What Are The Most Common Side Effects Of Sertraline
- Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or indigestion
- Increased sweating
- Change in sleep habits including increased sleepiness or insomnia
- Feeling tired or fatigued
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Who Shouldnt Take Zoloft
While Zoloft can offer some good anxiety-reducing effects, there are some people for whom the drug may not be a good match.
Conditions that can impact the effect of Zoloft include:
People with angle-closure glaucoma
People with angle-closure glaucoma conditions can experience an increase in glaucoma attacks if they take Zoloft. Therefore, they should talk to their doctor to determine if the SSRI is appropriate.
People with seizure conditions
Since seizures are already a potential side effect of Zoloft, the medication should be considered carefully in people with a seizure condition lest it increases their frequency or severity.
People with liver issues
Patients with liver problems should take care when starting Zoloft as they can experience stronger doses than normal due to their livers inability to break down the medication.
People with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a possible complication of Zoloft as you can experience a higher risk of manic symptoms.
What Are The Most Serious Side Effects That I Or A Caregiver Should Monitor For When Taking Escitalopram
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects are rare, but can occur with escitalopram. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
- Serotonin Syndrome: Serotonin syndrome is an uncommon, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when taking too much of an SSRI or SNRI at once or when escitalopram is taken along with other drugs that increase the activity of serotonin in the central nervous system. These medications may include MAOIs, triptans , tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. Johns Wort. Monitor for symptoms of elevated body temperature, flushing, sweating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, agitation, and a racing heartbeat.
- Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Especially at the beginning of treatment, monitor for changes in behavior such as an unusually elevated mood, feeling unusually irritable, a big increase in energy, being more talkative than usual, racing thoughts, or engaging in risky behaviors. These changes in behavior could be signs of undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder.
- Low Sodium in the Blood : Elderly people may be at greater risk for this condition. Symptoms may include headache, weakness or feeling unsteady, confusion, problems concentrating or thinking, and memory problems.
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Does Zoloft Work What Is It Like Full Zoloft Review
Zoloft is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. If youre wondering whether you should ask your doctor about Zoloft for depression or other conditions, or if youve already been prescribed Zoloft, its a good idea to learn about other patients experiences with it first.
In this article, Ill go through a variety of Zoloft reviews to help you make a decision on whether Zoloft is right for you. Ill focus on common Zoloft side effects, how it interacts with other drugs, and how users think it compares to other similar medications for depression and anxiety.
Hint: Its Not An Antidepressant Effect
byElizabeth Hlavinka, Staff Writer, MedPage Today September 19, 2019
When there is clinical uncertainty about whether antidepressants should be prescribed in primary care settings, the presence of anxiety symptoms may indicate an increased chance of benefit, a randomized trial found.
In a group of 550 primary care patients with mild to severe depressive symptoms, sertraline did not reduce depressive symptoms at six weeks compared to placebo as measured through the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire , reported Gemma Lewis, PhD, of University College London in England, and colleagues.
However, there were mild improvements in depressive symptoms at 12 weeks, with a 13% reduction in PHQ-9 scores as a secondary outcome, the authors wrote in Lancet Psychiatry.
Secondary analyses also found that sertraline was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms at 6 weeks and 12 weeks compared to placebo, as well as improved functioning and self-reported mental health, they noted.
Our findings support the prescription of SSRI antidepressants in a wider group of participants than previously thought, including those with mild to moderate symptoms who do not meet diagnostic criteria for depression or anxiety disorder, especially when anxiety symptoms such as worry and restlessness are present, Lewis told MedPage Today in an email.
In the process of pharmacotherapy, antidepressant discontinuation deserves as much clinical attention as antidepressant initiation, Penninx wrote.
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How To Use Zoloft For Anxiety And Depression
Shannon,
PMHNP Director
10 Minute Read
Zoloft is the brand name for the drug sertraline, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. Zoloft is an antidepressant and is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, but it can also be used to relieve symptoms of anxiety as well.
When you use Zoloft properly, it may be highly effective at bringing you relief from your symptoms, and it is important to be patient when using Zoloft as it can take several weeks for the effects to be felt.
Whether you are just starting to take Zoloft, your provider has recommended Zoloft, or youre wondering if Zoloft might be a good fit for you, this guide to using Zoloft for anxiety and depression has all of the information you need.
Remember that only a mental health practitioner can prescribe Zoloft for depression or anxiety. Brightside Health providers are available to help youwith appointments available within 48 hours.
