What are common side effects of Zoloft?
Common Zoloft side effects may include: indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite; sweating; tremors; or. sexual problems. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How does Zoloft affect the brain?
you take Zoloft, it inhibits the reabsorption cycle of Serotonin in your brain. An inhibited cycle creates a massive gap in transmission, which enables Serotonin to transmit more impulses to a single neuron. Thus, you’ll have a balanced level of Serotonin and an improved mood in return.
Can Zoloft have immediate effects?
Yes. On one hand, Zoloft is always working as soon as you take it—within the first minutes and hours, it is causing dysfunction in your brain and body, whether it is your first dose or fiftieth or three hundredth.
How long does Zoloft take to work?
Zoloft is a long-term antidepressant medication that typically takes four to six weeks to reach its full effects. Physical symptoms of depression, including changes to sleep, appetite, and energy levels, are typically the first to improve while using Zoloft; patients may experience improvement in these areas as soon as the first week of taking sertraline.
How Zoloft works in the brain?
As an SSRI, Zoloft blocks the reabsorption, or uptake, of serotonin in the brain, leaving more of the chemical available. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that, among other responsibilities, helps regulate your mood, learning, and memory.
Is sertraline a MOA inhibitor?
Pharmacology and MOA Sertraline is an inhibitor of the SERT transporter, this is linked to its mechanism of action as antidepressant. It has mild effects as dopamine transporter inhibitor, but this hasn't been proven to have a clear clinical implication.
How does Zoloft alter the brain?
Brand names of such drugs include Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro. The drugs are believed to alter brain connectivity and boost production of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which is believed to play a role in maintaining mood balance.
What should you not mix with Zoloft?
Do not use sertraline with buspirone (Buspar®), fentanyl (Abstral®, Duragesic®), linezolid (Zyvox®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), methylene blue injection, tryptophan, St John's wort, or some pain or migraine medicines (eg, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, tramadol, Frova®, Imitrex®, Maxalt®, Relpax®, Ultram®, Zomig®).
Is Zoloft activating or sedating?
But may need a temporary dosage reduction or a more gradual increase of the dosage. Of the SSRIs, Prozac (fluoxetine) is the most likely to cause activation. The latter is due to the effects Zoloft has on dopamine receptors. Although activation can be troublesome, it can be helpful for those with severe fatigue.
What are brain zaps from Zoloft?
Brain zaps are electrical shock sensations in the brain. They can happen in a person who is decreasing or stopping their use of certain medications, particularly antidepressants. Brain zaps are not harmful and will not damage the brain. However, they can be bothersome, disorienting, and disruptive to sleep.
Does Zoloft block dopamine?
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), but, uniquely among most antidepressants, it shows relatively high (nanomolar) affinity for the DAT as well. As such, it has been suggested that clinically it may weakly inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, particularly at high dosages.
Can Zoloft affect memory?
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.
Is sertraline an MAOI or SSRI?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants available. They include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), Prozac, and sertraline (Zoloft).
What kind of medicine is sertraline?
Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
What class type of antidepressant is sertraline?
Sertraline is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
What class is sertraline?
Sertraline (marketed as Zoloft) is included in the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of drugs is used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
How long for an increased dose of Zoloft to work?
It may take several weeks or longer for an increased dose of Zoloft (sertraline) to take effect. Only use Zoloft at the dosage prescribed by your d...
How long does Zoloft (sertraline) take to work?
Zoloft (sertraline), a common SSRI antidepressant, can take about 4 to 6 weeks of regular dosing to reach its full therapeutic effect for depressio...
Does Zoloft (sertraline) cause weight gain?
Zoloft (sertraline) may lead to a small weight gain ranging from 1% to 1.6% of initial body weight when used over 6 months to 1 year. In the short-...
What is the color of Zoloft?
25 mg tablets: light green film-coated, engraved on one side with "Zoloft" and on the other side scored and engraved with "25 mg"
How old are Zoloft patients?
Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of Zoloft in patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD and PMDD, 797 (17%) were ≥ 65 years old, while 197 (4%) were ≥ 75 years old.
How much Zoloft should I take for PMDD?
The recommended starting Zoloft dosage in adult women with PMDD is 50 mg per day. Zoloft may be administered either continuously (every day throughout the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, i.e., starting the daily dosage 14 days prior to the anticipated onset of menstruation and continuing through the onset of menses). Intermittent dosing would be repeated with each new cycle.
