Myths and Facts About Depression

You might have heard many myths about depression, but that's what they are, just myths. Now it's time to learn the facts.

Myth	Fact
Depression only happens when something bad goes on in your life, such as a divorce, the death of a loved one, or losing your job.	Sometimes depression can happen, even when life is going well. Depression can be set off by things going wrong in your life, but that isn't always the case. Depression might be associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Myth	Fact
If you can't snap out of your depression, it means you're weak.	Depression doesn't mean you have something wrong with your character. It doesn't mean you aren't strong enough emotionally. It's a real medical condition, like diabetes or arthritis.

Myth	Fact
If you wait it out, your depression will always go away.	If you're suffering from depression, it might not just go away. For some people, if it isn't treated, their depression can last months, or even years.

Myth	Fact
Only suicidal people need antidepressants.	Antidepressants are not just for people who think about suicide. Antidepressants might help people who are depressed feel better. It doesn't matter if they've had thoughts of suicide or not.

Myth	Fact
Antidepressants are habit-forming and will change your personality.	Antidepressants are not habit-forming. They don't turn you into a different person. They make you feel more like yourself again.

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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. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available.

Zoloft is not for everyone. People taking MAOIs or pimozide shouldn't take Zoloft. Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. In studies, few people were bothered enough by side effects to stop taking Zoloft. Side effects may result from stopping Zoloft particularly when abrupt. You should, however, stop taking Zoloft if you get any of the following symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction, such as fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.

You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there is a potential risk to the fetus with Zoloft. Like many antidepressants, Zoloft can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.

Zoloft is approved to treat 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.

Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain. So talk to your doctor about how Zoloft might help you. Zoloft comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets. You and your doctor can discuss a dose for you.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

This product information is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

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