Taking Zoloft may put you at risk for a rare, possibly life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This risk is higher if you are also taking other serotonin-related medications like triptans a common migraine medication , tricyclic antidepressants, or the pain medication Ultram tramadol.
But the syndrome can occur when taking Zoloft alone, as well. Signs and symptoms of this condition include:. To be proactive in avoiding this rare syndrome, be sure to tell your doctor all the medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
There is an increased chance of bleeding when taking Zoloft along with medications that block platelets or medications that thin your blood.
Notify your doctor right away of any bleeding events, like nosebleeds or increased bruising. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice more serious bleeding events, such as blood in your stool. Zoloft can trigger a hypomanic or manic episode in a person with bipolar disorder. Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed or suspected of having bipolar disorder, or have a family history of it.
In severe cases, hyponatremia can lead to seizures and other serious neurologic and medical issues. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include:. While not common, if you take Zoloft and develop signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction like rash, hives, swelling, or problems breathing, contact your doctor right away. You should inform your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Zoloft or are planning a pregnancy. Zoloft use in the third trimester may increase a baby's chance of developing complications like a rare condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can cause breathing problems.
In addition, third-trimester use of Zoloft may cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms. However, some women may need to continue taking Zoloft during pregnancy because the benefit of treating their illness outweighs the potential risks.
Overall, this decision requires a careful and thoughtful discussion with both an obstetrician and mental health professional.
Low levels of Zoloft may be present in breast milk, so lactating parents should consult with their doctors before nursing while taking this medication. Breastfeeding is typically encouraged unless there is a medical reason for the parent to avoid breastfeeding. Try to take your Zoloft at the same time every day. Setting a timer on your phone may be helpful so you don't forget. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is too close to your next dose.
In other words, never take two doses of Zoloft at the same time. Simply take your next scheduled dose and then return to your usual schedule. Contact a poison control center and your doctor for guidance if you or a loved one overdoses on Zoloft. The most common signs and symptoms associated with Zoloft overdose include:. This is one reason why it's important to consult with your doctor before stopping this medication.
If you and your doctor decide it's best for you to stop Zoloft, they can provide you with a tapering strategy to minimize any withdrawal symptoms like irritability, increased anxiety, or flu-like symptoms. Before prescribing Zoloft, your doctor will take a thorough medical history. Even so, it's important for you to play an active role in your care. Inform your doctor of all the details of your health history, regardless of whether or not you think they are essential.
Overall, Zoloft is a generally well-tolerated and safe medication and has significantly helped many people cope with their psychiatric conditions. You deserve to get well. The good news is that if Zoloft doesn't help, there are lots of other options to try. Dealing with racing thoughts? Always feeling tired? Our guide offers strategies to help you or your loved one live better with bipolar disorder.
Sign up for our newsletter and get it free. Most of the time, it takes four to six weeks for the full benefits of sertraline to take effect. However, some people who use sertraline start to notice improvements within one to two weeks of using the medication. The most common uses for sertraline include treating:. Sertraline is also prescribed off-label to treat other conditions, such as premature ejaculation PE. Zoloft is the name for a specific brand of sertraline manufactured and marketed by Pfizer.
Like all medications, sertraline can cause some side effects. It can also interact with some other medications, supplements and grapefruit. In a multi-country study published in on the safety and effectiveness of sertraline for generalized anxiety disorders, researchers found that sertraline was not only more effective than the placebo drug but also that it was generally well tolerated. Only eight percent of participants of those taking sertraline left the study due to side effects, compared to 10 percent of those taking the placebo drug.
Additionally, most of the reported side effects were mild to moderate in severity. You can learn more about the specific side effects of sertraline in our detailed side effects guide. Like other medications, sertraline can interact with other drugs , causing a range of potential health issues. Sertraline interactions are definitely something to consider before beginning treatment. Diarrhea is a common side effect of sertraline.
Like many other sertraline side effects, it usually happens during the first few weeks of using the medication. If you have persistent diarrhea from sertraline, make sure you drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated. Like nausea and diarrhea, most side effects from sertraline occur during the first few weeks of using the medication. If you feel dizzy, sleepy or fatigued after taking sertraline, you should not drive a car or ride a bike after you take the medication.
These side effects typically occur in the first few days and weeks after you start using the medication. After these side effects have passed, most people who use sertraline can safely drive as they would normally.
Sertraline is available as a tablet and as an oral solution. The tablet is the most common version of the medication. Sertraline also comes in tablet form. Generally, sertraline dosage comes in 25mg, 50mg and mg tablets. Sertraline is not available over the counter in the United States.
A usual sertraline dosage is 50mg to mg per day, which is commonly prescribed to adults as a treatment for depression and some anxiety disorders. Accidentally or purposefully taking two or more doses of Zoloft could cause:.
In rare cases, taking too much Zoloft can also cause serotonin syndrome, which results in dangerously high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. More severe symptoms may include seizures, hallucinations, muscle rigidity, and comas.
The Poison Control hotline is free for anyone to use and offers callers expert and confidential advice. Being prepared to experience potential side effects is an important part of taking any medication, and knowing what to expect can remove some of the anxiety that oftentimes comes from taking a new medication.
As mentioned throughout this article, more serious side effects like confusion, hallucinations, allergic reactions, seizures, and vomiting require medical attention. If you start to experience worsening depression or anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, severe irritability or aggression, then you should seek immediate medical help.
Clinical trials have shown that depression symptoms will completely go away for about 1 out of every 3 people who take SSRIs, but more research still needs to be done on why SSRIs work for some people and not for others.
Here are some of the most popular alternatives to Zoloft:. Talking with your healthcare provider is the best way to come up with a treatment plan that will work best for you and cause the least amount of side effects for you on your journey to find relief from your symptoms. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug.
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