Patients are not exempted from knowing the important facts before taking some medications. Even though ordinary people are not expected to know and understand fully certain medical details, it is still beneficial to know at least the general information about a particular medication. Take for instance; a person diagnosed with depression is more likely to be prescribed with Zoloft, an antidepressant. There are patients who are resourceful enough to find out how the drug works but there are others who just don't bother.

 

Zoloft: what is it?

 

Zoloft is also known for its generic name sertraline hydrochloride is a kind of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) This kind of antidepressants works to affect the balance in the neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible to regulate moods. It is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription drug.

 

What one needs to know about Zoloft?

 

 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may not be taken together with Zoloft within a period of 14 days before and after treatment because it might give rise to negative reactions. MAOIs are a class of drugs used to treat depression, psychiatric conditions and Parkinson’s disease.

 

 

Antidepressants according to research studies and a series of medical reports may trigger suicidal thoughts. Experts observed that the increased risk of suicidal thinking is mostly observed in children, adolescents and young adults who are taking antidepressants.

 

 

Zoloft may cause a life threatening reaction when taken. It is known as serotonin syndrome, an increase in the serotonin level in the brain which may trigger nerve and brain disorder such as increase in heart rate, incoordination, overactive reflexes, nausea, muscle rigidity, vomiting or diarrhea.

 

 

According to research data, antidepressants may cause withdrawal symptoms if use is discontinued.

 

 

Zoloft has been reported to cause birth defects if taken by women during pregnancy. In the mean time there is still no proof that would establish the connection between Zoloft and birth defects.