When Should You Increase Your Zoloft Dosage To Treat Anxiety?

Content

• Overview
• What is Zoloft?
• What is the proper Zoloft dosage for anxiety?
• When to increase your Zoloft dose for anxiety?
• Talk to your doctor first
• Factors that could impact whether you need a higher dose
• Zoloft’s effects on anxiety
• The lowdown

If you’ve been prescribed Zoloft to treat your anxiety, but it’s not quite doing the job, you might find it tempting to increase your dosage. 

However, Zoloft is a psychiatric medicine, so it’s crucial you don’t take more or less than the dosage prescribed. However, your doctor may be able to prescribe a stronger dose if needed, if they determine that this is the right course of action.

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Zoloft, or sertraline as it is known under its generic name, is a psychiatric medicine used largely in the treatment of depression and anxiety. 

Taken orally, Zoloft belongs to a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. SSRIs are a commonly prescribed antidepressant that improves mood by blocking the mechanisms that absorb serotonin, allowing it to be available to the brain for longer. 

This is important because serotonin is known for its ability to induce feelings of happiness. In fact, serotonin is often referred to as the “happy hormone.” 

Starting Zoloft

The appropriate dosage of Zoloft will be determined by a doctor and is likely to differ depending on the patient and their individual needs. 

Typically, 50 milligrams once a day is a standard starting dosage for adults with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Some conditions tend to start with a lower dose of 25 milligrams once a day, like panic disorder.  

Maximum dose

Your Zoloft dose must stay within a safe range, so you’re unlikely to be prescribed anything higher than 150-200 milligrams per day. In the end, your dosage will depend on the condition being treated and your individual needs. 

Children

Children can also benefit from Zoloft but will follow a different dosage regimen. This dose will be at the discretion of your doctor and is based on your child’s age, size, and therapeutic need. For instance, for children aged 6 to 12 years of age with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a standard starting dose is 25 milligrams once a day. 

If you have concerns or questions about your dosing, make sure to discuss it with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen. 

If you’re taking Zoloft, but aren’t feeling any improvement in your anxiety levels, it can be tempting to simply up your dose – but it’s important not to. 

Zoloft is not an instant relief medication. SSRIs do not exert instant effects like, pain relief does. Zoloft (and other SSRIs) is a little more complicated and it takes longer for its full effects to be felt. 

These medications take time for their effectiveness to peak. Zoloft works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and it takes repetitive dosing and time for the medication to be able to exert its effects on your system. It can take around two to six weeks before you start to experience a reduction in your anxiety symptoms. 

If after this period you still haven’t seen any benefits then you may want to talk to your doctor about altering your Zoloft dose. 

While Zoloft can have a positive impact on anxiety, it can also come with some minor side effects. Zoloft can also increase your risk of serious side effects if you have an existing medical condition or are taking other medication. 

Therefore, increasing your Zoloft dose without approval from your doctor should not be done under any circumstances. This can have serious detrimental effects on your health and wellbeing and can result in coma and seizures.

Zoloft side effects and drug interactions 

The following side effects¹ and potential drug interactions² highlight why it’s important to follow your Zoloft prescription and avoid increasing your dosage without your doctor’s approval.

Potential side effects of Zoloft include:

• Nausea 

• Loss of appetite or indigestion 

• Diarrhea

• Excessive sweating 

• Tiredness or fatigue 

• Sexual performance issues, e.g. reduced sex drive, failure to ejaculate 

• Sleep disturbances, e.g. sleepiness or insomnia 

• Shaking hands

• Increased agitation and irritability

• Suicidal ideations 

• Impulsive and dangerous behavior 

• Worsening of depression and/or anxiety symptoms

• Violent behavior 

• Seizures 

• Manic behavior, e.g. fast-paced and racing thoughts, extreme high and low emotions, excessive energy, and talking grandiose thinking.

• An allergic reaction (typical symptoms include trouble breathing, a rash or hives, and swelling).

• Eye problems, e.g. blurred vision, red eyes, pain in the eyes.

