Zoloft is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug class. Along with its intended effects are the undesirable effects that users would want to evade. The effectiveness of the drug depends mainly on the person taking it. Concurrent use of other drugs and alcohol while taking Zoloft can change the drug’s usefulness.
Zoloft is an FDA-approved drug for treating Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Stress Traumatic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder for adults. An approval on managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, not with depression, in children and adolescents ages 6-17 years old was also given by FDA on the drug.
Before taking Zoloft, it is highly recommended that the patient talk to his health care provider and divulge with him/her information that may alter the efficacy of the drug. These situations may be having a bipolar disorder or family history of the disease, an unstable heart disease, diabetes, seizures, suicidal thoughts, liver disease, any food and drug allergies, or pregnant and breastfeeding woman. Information like these are important to note so that the negative effects of the drug will be avoided and the desirable effects be achieved.
Within the first few months of treatment, suicidal thoughts are common manifestations and patients should be monitored regularly within that period. Patients are advised to consult their health care provider if symptoms are not improving and if other symptoms develop. Zoloft has also been associated with congenital malformations in infants whose mothers were exposed to the drug during pregnancy. Consulting a health care provider about the drug must be done before pregnant woman or woman who plans to bear a child takes it.
Alcohol intake during Zoloft therapy is prohibited because it can increase some side effects of the drug. In addition, activities requiring mental alertness should be avoided since Zoloft can impair one’s thinking and reactions. Simultaneous intake of Zoloft and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) is prohibited. In the instance that the patient must take these drugs, each drug must be taken at least 14 days or 2 weeks apart. Combination of these two drugs can lead to serious and sometimes fatal reactions.
Taking the prescribed medication can bring both good and bad effects. The patient’s approach to the drug regimen can greatly affect the outcome. Impaired mental alertness, suicidal thoughts and other Zoloft birth defects are just some of the probable result. It is best that patients be informed.