Is Zoloft for anxiety?

Zoloft is a prescribed medicine used for depression. People struggling with social anxiety disorder can treat their problems with the help of Zoloft. Therefore, we can say that Zoloft for anxiety has given a rough answer. We will clear this up more in this blog. Usually, people search for Is Zoloft for anxiety? Zoloft is a reputable serotonin inhibitor that slows the resorption of chemical transmitters. It helps to regulate the mood and control anxiety. Let's scrutinize more about how Zoloft works on anxiety.

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft is the name of a brand called sertraline that has been used for mood disorders. As I have mentioned above, the group comes in antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. SSRI improves mood by reabsorbing the hormone and the neurotransmitter called serotonin. This will help serotonin to stay in the brain for a long time. It is crucial to bring the mood as is the famous name called a happy hormone. Some SSRIs have no patient tolerability and dependence potential. Zoloft is mainly prescribed by doctors with cognitive behavior therapy.

Is Zoloft for anxiety?

Zoloft is an SSRI that works to regulate mood and manage anxiety. The clinical trials show an effective result in treating mental health disorders. This includes depression, obsession, premenstrual dysphoria, panic, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Even more, Zoloft helps to improve the symptoms of depression. Because of its ability to reduce anxiety by Zoloft, it showed effective results in older adults. The patients above 60 who get Zoloft and cognitive therapy showed a dramatic improvement in fear, worry, and depression. Also Read: Anxiety Disorders, A Quick Summary Of This Mental Condition

Precautions to take while taking Zoloft -

The precautions that should be followed while taking Zoloft tablets are given in:

• Allergic to sertraline
• Alcohol abuse
• Breastfeeding
• Pregnant
• Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disease
• Impaired liver and kidney function
• History of heart disease, diabetes, or seizures

However, this medication is not applicable for Zoloft below 18 years old. The primary reason behind this, children showed suicidal thoughts and behaviors by taking Zoloft.

Zoloft dosages -

Zoloft is available in different dosages as 25, 50, and 100 mg. The doctor prescribes the medications only according to the patient's cognitive ability and how severely the mood impacts the patient. People who suffer from social anxiety disorder can start Zoloft 25 mg with an increase of 50 mg.

Modifications:

• There should be constant monitoring of Zoloft and dosage modifications.
• Children who are in between 6 to 17 years require close monitoring. They experience subsequent weight changes. Suicidal ideation occurs in children in the first month of Zoloft.
• People who are pregnant or lactating should discuss the risk and benefits. This is because it can also transmit to babies or fetuses.
• Older patients start their doses with a low dosage because they may show adverse reactions.

Also Read: Is Prozac for Anxiety?

How to take and store the medicine -

We must take care of some factors while taking and storing the Zoloft. I have mentioned below:

• Swallow the tablet. No chewing allowed.
• If you take the liquid form, mix it with water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Prepare the dose at the time of the medicine.
• If you miss the dose, take it as soon as possible if it overlaps with the following amount. Then skip the previous dose.
• Never take two doses together. It will cause overdosing.
• If you are traveling, carry Zoloft in your carry bag rather than luggage.
• It is crucial to take Zoloft until and unless the doctor says to discontinue. If you stop the dose abruptly, it will cause sertraline withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, lightheadedness, muscle pains, weakness, insomnia, and anxiety.

Note: Zoloft overdosing: Overdosing on Zoloft could be fatal. If you take too much, Zoloft shows effective results in the mood‌. However, after some time, you will notice dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, an increased or slow heart rate, and coma.

Zoloft side effects -

There are some potential side effects of Zoloft, which we need to consider as it may show unfavorable complications. If you see any of them worsening, immediately consult the doctor. However, never stop Zoloft medicine if you notice any worsening condition. Some common side effects caused by Zoloft are

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Decreased Appetite
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Insomnia

Severe side effects

There are some severe side effects that you need to monitor every time. The changing doses of Zoloft can cause side effects are given in the following:

• Allergic reactions to sertraline can cause hives, rashes, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, and swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue.
• Agitation
• Nervousness
• Persistent vomiting or nausea
• Seizures
• Abdominal pain 
• Suicidal thoughts
• Tremors
• Yellowing of the eyes

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are

1. agitation
2. confusion
3. sweating
4. hallucination
5. abnormal reflexes
6. Muscle spasm
7. Rapid heartbeat

Also Read: Back Pain? Take these Spine tests

Related Warning and interaction -

Some warnings you need to consider are given in the following. You should be extra conscious of your family members while someone is taking Zoloft.

• It should be out of reach to children less than 6 years.
• Do not take MAOIs like pimozide, disulfiram with liquid Zoloft.
•  Do not take Zoloft with some supplements called St. John's Wort 5-HTP or SAMEe due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Do not take aspirin or anticoagulants and NSAIDs, as it may increase the chances of bleeding.
• Avoid intake of illegal drugs and alcohol with Zoloft.
• Prevent yourself from taking grapefruit and juice. It hinders the absorption of Zoloft medicine.
• Zoloft makes you drowsy and less alert. Therefore, do not handle any heavy work and machinery.

Black Box Warning: This shows that it may increase suicidal thoughts, mainly in young children. This starts from the first month of taking the Zoloft tablet.

FAQs -

Outlook -

The article explains lots of details on "Is Zoloft for anxiety? And how Zoloft works and what we need to consider. There are some crucial points that we need to consider while taking Zoloft tablets. Suppose you are struggling with side effects. You can call your doctor to make an appointment to start this medication. You can contact the Credihealth team for the same. They will assist you in approaching a good psychologist near you. Click the contact and fill in the details for medical help. Everyone deserves to feel Happy! Book an online appointment with the best social anxiety disorder doctors in India.