Zoloft is a prescription antidepressant that has been on the market for many years. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, also known as an SSRI. It was a medication that was approved by the FDA and introduced to the market by Pfizer in 1991. It was approved for the treatment of major depression in adults. It has also been approved and been successful in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorders in children and adults. In 2007 Zoloft was the most oft prescribed antidepressant in the market with almost 30 million prescriptions written and filled.
Zoloft is like all medications in that it can cause unwanted side effects. Luckily, most of these side effects are self limiting and not bothersome enough for most patients to discontinue therapy. Some of the more common side effects include but are not limited to nausea, problems with erectile function, insomnia, diarrhea, dry mouth, tremor, dizziness, and changes in libido. These side effects will usually dissipate over time so that patients did not need to stop therapy. Patients should discuss side effects with their doctor as they occur to ascertain whether the side effect is normal or can be helped.
Those taking Zoloft will need to wean off of the medication. The body does become dependent upon the medication and when stopped suddenly withdrawal syndrome can result. Those who wish to discontinue Zoloft should talk to their doctor about how to do this safely and effectively.