Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride)

Effective dosage:

50-200 mg/day

Side effects:

• allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or hives)
• irregular heartbeat or pulse
• low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness)
• high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision)
• chills or fever

Detection time: 26 hours.
Drug Class: Anti-Depressant.

Zoloft detailed information:

Zoloft (sertraline) belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Zoloft slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain.

Zoloft is a prescription medicine used to treat: * Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition marked by a depressed mood, anxiety or tension, emotional instability, and anger or irritability in the two weeks preceding menstruation. * Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children (ages 6-12) and adolescents (ages 12-17), also called OCD (unwanted thoughts that won't go away and an irresistible urge to keep repeating certain actions, such as hand-washing or counting). * Panic disorder (unexpected attacks of overwhelming anxiety, accompanied by fear of their return). * Social anxiety disorder (SAD) also known as social phobia (extreme shyness in social situations that interferes with an individual's work and social life). * Post-traumatic stress disorder, also called PTSD (re-experiencing a dangerous or life-threatening event through intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and intense psychological distress).

Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, obsessive or compulsive symptoms, or other psychiatric symptoms. This works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptophan (serotonin) by the nerve cells. This leads to the accumulation of serotonin in the brain and increased serotonin stimulation. Sertraline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take Zoloft once a day, in either the morning or the evening. Improvement with Zoloft may not be seen for several days to a few weeks. You should expect to keep taking it for at least several months.

For further information about ZOLOFT, consult with your doctor.