• Serotonin syndrome includes symptoms such as hallucinations, agitated behavior, loss of consciousness/coma, increased heart rate, vomiting, and rigid muscles

There are also specific side effects that can affect children taking Zoloft:

• Nose bleeds

• Urine problems, e.g. frequently needing to urinate or leaking urine 

• Changes to menstruation, specifically heavier periods 

• Agitation or fidgeting 

• Aggressive or irritable behavior that is out of the norm 

• Changes to physical development. You may see your child’s growth rate start to slow down and/or weight gain.

 Conditions that can increase your risk of Zoloft side effects:

• Glaucoma: People with glaucoma can experience an increase in glaucoma attacks if they take Zoloft and should therefore talk to their doctor to determine if the SSRI is appropriate.  

• Seizure conditions: Since seizures are already a potential side effect of Zoloft, the medication should be considered carefully in people with a seizure condition lest it increases their frequency or severity³. 

• Liver issues: Patients with liver problems should take care when starting Zoloft as they can experience stronger effects than normal, due to their liver’s inability to break down the medication. 

• Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a possible contraindication for Zoloft as you may experience a higher risk of manic symptoms. 

• Kidney issues: Much like the liver, if your kidneys aren’t functioning well then you may not be able to filter medications properly, resulting in higher levels of Zoloft in your system. 

Side effects that can occur when Zoloft is taken alongside certain medications: 

• Increased risk of serotonin syndrome can occur when Zoloft is taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, linezolid, intravenous methylene blue, triptans, lithium, fentanyl, tramadol, and St John’s wort.

• Heart problems can occur when Zoloft is taken with pimozide.

• Bruising and bleeding can occur when taken with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, e.g. aspirin.

• A build-up of medications (including Zoloft) can occur in your system when taken with cimetidine, tricyclic antidepressants.

While it’s important to stick to the dose recommended by your doctor, there are legitimate and safe reasons why your doctor may increase your Zoloft dose. 

For instance, your doctor may increase your Zoloft dose if you aren’t seeing a significant reduction in your anxiety symptoms, so long as it is safe. 

The risks of altering your Zoloft dosage without medical approval are substantial. However, with a prescribed dosage and professional advice, Zoloft can have a positive impact on your anxiety and improve your quality of life. 

Research tells us that Zoloft can effectively reduce anxiety scores. One study⁴ found that Zoloft managed to significantly improve anxiety, worry, and depressive symptoms in patients (60 years and older), with an anxiety diagnosis (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, or social phobia). 

Zoloft is also an effective treatment option for children suffering from anxiety. A 2018 study found that SSRIs significantly reduced anxiety symptoms⁵ in children. The study also found that a combination of Zoloft and cognitive behavioral therapy was a particularly effective treatment option. 

What To Expect When You Take Anxiety Medication

Zoloft is an effective treatment for managing anxiety. Your doctor will prescribe Zoloft if they believe it is a good fit, and may gradually increase your dose until you start to see results or reach a maximum dose. 

However, since Zoloft can have some serious side effects and can interact negatively with other drugs, do not increase your dosage until you have consulted a medical professional.

Jitteriness/Anxiety Syndrome Developing Immediately following Initiation of Oral Administration of Sertraline

• Journal List
• Case Rep Psychiatry
• v.2017; 2017
• PMC5585583

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Case Rep Psychiatry. 2017; 2017: 1319505.

Published online 2017 Aug 22. doi: 10.1155/2017/1319505

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Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer

Here, we report our experience with patients in whom jitteriness/anxiety syndrome developed immediately following the start of oral sertraline administration. Administration was discontinued in these patients on day 2, and the jitteriness/anxiety syndrome improved the following day. Jitteriness/anxiety syndrome may develop immediately following oral administration of even low doses of sertraline, and improvement can be expected if sertraline is promptly discontinued.

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, jitteriness/anxiety syndrome was referred to as “activation syndrome.” The following ten symptoms of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome were listed: anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (severe restlessness), and (hypo)mania. These symptoms were considered to be associated with an increased risk for suicide attempts [1]. Although jitteriness/anxiety syndrome is known to be potentially caused by the use of antidepressants in general, it occurs rarely in patients specifically treated with sertraline. In a prior study, Pohl et al. reported no significant differences in the occurrence between patients administered sertraline and those administered placebo [2]. However, we encountered two cases in which both the patients developed jitteriness/anxiety syndrome on the day after initiation of a regimen of sertraline. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the onset of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome caused by a low dose of sertraline.

