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Zoloft: Why is it prescribed?
Zoloft Overview:
Why is Zoloft prescribed?
 Zoloft
is one of the more popular medications prescribed for major depressive
disorder, which is a persistently low mood which interferes with everyday
living. Symptoms frequently include loss of interest in your normal activities,
disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, constant fidgeting or lethargic movement,
fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and difficulty thinking and
concentrating.
Zoloft
may also be prescribed for a form of depression which has been referred to as
premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This problem is frequently characterized
by depressed mood, anxiety or tension, emotional instability, and anger or
irritability in the two weeks prior to menstruation. Other symptoms have been
found to include loss of interest in normal activities, difficulty
concentrating, lack of energy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and
feeling out of control.
In the
past decade or so, Zoloft has also been found to be effective in treating
obsessive-compulsive disorder, which has symptoms that include unwanted thoughts
that won't go away and an irresistible urge to keep repeating certain actions,
such as handwashing or counting. Zoloft has also been prescribed for the
treatment of panic disorder, and for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Zoloft
is an antidepressant from the medication family referred to as selective
serotonin uptake inhibitors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter believed to
regulate mood. Ordinarily, serotonin is quickly reabsorbed after its release
back up into the releasing neuron (nerve cell). Zoloft, and other medications of
this class block the process of "reuptake", therefore allowing an increased
level of serotonin to be absorbed by the receiving neurons.
Important precautions for
the use of Zoloft:
It is
recommended that you do not take Zoloft within two weeks of taking any drug
classified as an MAO inhibitor. Marplan, Nardil and Parnate are drugs within
this drug category. When serotonin boosters such as Zoloft are combined with
these drugs, serious and sometimes fatal reactions have occurred. Also, Zoloft
should be avoided if it causes any allergic type of reaction.
See
Special Precautions about Zoloft
Information from
The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition
By Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D Candidate
See additional pictures of Zoloft dosages
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