Want to speak 1:1 with an expert about your anxiety & depression?
What Conditions Does Lexapro Treat
The FDA approves the use of Lexapro in treating the following conditions:
- Major Depressive Disorder
To be diagnosed with major depressive disorder , you have to experience persistent low mood for at least 6 months.
The condition is characterized by difficulty controlling your mood, which causes significant interference to your daily functioning. According to studies, Lexapro is highly effective for MDD.
Lexapro is approved for acute and maintenance treatment of adult patients between ages 18 and 65 who suffer current episodes of MDD.
Treating severe and recurrent MDD episodes requires long-term medication.
If your doctor prescribes Lexapro for long-term use, your doctor will have to perform a regular evaluation to establish the effectiveness of the medication.
Generalized anxiety disorder refers to excessive worry that persists for at least 6 months.
The worry may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
According to studies, Lexapro reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms of GAD and enhances the quality of life.
It is approved for the acute treatment of GAD in adults. However, its effectiveness in treating GAD patients with co-morbid major depression requires further research.
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Side Effects Of Zoloft
Like most medications, there are potential side effects associated with Zoloft and the generic sertraline. Thankfully, most people either dont experience any or only notice mild side effects.
The most common side effects are:
More rarely, people who take sertraline may experience severe side effects, such as:
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Sexual side effects, specifically painful erections
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Bleeding that wont stop
If you experience severe side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately. In fact, if you notice any unwanted side effects, you should run them by your healthcare provider.
Its also important to tell your healthcare provider about any other prescription medication you may be taking, as there can be drug interactions and adverse effects when you mix meds.
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Indicated for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children aged â¥6 years
< 6 years: Safety and efficacy not established
Tablets
- 6-12 years: 25 mg PO qDay initially
- 12-17 years: 50 mg PO qDay initially
- May increase by 50 mg qDay at weekly intervals, not to exceed 200 mg qDay give qHS if somnolence experienced
Capsules
- Do not use to initiate treatment only available as 150-mg or 200-mg doses
- Use another sertraline HCl product for initial dosage, titration, and dosages below 150 mg qDay
- Refer to prescribing information of other sertraline HCl products for the recommended dosage for those products
- May initiate capsules in patients receiving 100 mg or 125 mg of another sertraline HCl product for at least 1 week
- Recommended dosage: 150 mg or 200 mg PO qDay not to exceed 200 mg qDay
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Sertraline comes as a tablet and a concentrate to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening. To treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, sertraline is taken once a day, either every day of the month or on certain days of the month. Take sertraline at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sertraline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Sertraline concentrate must be diluted before use. Immediately before taking it, use the provided dropper to remove the amount of concentrate your doctor has told you to take. Mix the concentrate with 4 ounces of water, ginger ale, lemon or lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. After mixing, the diluted solution may be hazy this is normal. Do not mix the concentrate with any liquids other than the ones listed. Drink the diluted solution immediately.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of sertraline and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.
Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder , panic attacks , posttraumatic stress disorder , and social anxiety disorder . It is also used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness. Sertraline is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
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Zoloft For Treatment Of Anxiousness In Children
Recent studies have revealed that Zoloft is quite effective in treating anxiety disorders among children. Children suffering from social phobias, generalized anxiety, and separation anxiety can be treated with substantial dosage and psychotherapy. To treat anxiousness in children, the dosage is started low that tend to go higher if needed. Generally, kids aging 6 to 12 years are given 25 mg at the beginning. The number of pills may increase weekly up to the eighth week. Effectively, the dosage may reach 146 mg daily in case of severe anxiety.
However, it was also detected that children can be cured with lower drug dosage followed by an effective psychotherapy treatment.
After undertaking various researches at the National Institute of Mental Health, it was zeroed that Zoloft is one of the safest and most effective drug to cure comprehensive disorders among children. The symptoms of anxiety almost disappear, thus comforting the parents as well.
According to the researchers, it was found that children who worried during the start of the treatment where 99% at ease after the completion of the therapy and medication. The therapy followed by Zoloft medication not only cures anxiousness among children but also brings positive attitude among them.
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When To Increase Your Zoloft Dose For Anxiety
If youre taking Zoloft, but arent feeling any improvement in your anxiety levels, it can be tempting to simply up your dose but its important not to.
Zoloft is not an instant relief medication. SSRIs do not exert instant effects like, pain relief does. Zoloft is a little more complicated and it takes longer for its full effects to be felt.
These medications take time for their effectiveness to peak. Zoloft works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and it takes repetitive dosing and time for the medication to be able to exert its effects on your system. It can take around two to six weeks before you start to experience a reduction in your anxiety symptoms.
If after this period you still havent seen any benefits then you may want to talk to your doctor about altering your Zoloft dose.
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Any Positive Experiences Of Zoloft Controlling Anxiety & Depression
Psyched_Out_Kim
There’s many negative stories out there about Zoloft, so I’m wondering if anyone can share a positive experience from taking it.
I was on it many years ago, but don’t remember the start up effects, how long it took to work, etc. The time has come to use this medication again, but my anxiety is so bad that I’m afraid to take it. I do use Xanax, but I can no longer pretend that that’s enough to help me. There’s a lot of depression involved as well, so my back is against the wall.
Thanks for reading,
-
5 years ago
I’ve only been on sertraline for a week on 50mg. I only had a few sides lasting a couple of days, headache and dizziness. Still experiencing a bit of anxiety but I feel it’s doing something. my mood has lifted. I’m increasing in another week, just hoping I don’t have any bad side effects.
Give it a go.. let me know how it goes
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Posted 5 years ago
Good for you! I have a friend who reacted the same way, very little side ffects, and she felt like she could come off after only three months. Her depression never cam back! You are lucky one
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Posted 5 years ago
You should try another med. I didn’t get on with flouxtine.. but some people swear by it. Everyone reacts differently.
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Posted 5 years ago
I’ve read that the first week can be okay, but side effects get worse the following weeks as the med builds up. That’s the part I’m afraid of, especially the increased anxiety.
How Should Lexapro Be Taken
Take Lexapro exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider may need to change the dose of Lexapro until it is the right dose for you.
Lexapro may be taken with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Lexapro, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of Lexapro at the same time.
If you take too much Lexapro, call your healthcare provider or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.
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Risk Of Bias In Included Studies
The overall quality of included studies was low and the reporting of trials was often inadequate .
Methodological quality graph: review authors judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies.
Allocation
The great majority of included studies used an adequate sequence generation. However, only one study reported enough details on allocation concealment .
Blinding
Almost all studies were reported to be double-blind trials. Five trials were reported to be single-blind and two did not give any information about blinding . However, only 13 studies reported sufficient details on blinding.
Incomplete outcome data
Methodological quality summary: review authors judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study.
Selective reporting
Only 18 studies were indicated to be free from selective reporting .
Other potential sources of bias
Many of the included studies were sponsored by the manufacturer of sertraline, especially studies comparing sertraline with older drugs .
Reviews On Zoloft Dosage
Most online Zoloft reviewers report being on an initial dose of 50 mg, which is the standard Zoloft dose.
The initial therapeutic dosage of Zoloft is 25 to 50 mg. It can be upped to 200 mg over time depending on tolerance.
The most common issue reported by Zoloft reviewers regarding dosage is that their reaction to the drug plateaus over time, requiring their doctor to increase their dosage in order to be effective. Some reviewers even report having to switch medications eventually once they increased their Zoloft dosage as much as possible.
For example, one Drugs.com Zoloft reviewer, MaryKrazy1, writes:
Zoloft worked AWESOME for my extreme anxiety and major depression. It worked for many years but eventually , it stopped working as well and once my dosage couldnt go any higher, I had to start the whole process of finding the right medication and the right cocktail for me.
Other Zoloft reviewers warn against starting with a high dose of Zoloft, noting that it can increase negative side effects, such as weight gain and a loss of libido. Ricardo7171, a WebMD Zoloft reviewer, says that he switched to a lower dose of Zoloft for this very reason:
The one negative was the sexual side effects at the higher dose. Fortunately, at 25 mg, I have none of these issues.
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How Should Zoloft Be Taken
- Take Zoloft exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider may need to change the dose of Zoloft until it is the right dose for you.
- Zoloft Tablets may be taken with or without food.
- Zoloft Oral Solution may look cloudy or hazy after mixing, this is normal.
- Zoloft Oral Solution must be diluted before use:
- Do not mix Zoloft until you are ready to take it.
- When diluting Zoloft Oral Solution, use onlywater, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice.
- The oral dropper contains latex. If you are sensitive or allergic to latex, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the best way to measure your medicine.
If you take too much Zoloft, call your healthcare provider or poison control center right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.