Zoloft Medications
Information and Warnings

Zoloft medications, also known as sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is designed to boost serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is known to control our moods so by boosting the levels in the brain it can help to improve our mood. Sertraline is manufactured by Pfizer and treats major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and premenstrual disorder. If you are considering Zoloft it is important to educate yourself about the warnings and cautions first. Education is the key!

Zoloft Medications Considerations

Special Warnings

This drug is an SSRI and should never be taken within 2 weeks or an MAOI such as Nardil. They do not mix well together at all and taking them within 2 weeks of each other can bring about fatal consequences!

It should not be taken in combination with a pimozide like Orap. Also, Zoloft does contain alcohol so it should not be taken with an anti-alcohol medication such as Antabuse. The most important thing to know about taking this medication is that you can not take it within 14 days or 2 weeks of taking a drug that is an MAOI, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as Nardil or Parnate. If you take an MAOI within 14 days of an SSRI it can be fatal!

Children and Adolescents

It is a well known fact that antidepressants can actually increase the risk of suicide in children and adolescents that are being treated with depression or other psychiatric disorders. Also, Zoloft medications are not approved to treat children under the age of 6 with OCD.

Parents and/or care givers should watch children for the sudden appearance of symptoms such as extreme hyperactivity, hostility, extreme agitation, high levels of anxiety, being abnormally restless, panicking, or suicidal thinking or behavior. This is especially important when there is a change in the Zoloft dose that is being taken.

Also, Zoloft can cause weight loss issues in children so they should be monitored closely.

Other Words of Caution

If you have kidney or liver issues, a history of heart disease, or seizures you should talk with your doctor before taking this drug.

Also, SSRI antidepressants have been known to cause stomach bleeding so heed caution if you have a bleeding problems or if you are taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, Motrin, Advil, and Aleve.

Studies have not indicated that taking this will impact your ability to operate machinery or drive your car. And, it is not recommended that you take Zoloft and alcohol together.

You should not take Zoloft in pregnancy, particularly in the 3rd trimester as this is dangerous for the baby. However, zoloft and breast feeding as it is commonly prescribed to nursing mothers to fend off post partum depression.

There are some Zoloft common side effects to consider as well. For instance, with Zoloft hair loss may be experienced. Also educate yourself about how this medication interaction with other drugs and food.

If you stop taking the Zoloft medications you should do it gradually at the recommendation of your physician to avoid serious Zoloft withdrawal symptoms.

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