How does sertraline work?
Sertraline undergoes extensive first pass metabolism. The principal initial pathway of metabolism for sertraline is N-demethylation. N-desmethylsertraline has a plasma terminal elimination half-life of 62 to 104 hours. Both in vitro biochemical and in vivo pharmacological testing have shown N-desmethylsertraline to be substantially less active than sertraline. Both sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline undergo oxidative deamination and subsequent reduction, hydroxylation, and glucuronide conjugation. In a study of radiolabeled sertraline involving two healthy male subjects, sertraline accounted for less than 5% of the plasma radioactivity. About 40–45% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in urine in 9 days. Unchanged sertraline was not detectable in the urine. For the same period, about 40–45% of the administered radioactivity was accounted for in feces, including 12–14% unchanged sertraline.
How many patients were in the placebo controlled trial of SSRIs?
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and over 4,400 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients was greater in antidepressant-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 2.
Is Zoloft contraindicated?
Contraindications. Zoloft is contraindicated in patients: Taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs, (including the MAOIs linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Do you have to diluate Zoloft before use?
Zoloft oral solution must be diluted before use.
What is the purpose of Zoloft?
Zoloft (sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Although it is most commonly used to treat depression, it is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What are the withdrawal symptoms of Zoloft?
10 Common symptoms include odd electrical sensations known as "brain jolts" or "brain zaps," dizziness, and headaches.
How do SSRIs work?
2 SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into neurons in the brain.
How long does Zoloft last?
Like all medications in its class, Zoloft does not perform optimally until you have taken it consistently for several weeks. You may or may not quickly begin to feel the effects. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
How long after MAOI can you take Zoloft?
Avoid the liquid formulation of Zoloft if you are on Antabuse (disulfiram) because it contains alcohol. Wait at least 14 days after your last dose of any MAOI before beginning sertraline treatment. 4
Does SSRI help with mood?
Normally, serotonin is quickly reabsorbed, but an SSRI lets the serotonin remain in the synaptic gap between neurons for a longer period of time. 3 This allows the chemical to send additional messages to the receiving neuron, which in turn is thought to boost mood.
Is Zoloft safe for mental health?
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Your risks from Zoloft may be higher if you have certain medical conditions, including diabetes , low blood sodium levels, seizures, and liver disease. 1 Give your doctor a full medical history of all current and previous illnesses.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft ( sertraline) is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
How long does it take for Zoloft to work?
If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking Zoloft. It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
How should I take Zoloft?
Take Zoloft exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
What other drugs will affect Zoloft?
Zoloft can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma , heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
How long after taking Zoloft can you take MAO inhibitor?
Do not take Zoloft within 14 days before or 14 days after you take an MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. To make sure Zoloft is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome?
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What happens if you are allergic to Zoloft?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zoloft: skin rash or hives (with or without fever or joint pain); difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is the mechanism of action of sertraline?
Mechanism of Action. Sertraline is an antidepressant medication within the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class. Sertraline is an antidepressant with primarily inhibitory effects on presynaptic serotonin reuptake. This inhibition of serotonin reuptake results in an accumulation of serotonin.
What is sertraline used for?
Sertraline is an antidepressant used as a first-line treatment of major depressive disorder. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved other indications for sertraline, including the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
What happens if you overdose on sertraline?
The overdose of sertraline is generally well-tolerated. Sertraline toxicity may result in serotonin syndrome, resulting in myoclonus, muscle rigidity, diaphoresis, tremor, hyperreflexia, agitated delirium, and hyperthermia. Treatment of serotonin syndrome requires discontinuing the medication and supportive care. Consider antiemetics (non-serotonergic), benzodiazepines, and standard cooling measures for symptom relief. The patient can also receive serotonin antagonists such as cyproheptadine. If there is severe toxicity and the patient develops muscular rigidity and hyperthermia with body temperatures higher than 41 degrees C, consider sedation, endotracheal intubation, external cooling, and neuromuscular paralysis. It is important to note that antipyretics are likely not beneficial to patients experiencing hyperthermia due to serotonin syndrome. [18]
How often is sertraline given?
