Here are answers to some questions often asked about taking Zoloft.
What is Zoloft
and what does it do?
Zoloft is a prescription medicine that treats depression and certain
anxiety conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs
(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Zoloft works to correct a
chemical imbalance in the brain which may be related to symptoms of
depression or certain anxiety conditions. It has been prescribed to
millions of people for more than 15 years.
What medical conditions is Zoloft approved
to treat?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zoloft for the
treatment of a number of mood and certain anxiety conditions
including depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is
also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.
How long does
it take to feel better with Zoloft?
Every person is unique. The time it takes to feel better is different
for everyone. Some of your symptoms might start to improve within 1 to
2 weeks or it could take up to 8 weeks. Even if you don't feel better
right away, it's important to keep taking your medicine as directed and
consult your doctor. Give Zoloft a chance to work for you.
How long will I have to take Zoloft?
Length of treatment is different from person to person. The American
Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends all medicines for depression
should be taken for 6 months to 1 year in order to prevent symptoms
from returning. Your doctor will decide how long you need to be on
Zoloft. It's important to keep taking Zoloft as directed. Even if you
feel better, you shouldn't stop taking Zoloft without talking to your
doctor first.
What are
the most common side effects of Zoloft?
Some people taking Zoloft might have some side effects. The most common
Zoloft side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects,
diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. Not everyone gets side effects.
If I get side effects, will they go
away?
Any side effects will most likely lessen over time. Be sure to tell
your doctor about any side effects you might be having.
Will I
gain weight on Zoloft?
Studies show that Zoloft is not associated with weight gain, so you
shouldn't gain weight because of Zoloft.
Is
Zoloft addictive?
No. In medical studies, it has been shown that Zoloft is not addictive
or habit-forming.
Will my personality change while I'm taking
Zoloft?
No, taking Zoloft won't change who you are as a person. Zoloft treats
your depression and certain anxiety conditions.
Can I drink alcohol while on Zoloft?
Taking Zoloft with alcohol isn't recommended.
Can Zoloft be taken with other
medicines?
Be sure to tell your doctor what medicines you're taking. If you're
taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or
pimozide, you shouldn't take Zoloft. (MAOIs are used to treat
depression and other conditions.) Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs
or aspirin may be associated with increased bleeding.
What is the FDA warning all about?
Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal
thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking
antidepressants may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and
behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be
balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing
doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of
depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. A patient
Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and
Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions"
is available.
Does the warning apply to all
antidepressants?
Yes. The FDA warning applies to all antidepressants including:
Effexor
® (venlafaxine), Cymbalta
® (duloxetine),
Lexapro
® (escitalopram), Celexa
® (citalopram),
Paxil
® (paroxetine), Prozac
® (fluoxetine),
Wellbutrin
® (bubropion), Zyban
® (bupropion),
Zoloft
® (sertraline) and medications called TCAs (tricyclic
antidepressants), MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), and atypical
antidepressants, as well as Pfizer's Sinequan
® (doxepin) and
Nardil
® (phenelzine).
Is there a significant risk of suicide for
adolescents with major depression?
Suicide remains one of the most urgent public health issues facing the
United States. It is the third leading cause of death among adolescents
(15 to 19 year olds). Left untreated, major depression increases the
risk of childhood suicide about 12 times, according to federal figures.
Is Zoloft recommended for children?
Zoloft is only approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive
disorder in children between the ages of 6 and 17. Zoloft is not
approved or promoted for the treatment of depression in children or
adolescents.
Is Zoloft safe for adults beyond age
24?
Yes. In the last 15 years, Zoloft has safely and effectively treated
millions of people with depression and certain anxiety conditions. If
your doctor diagnoses you with depression or anxiety, ask how Zoloft
can help. You should also discuss the risks of not treating your
condition. Only you and your doctor can make the best decision for you.
Within the first few months of treatment, the risk for suicidal
thoughts and behavior with antidepressants was not shown to be
increased in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with
antidepressants in adults aged 65 and older.
If I'm taking an antidepressant, what
should I do?
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Do not stop
taking your medication, unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Effexor is a registered trademark of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Cymbalta
and Prozac are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company; Celexa
and Lexapro are registered trademarks of Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc;
Paxil and Wellbutrin are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline;
Zoloft is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.