2.1. Case Presentation 1

A man in his 1950s without a history of (hypo)manic episodes, drug/alcohol abuse, and anamnestic characteristics or a family history of mental illness presented with loss of motivation, disordered sleep, a depressed mood, decreased appetite and libido, a general loss of interest, headache, palpitation, and chills, which had persisted for 3 months. We diagnosed depression and initiated an oral administration of sertraline 25 mg after supper. However, the patient exhibited anxiety, irritation, and akathisia beginning in the morning of the next day. After taking sertraline on day 2, the symptoms continued through the following day, and we subsequently discontinued administration on day three. A gradual remission of symptoms was noted in the days that followed.

2.2. Case Presentation 2

A woman in her 1940s without a history of (hypo)manic episodes, drug/alcohol abuse, and anamnestic characteristics or a family history of mental illness was brought to our hospital one night for emergency treatment of palpitations and dyspnea. She was suspected to have psychiatric issues, as she exhibited the same symptoms every night without cause. We diagnosed panic disorder and initiated oral administration of sertraline 25 mg after supper. Concomitant clotiazepam was to be used on an as-needed basis. Following administration of sertraline, she was unable to sleep and anxious. The following morning, she felt a sense of uneasiness and irritation, which she had never experienced before. Symptoms related to panic attacks, such as palpitations and dyspnea, were not apparent. She also presented with a dysarthria and malaise. The next day, she took sertraline 25 mg at 8:00 PM, following which she exhibited akathisia in addition to anxiety and irritation. She had strong malaise after arising the next morning and a marked loss of motivation. Sertraline administration was discontinued on day two. On the day of discontinuation, she slept well and her symptoms disappeared the following day.

The man in his 1950s exhibited 3 of the 10 symptoms of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome—anxiety, irritation, and akathisia—while the woman in her 1940s exhibited 4 of them, including anxiety, irritation, insomnia, and akathisia. It can be concluded that jitteriness/anxiety syndrome and not an anxiety disorder was the cause of the female patient’s anxiety because of the noted difference between the anxiety experienced during past panic attacks with palpitations and dyspnea, and the anxiety experienced during her use of sertraline.

Jitteriness/anxiety syndrome occurs with antidepressants in general [3], and there have also been reports of sertraline causing jitteriness/anxiety syndrome [4], though this is generally considered very rare [2]. However, we experienced two cases of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome developing immediately following the initiation of administration at low doses of sertraline.

Previous studies have shown that with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, symptoms consistent with jitteriness/anxiety syndrome are exhibited within 12 hours of administration of an initial dose (20 mg) of fluoxetine [5] and 1 hour after the oral administration of escitalopram 5 mg [6]. Our female patient in her 1940s exhibited symptoms of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome in the evening of the initial day of oral administration, while the male patient in his 1950s had symptoms beginning in the morning after administration. The symptoms disappeared in both cases after the cessation of sertraline. The risk factors or vulnerability in these cases which led to the onset of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome remain to be investigated [3].

Although considered rare [2], the prevalence of sertraline-induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome remains to be investigated. It might be overlooked in some cases, because such symptoms could be mistaken as psychiatric symptoms if psychiatrists are not aware of its occurrence. Thus, it is possible that careful medical interview may reveal higher prevalence than expected from previous reports. Correct recognition of antidepressant-induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome is of great clinical importance, because the cessation of the administration of antidepressants will promptly ameliorate the symptoms. Psychiatrists should always bear in mind the possibility of the development of jitteriness/anxiety syndrome when prescribing sertraline. It should be noted that jitteriness/anxiety syndrome may develop rapidly after the initiation of oral administration of even low-dose sertraline.

