Zoloft effects and benefits
What are the Zoloft side effects and benefits?
Zoloft ( Sertraline) is an antidepressant medication which has also been found to be effective for obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Zoloft is primarily prescribed for young adults, adults and geriatric patients. Its use with children below the age of 18 years of age has never really been established. It is a member of a group of medicines referred to as SSRI’s, which stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. SSRI’s are known to stimulate an increased prominence of the neurotransmitter, serotonin in the brain, reducing depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Zoloft and the other SSRI’s are believed to be more effective and to have fewer side effects then the older tricyclic antidepressants, such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline.
Read Zoloft side effects defined. Note: These Zoloft side effects are also Zoloft withdrawal side effects.
Zoloft is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorders). It has also been used to treat extreme premenstrual syndrome and sexual dysfunctions (premature ejaculation). Zoloft claims to work by restoring the balance of chemicals within the brain.
Zoloft has a side effect which deadens sexual sensation, hence being prescribed for premature ejaculation. As the side effects continue an erection also becomes difficult.
Psychiatrists agree: “If you were to just leave a patient alone and not prescribe Zoloft, the patient would be better in 4 to 12 weeks.” Zoloft prescribed for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder also deadens the person where they can no longer feel.
Occasionally, >2 <75 Zoloft users will become agitated. The Zoloft agitation tends to persist until additional drugs are prescribed to deaden the feelings further.
Zoloft side Effects:
The most common Zoloft side effects include gastrointestinal complaints, including nausea, diarrhea/loose stools and dyspepsia; male sexual dysfunction (primarily ejaculatory delay); insomnia and somnolence; tremor; increased sweating and dry mouth; and dizziness. While Zoloft is not usually known to have an effect on an individual’s normal activities, some have reported feeling sleepy or drowsy. When feeling these side effects, it is not recommended to drive or operate machinery. Always notify your physician when noticing these side effects, so adjustments can be made in the dosing or alternates may be considered. Alcoholic drinks should always be avoided while taking Zoloft. Some special concerns have been noted in recent lawsuits being filed on the behalf of individuals taking and withdrawing from Zoloft, as well as with some of the other SSRI’s, and should never be purchased and/or taken without a valid prescription and the supervision of a licensed physician.
Zoloft withdrawal Palpitation - Unusual and not normal heartbeat, that is sometimes irregular, but rapid and forceful thumping or fluttering. It can be brought on by shock, excitement, exertion, or medical stimulants. A person is normally unaware of his/her heartbeat.
Zoloft withdrawal Hypertension - is high blood pressure, which is a symptom of disease in the blood vessels leading away from the heart. Hypertension is known as the “silent killer”. The symptoms are usually not obvious, however it can lead to damage to the heart, brain, kidneys and eye, and even to stroke and kidney failure. Treatment includes dietary and lifestyle changes.
Zoloft withdrawal Bradycardia - The heart rate is slowed from 72 beats per minute, which is normal, to below 60 beats per minute in an adult.
Zoloft withdrawal Tachycardia - The heart rate is speeded up to above 100 beats per minute in an adult. Normal adult heart rate is 72 beats per minute. Zoloft withdrawal ECG Abnormal - A test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) that records the activity of the heart. It measures heartbeats as will as the position and size of the heart’s four chambers. It also measures if there is damage to the heart and the effects of drugs or mechanical devices like a pacemaker on the heart. When the test is abnormal this means that one or more of the following are present: heart disease, defects, beating too fast or too slow, disease of the blood vessels leading from the heart or of the heart valves, and/or a past or about to occur heart attack.
Zoloft withdrawal Flushing - The skin all over the body turns red.