Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and
behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be
at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months
of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication
or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of
depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft
is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient
Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental
Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available.
Zoloft is not for everyone. People taking MAOIs or pimozide shouldn't take Zoloft.
Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with an increased
risk of bleeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects,
diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. In studies, few people were bothered enough by
side effects to stop taking Zoloft. Side effects may result from stopping Zoloft
particularly when abrupt. You should, however, stop taking Zoloft if you get any
of the following symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction,
such as fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in
mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood
pressure.
You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there
is a potential risk to the fetus with Zoloft. Like many antidepressants, Zoloft
can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.
Zoloft is approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual
dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in
children and adolescents age 6-17 years.
Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain. So talk to your
doctor about how Zoloft might help you. Zoloft comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg
tablets. You and your doctor can discuss a dose for you.