Dr. Toshinori Nakamura has received speakers’ honoraria from or has served as a consultant to Eisai, GlaxoSmithKline, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mochida, Nippon Shinyaku, and Otsuka. Dr. Nobuhiro Sugiyama has received speakers’ honoraria from or has served as a consultant to Astellas, Dainippon Sumitomo, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Meiji Seika Pharma, Mochida, Otsuka, Pfizer, Shionogi, Tanabe Mitsubishi, and Yoshitomi. Dr. Daimei Sasayama has received speaker’s honoraria from or has served as a consultant to Eli Lilly, Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Mochida, and Otsuka. Dr. Tetsuya Hagiwara has received speakers’ honoraria from or has served as a consultant to Eli Lilly, Mochida, Otsuka, Takeda, and Yoshitomi. Dr. Shinsuke Washizuka has received speakers’ honoraria from or has served as a consultant to Daiichi Sankyo, Dainippon Sumitomo, Eisai, Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Mochida, Novartis Pharma, Otsuka, and Shionogi.

1. Food and Drug Administration. Worsening depression and suicidality in patients being treated with antidepressant. FDA Public Health Advisary, 2004.

2. Pohl R. B., Wolkow R. M., Clary C. M. Sertraline in the treatment of panic disorder: a double-blind multicenter trial. American Journal of Psychiatry. 1998;155(9):1189–1195. doi: 10.1176/ajp.155.9.1189. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

3. Sinclair L. I., Christmas D. M., Hood S. D., et al. Antidepressant-induced jitteriness/anxiety syndrome: systematic review. British Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;194(6):483–490. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.107.048371. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

4. Guilé J.-M. Sertraline-induced behavioral activation during the treatment of an adolescent with major depression. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 1996;6(4):281–285. doi: 10.1089/cap.1996.6.281. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

5. Lipinski J. F., Jr., Mallya G., Zimmerman P., Pope H. G., Jr. Fluoxetine-induced akathisia: clinical and theoretical implications. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 1989;50(9):339–342. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

6. Muhtz C., Agorastos A., Kellner M. Acute maniform reaction to a single dose of escitalopram in a social phobic patient—An atypical jitteriness syndrome? Pharmacopsychiatry. 2009;42(6):291–292. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1224184. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]

Articles from Case Reports in Psychiatry are provided here courtesy of Hindawi Limited

Zoloft instructions for use, price: Side effects, analogues, contraindications

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED.

Author of the article

Khokhrina Kristina Sergeevna,

pharmacist

All authors

Content of the article

• Zoloft: active ingredient
• Zoloft: side effects 900 14
• Zoloft: contraindications
• Zoloft and alcohol
• Zoloft: overdose
• Zoloft: how to stop drinking it
• Zoloft: analogues
• Abstract
• Ask an expert on the topic of the article

According to WHO estimates, 3.8% of the total population, which is 280 million people, suffer from depression. Among them, 5% of adults and 5.7% of persons over 60 years of age. More than 700,000 people die each year from suicide due to depression. Depression is treatable with medication.

Doctors prescribe antidepressants. Zoloft is one of them. We asked pharmacist Kristina Khokhrina to tell us in more detail: what side effects it can cause, what active ingredient, contraindications, overdose, is the drug compatible with alcohol and how to stop drinking it.

All products Zoloft

27 reviews

Zoloft: active ingredient

Zoloft contains the active ingredient – sertraline in the form of hydrochloride. It is produced in tablets with a dosage of 50 mg and 100 mg. Zoloft is an antidepressant. It is used to treat and prevent depression caused by various causes. And also when:

• obsessive-compulsive disorders
• panic disorders
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• social phobias

How Zoloft works

Zoloft helps to eliminate depressive manifestations:

• relieves anxiety
• normalizes sleep
• reduces somatic manifestations: palpitations, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, increased excitability.

Zoloft does not cause dependence on the drug and does not lead to weight gain in humans.

Zoloft side effects

Watch closely while using the medicine. If you experience side effects that are not described or if symptoms worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

Zoloft: side effects

• flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dry mouth
• increased heart rate, increased blood pressure
• arthralgia, muscle cramps
• gait disturbance, teeth grinding, drowsiness, syncope, headache, migraine, tremor, insomnia, anxiety, hallucinations, psychosis, nightmares, decreased libido, suicide, coma
• yawning, bronchospasm
• bedwetting, urinary retention during the day
• hepatitis, jaundice
• decrease in potency, disruption of the reproductive system, menstrual cycle disorders in women
• visual impairment
• thyroid disorder
• urticaria, pruritus, anaphylactic shock
• flushing, tinnitus, loss of appetite and others

Zoloft: contraindications

• hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
• concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and pimozide
• pregnancy and lactation
• children under 6 years of age

Caution must be taken in: mental retardation, epilepsy, renal and / or liver failure, marked reduced body weight.

