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Zoloft and Its Efficacy

30th August, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Zoloft is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug class. Positive outcome are almost always paired up with negative one but users will try to avoid the latter. Drug effectiveness depends largely on the patient taking it. The efficacy of the drug can be altered if patient is taking in other drugs and alcohol while taking Zoloft.

Zoloft is an FDA-approved drug for treating Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Stress Traumatic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder for adults. It also has gained an approval to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in children and adolescents ages 6-17 years old but not with depression.

Prior to Zoloft intake, patients are advised to visit their doctors for there may be other conditions that can alter the drug’s effectiveness. These situations may be having a bipolar disorder or family history of the disease, an unstable heart disease, diabetes, seizures, suicidal thoughts, liver disease, any food and drug allergies, or pregnant and breastfeeding woman. Information like these are important to note so that the negative effects of the drug will be avoided and the desirable effects be achieved.

Patients will experience suicidal thoughts during the first few months of the treatment so regular monitoring must be done within the period. Patients are advised to consult their health care provider if symptoms are not improving and if other symptoms develop. Congenital malformation on infants exposed to Zoloft during pregnancy has also been associated with the drug. It is best that pregnant woman or woman planning to have a child talk to their doctor regarding the drug.

Drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft is not recommended for the reason that alcohol increases some side effects of the drug. Also, mental alertness is impaired while taking Zoloft, thus, activities requiring one should be minimal. Simultaneous intake of Zoloft and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) is prohibited. If taking one of these drugs, patient should wait at least 14 days or 2 weeks before starting the other drug. Combination of these two drugs can lead to serious and sometimes fatal reactions.

Taking the prescribed medication can bring both good and bad effects. The effects depend on how the patient is taking the drug and on how religious he is in following the prescribed regimen. Suicidal thoughts, impaired mental alertness and other Zoloft birth defects are only some of the possible outcomes. It is best that patients be informed.