Zoloft

sertraline hydrochloride

Zoloft is prescribed for major depression - a persistently low mood that interferes with everyday living.

Zoloft is also used to treat Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Panic disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder and other.

Zoloft belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin 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 probably one of the most prescribed antidepressant. In has properties which give it a small advantage over other medications in this class, although it is no more safe or effective in clinical studies.

Effective dosage:
The usual starting dose is 25 milligrams once a day. After that, the doctor may slowly increase your dose depending upon your response. The maximum dose is 200 milligrams in a day.

The starting dose for children aged 6 to 12 is 25 milligrams and for adolescents aged 13 to 17, 50 milligrams. The doctor will adjust the dose as necessary.

Side effects:
Zoloft has several characteristics which has made it rather popular as a first-line antidepressant. It has a somewhat balanced side effect profile with a mixture of stimulating and sedating side effects that appear to cancelout for many patients. It has relatively little tendency to inhibit liver enzyme systems, and so is less likely to interact with other medications. It has a typical antidepressant half-life of about 24 hours, so it is not difficult to eliminate from the body like Prozac. Although it has not been as well studied during pregnancy, it may be a better choice during breastfeeding, because it appears not to accumulate as much in breast milk and may be more easily metabolized by the fetus.