Zoloft and alcohol

Alcohol is not recommended to be taken with the medicine. Its action can increase side effects and lead to overdose.

How to recognize depression was described in the article “The Beck Test for Depression”

Zoloft: overdose

Overdose of Zoloft occurs when used simultaneously with alcohol or other incompatible drugs. With such combinations, severe poisoning can occur, up to coma and death. Overdose symptoms are:

• nausea
• vomiting
• drowsiness
• increased heart rate
• dizziness
• psychomotor agitation
• diarrhea
• excessive sweating

Hospital observation and constant monitoring of vital signs will be required. When first aid is not recommended to induce vomiting, it is better to give activated charcoal.

Zoloft: how to stop drinking it

“Withdrawal” syndrome is rare. Nevertheless, it is necessary to discuss with the doctor a decrease in the dosage of the drug. Since the termination of treatment is possible:

• symptoms of depression
• hallucinations
• aggression
• anxiety
• psychosis

Particular attention should be paid to the fact that after the end of the use of Zoloft, within 14 days, you should not take drugs related to monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Zoloft: analogues

Zoloft has about 10 names of analogues of the active substance. All medicines are prescribed and prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, to choose a remedy or replace your own, consult your doctor first.

Zoloft and Atarax: compatibility

The combined use of these drugs increases the side effects. This manifests itself in the form of dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. Elderly people have difficulty in thinking and coordinating movements.

Summary

• Zoloft is an antidepressant used to prevent and treat depression and other disorders.
• Zoloft may have a significant number of side effects.
• The active substance is sertraline, dosage in tablets of 50 mg or 100 mg.
• Zoloft has contraindications that should be taken into account when prescribing it.
• The use of alcohol in conjunction with Zoloft is not recommended to avoid overdose symptoms.
• An overdose of the drug occurs when used simultaneously with certain drugs and alcohol.
• Zoloft is not usually addictive, but you should consult your doctor before stopping it.
• Zoloft has several analogues, but only a doctor can replace them.

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Zoloft for anxiety: is Zoloft for anxiety good? When does he start working? – Product Information

Home >> Product Information >> Zoloft for Anxiety: Is Zoloft Good for Anxiety? When does he start working?

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Living with anxiety can make daily life difficult. Fortunately, there are many anxiety treatment options that can help people manage their symptoms. Zoloft is one of the medicines that can help. In this guide, we will explain to you what Zoloft is and how to take it for anxiety.

Taking Zoloft for anxiety

Anxiety is a common condition that affects people all over the world. An estimated 31% of all adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and the SingleCare Anxiety Survey 2020 found that 62% of respondents experienced some degree of anxiety. Zoloft is the brand name for a generic drug called sertraline. This is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that treats anxiety by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin. Zoloft Treats Several Mental Illnesses:

• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) )
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Zoloft can treat anxiety if psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy do not work or if the psychiatrist believes they will improve the person’s quality of life. SSRIs like Zoloft are not always the best treatment for anxiety as they can make anxiety worse in some cases. People with mild or occasional anxiety should talk to their doctor about other anxiety medications before taking Zoloft.

What is the correct dosage of Zoloft for anxiety?

The correct dosage of Zoloft for anxiety depends on the degree of anxiety and the presence of other diseases in the patient. However, in general, the initial therapeutic dosage of Zoloft for anxiety is 25 mg or 50 mg per day.

Zoloft tablets are available in three strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. The maximum dose of Zoloft is 200 mg per day (which can be taken as two 100 mg tablets).

Most studies suggest that the most effective dose of Zoloft is 50 mg per day. This dose has been proven to be the most effective and tolerated for most patients. For people who do not respond to 50 mg per day, the doctor may advise increasing the dose of Zoloft by 50 mg per day at weekly intervals up to a maximum of 200 mg per day. For example, a doctor may recommend taking 50 mg per day for one week, then 100 mg per day for one week, etc.