Sertraline is orally administered once daily in the morning or evening . If the patient experiences somnolence with sertraline, administer it in the evening. Available dosages in the oral tablet form are 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and solution form 20mg/ml. The absorption of sertraline may be improved when taken with food.
Why is blocking serotonin reuptake beneficial?
Serotonin in the central nervous system plays a role in regulating mood, personality, and wakefulness, which is why blocking serotonin reuptake is thought to be beneficial in disorders such as major depression.
Does sertraline affect ventricular septal defects?
Sertraline use in the first trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of cardiovascular-related malformations such as atrial and/or ventricular septal defects in infants. [11]
Is sertraline safe for elderly?
Sertraline use requires caution in patients 65 years and older. It is identified in the Beers Criteria as a high-risk medication in geriatric patients, as it may induce a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone or hyponatremia. [5][8][9][10]
Where is sertraline metabolized?
Sertraline is heavily metabolized in the liver and has one major active metabolite. It undergoes N-demethylation to form N-desmethylsertraline, which is much less potent in its pharmacological activity than sertraline. 7 In addition to N-demethylation, sertraline metabolism involves N-hydroxylation, oxidative deamination, and finally, glucuronidation. 21 The metabolism of sertraline is mainly catalyzed by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6, with some activity accounted for by CYP2C19 and CYP2D6. 22
What is the route of elimination for sertraline?
Route of elimination. Since sertraline is extensively metabolized, excretion of unchanged drug in the urine is a minor route of elimination, with 12-14% of unchanged sertraline excreted in the feces. 6, 7, 21.
How long does sertraline last?
The elimination half-life of sertraline is approximately 26 hours. 6, 21 One reference mentions an elimination half-life ranging from 22-36 hours. 7
What are the symptoms of sertraline overdose?
The most common signs and symptoms associated with a non-fatal sertraline overdose are somnolence, vomiting, tachycardia, nausea, dizziness, agitation, and tremor. 21 No cases of fatal overdose with only sertraline have been reported.
How much sertraline is in the liver?
6 Post-mortem studies in humans have measured liver tissue concentrations of 3.9–20 mg/kg for sertraline and between 1.4 to 11 mg/kg for its active metabolite, N-desmethyl-sertraline (DMS). 7 Studies have also determined sertraline distributes into the brain, plasma, and serum. 7
What is the function of the serotonin transporter?
Serotonin transporter whose primary function in the central nervous system involves the regulation of serotonergic signaling via transport of serotonin molecules from the synaptic cleft back into t ...
Which cytochrome is responsible for the metabolism of a number of therapeutic agents?
3. Cytochrome P450 2C19. Responsible for the metabolism of a number of therapeutic agents such as the anticonvulsant drug S-mephenytoin, omeprazole, proguanil, certain barbiturates, diazepam, propranolol, citalopram and im...
Medical uses
Mechanism of action
- SSRIs are known as second-generation antidepressants since they are newer than monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter, which transmits electrical impulses from one neuron to the next. Normally, serotonin is ...
Availability
- Zoloft is available in a variety of strengths and is only sold by prescription. Both liquid and tablet forms of the medication are available.
Results
- Like all medications in its class, Zoloft does not perform optimally until you have taken it consistently for several weeks. You may or may not begin to feel the effects more quickly. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Interactions
- Avoid the liquid formulation of Zoloft if you are on Antabuse (disulfiram) because it contains alcohol. Wait at least 14 days after your last dose of any MAOI before beginning sertraline treatment. Zoloft interacts with a wide range of natural remedies. Ask your doctor before taking tryptophan, St. John's wort, or any other herbal or natural formulation. In addition, Zoloft interact…
Risks
- Since 2005, all SSRIs have carried \"black box\" warnings from the FDA regarding a higher risk for suicidal ideation and behavior in children. The FDA expanded its warning in 2007 to include young adults under the age of 25. Although many young people successfully take these common medications, informed consent is important. Discuss the benefits and risks with your child's doc…
Side effects
- Like all medicines, Zoloft carries a risk for side effects. Common side effects such as headache, sleep difficulties, dry mouth, sweating, and loss of appetite are typically mild and may subside in a few days or weeks.
Symptoms
- Let your doctor know right away if you experience more severe side effects such as chest pain, skin rash, vomiting, anxiety, diarrhea, aggression, or confusion.