This ships from the UK

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression, various anxiety disorders, and, less commonly, to treat premature ejaculation.

The medication belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs, and is one of the more widely-used antidepressants available. It is generally considered suitable for patients ages 13 and up; in patients age 12 or younger Zoloft is typically only used in cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Taking Back Control with Zoloft

Zoloft is most commonly used in tablet form, though an oral concentrate is available for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills. Tablets may be split if desired to produce smaller doses. The medication may be taken with or without food, but taking with a full glass of water is recommended.

The medication is commonly used in a range of disorders:

• Depression
• Panic disorders
• Social anxiety
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Other anxiety disorders

While there may be some variation in dosage due to individual factors, such as weight, age, and other medical considerations, for the most part treatment is surprisingly similar in all conditions:

• Start with 25 to 50 mg taken once per day.
• Dosage may be increased by 50 mg each week, if needed, to a maximum of 200 mg per day.
• Treatment should continue for a minimum of 24 weeks, and may continue indefinitely as long as the medication continues to provide benefits and no serious adverse reactions develop.

The exceptions to the above treatment guidelines are in very young patients, and sometimes when the medication is used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premature ejaculation:

• Patients aged 6 to 12 being treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder should start on 25 mg per day, which may be increased to a maximum of 50 mg per day.
• For premature ejaculation, Zoloft may be taken as-needed at 50 mg 4 to 8 hours prior to sexual activity, or 25 to 200 mg per day long-term.
• For premenstrual dysphoric disorder, either 50 to 150 mg per day continuously, or 50 mg per day during the luteal phase.

Note that while higher doses may be taken long-term, treatment should not start with high doses; if taking Zoloft short-term or as-needed, do not exceed 50 mg per day.

Minor effects may be noticeable hours after taking a table, but it usually takes at least a week of treatment for improvements to be clearly noticeable. It may take several weeks for full benefits to be felt. Like other antidepressants, Zoloft improves mood while reducing feelings of anxiety. Some patients experience a mild euphoria, but this side effects tends to disappear as treatment continues and the body adapts to the medication.

Adverse Effects

About half of SSRI users experience at least one side effect. Fortunately most are transient and not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive, including:

• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Appetite loss
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness

If insomnia occurs, taking doses in the morning may help. Taking tablets on a full stomach may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Certain sexual side effects, though rare, are experienced with all SSRIs, including Zoloft:

• Loss of libido
• Difficulty achieving orgasm
• Impotence

Sexual side effects may disappear as the body adjusts to treatment. Dosage adjustments may also help. If the symptoms persist, other medications may be administered to counter the effects, such as sildenafil. Alternatively, a different antidepressant may be tried; for example bupropion is unlikely to produce sexual side effects.

Children and young adults are more likely to experience mood-related side effects, including mood swings, agitation, aggressive behavior, and increased depression. Younger patients should be monitored for, or be alert for, behavioral or mood changes.

Zoloft should not be used by pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester. Effects on nursing infants are unknown.