Zoloft is also available in liquid form as an oral solution. The oral solution is a clear, colorless solution with a menthol odor that contains 20 mg sertraline per ml at 12% alcohol. Supplied in a 60 ml vial with a calibrated pipette with 25 mg and 50 mg graduations. Zoloft Oral Solution must be mixed (immediately before use) with 4 ounces of water, orange juice, lemonade, ginger ale, lemon, or lemon soda before drinking.

When does Zoloft start to deal with anxiety?

Zoloft does not work immediately, so do not stop taking Zoloft if your symptoms do not improve immediately. It takes two to six weeks to start reducing anxiety symptoms. Some people may experience a reduction in anxiety symptoms within the first week of taking Zoloft, but this should not be expected for everyone.

How do you feel about Zoloft?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some of the first signs that Zoloft is working are improved sleep, energy, or appetite. These improvements may occur one to two weeks after taking the medication.

More significant changes, such as reduction in depression or restoration of interest in daily life, may take six to eight weeks. Over time, many people will notice a significant difference in their anxiety symptoms, and for some, the symptoms may not go away at all.

Side effects

Here are the most common side effects you may experience when you start taking Zoloft:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Increased sweating restlessness
• Sexual side effects such as sexual dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Nervousness

Although rare, Zoloft may cause more serious side effects such as unusual weight loss, low blood sodium levels, increased risk of bleeding (especially when combined with certain medications such as anticoagulants or NSAIDs), seizures, allergic reactions, and withdrawal symptoms.

Warnings

Zoloft also contains a black box warning about suicidal thoughts and behavior. Short-term studies have shown that antidepressants increase the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults compared to placebo. / or suicidal thoughts or behavior.

The FDA also cautions patients against taking sertraline (Zoloft) if they are pregnant, nursing, have pre-existing vision problems (sertraline makes patients more susceptible to developing glaucoma), and patients with bipolar disorder who are also not taking mood stabilizers.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about how to take Zoloft if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Other drugs that increase serotonin levels due to the risk of serotonin syndrome
• Disulfiram
• Triptans
• Blood thinners such as warfarin ibuprofen
• St. John’s wort
• Lithium
• Nardil (phenelzine)
• Parnate (tranylcypromine)
• Marplan (isocarboxazid)
• Azilect (rasagiline)
• Emsam (selegiline)
• Orap (pimozide)

Zoloft taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other drugs that increase serotonin levels (such as other antidepressants, triptans, and dextromethorphan found in cough and cold products) can cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening emergency, which can cause hallucinations, convulsions, coma, tremors, delirium and other serious side effects.

What is the most effective antidepressant for anxiety?

There is no single antidepressant that best treats anxiety. What works for one person may not work for another. Depressive symptoms will disappear completely in about 1 out of every 3 people who take SSRIs, but more research is needed to find out why SSRIs work for some people and not for others. Your healthcare provider will best ask you which antidepressant will work best for you.

Other SSRIs may be effective for anxiety, such as Prozac, Celexa, or Paxil, but each has some side effects, such as decreased libido and weight gain, says Odin Naidoo, M.D., a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “Benzodiazepines are very effective in the short term as long as they are under medical supervision, but they are potentially addictive and should be used with great caution and only as a short-term intervention, such as grief following the death of a family member,” he says. Dr. Naidu.

Zoloft alternatives
Drug name	What is it	Standard dosage (dosage may vary)	Common side effects	SingleCare savings
Effexor XR (venlafaxine ER)	Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that treats depression and improves mood and energy levels.	75mg/day with meals	Nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness	Get coupon
Prozac (fluoxetine)	SSRI used to treat major depressive disorder , OCD, bulimia nervosa and panic disorder.	20mg/day	Nervousness, insomnia, nausea	Get coupon
Lexapro (escitalopram) depressive disorder.	10-20mg/day	Insomnia, nausea, decreased libido	Get a coupon
Xanax (alprazolam)	Benzodiazepine to relieve short-term anxiety	0.25-0.5 mg, up to three times a day day	Xanax is a controlled substance due to the potential for abuse or dependence.	Get coupon
Paxil (paroxetine)	An SSRI that treats depression and other psychological conditions.	20mg/day	Nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, sexual side effects, headache, weakness	Get coupon
Celexa (citalopram) commonly prescribed for depression, but doctors also may prescribe it to relieve symptoms of anxiety. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment * Name * Email * Website