What are the benefits or side effects from taking Zoloft?… by hillaryc59
My husband has been depressed and is considering asking a doctor for a prescription for Zoloft.
Now, we've heard both good and not so good things about Zoloft.
I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone out there, including physicians on Zoloft. How long before it starts to take effect or you notice any results. Drug interactions etc.
Thank you!
Best Answer:
Zoloft is an antidepressant and it didn't do much for me.
According to Drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/zoloft.html
“You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Zoloft is FDA-approved for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not approved for treating depression in children. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Zoloft, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor….
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
* seizure (convulsions);
* tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;
* problems with balance or coordination; or
* agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat.
Less serious Zoloft side effects may include:
* drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
* nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; or
* decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect….
Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
* tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER, Ultracet);…
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems