Side Effects of Zoloft and How Do I Deal with It?

Zoloft is prescribed for major depression, symptoms include loss of interest in in everything, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, constant fidgeting or lethargic movement, fatigue, feelings of guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide.

Zoloft is also used to treat the following:

  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder ( an irresistible urge to keep repeating certain actions)
  • Panic disorder (unexpected attacks of overwhelming anxiety)
  • Social anxiety disorder (extreme shyness in social situations)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (re-experiencing a dangerous or life-threatening event through intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and intense psychological distress)

    • Its Side effects may include these:

    Most common side effects :

  • Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, constipation, decreased sex drive, diarrhea , difficulty with ejaculation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, pain, sleepiness, tremor, vision problems
  • Minor body weight reduction, this poses no problem unless if your depression has caused you to lose a great deal of weight.

    • Less common side effects:

  • Rarely, Zoloft may trigger an out-of-control behavior called hypomania.
  • Its potential is to heighten depression as well as thoughts of, and even attempts at suicide.
  • Zoloft could cause weight loss in children.
  • Potentially cause stomach bleeding, especially when combined with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen.

    • Treating the Side Effects of Zoloft:

  • Indigestion can be treated with dietary changes. Avoid food which will irritate your indigestion.
  • To address sleepiness, taking a planned nap at some point in the day
  • Experiencing Tingling and tremors at the initial stage. Drinking plenty of fluids will help here
  • For constipation, increasing the amount of fiber in your diet wil regulate the bowel movements.
  • For diarrhea, get some carbon to stop it.
  • Erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation, sudden weight loss, jaundice, shaking, vomit and severe stomach pains and cramping.
  • If you have family history on bipolar, endured seizures, experienced kidney, thyroid or liver disease, then Zoloft really be avoided

    • Necessary precautions advise with Zoloft;

  • If you have a history of kidney or liver disorders, heart disease, seizures, or bleeding problems. Your doctor may limit your dosage for safety.
  • Zoloft must never be combined with any MAO inhibitor
  • No alcoholic beverages while taking Zoloft.
  • If Zoloft is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Crucial to check before combining Zoloft with any antidepressants that boost serotonin
  • The safety and effectiveness of using this medication is prohibited for children before 18. It may cause behavioral and emotional changes
  • Sudden stopping the medication: Stopping this medication suddenly may lead to side effects.
  • Pregnancy: The safety of using sertraline during pregnancy has not been established. It has been reported that babies born to pregnant women may be adversely affected.
  • Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Avoid driving a car or operating hazardous machinery if drowsiness continues.

    • However, for this medication to be effective, it is very important that you take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Zoloft, take it as soon as possible. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.