heart anomalies, lung defects and skull malformations. Generally, SSRIs are thought to have lesser adverse effects than other drug classes but further researches are needed for this to be proven.