Zoloft Is Pfizer\'s Trademark Name

Zoloft is Pfizer's trademark name for Sertraline hydrochloride (HCl). Sertraline acts as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), thereby potentially decreasing the effects of clinical depression and certain anxiety disorders. Thus, Zoloft is typically classified as an antidepressant medication. Psychiatrists commonly prescribe Zoloft for various forms of depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as for anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder. Additionally, Zoloft may be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Generally, doctors prescribe Zoloft to patients over the age of 18, but Zoloft has been approved for the purpose of treating OCD in patients between the ages of 6 and 17.

Patients usually receive Zoloft in orally-administered pill form, but an oral liquid is also available. The liquid form of Zoloft comes highly concentrated and must be diluted with a half-cup of the following liquids: water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice ("Zoloft," 2006). Patients take one prescribed dose of the medication at the same time each day, without variance. A missed dose cannot be doubled on the following day. Pills can be taken with or without food.

Most patients being treated for depression take 50 milligrams of Zoloft and are monitored closely by their doctors. If symptoms do not improve after at least one month of taking 50mg, doctors may increase the dose in regular intervals, to a maximum of 200mg per day. Prescribed as an antidepressant, Zoloft doses can be increased gradually in one-week intervals. For panic disorder, however, the initial dose of Zoloft may be only 25mg, to be increased at 50mg increments once per week up to the maximum allowable daily dose, which is 200mg. Patients being treated for OCD generally take 50mg each day of Zoloft, with the possibility of 50mg incremental dosage increases. The drug's effects may not be apparent for four weeks or more of treatment, which is why doctors must carefully monitor their patients' intake, symptoms, and side effects.

Side effects of Zoloft include the following minor effects: nausea, nervousness, restlessness, diarrhea, loose stool, dyspepsia, vision problems, headaches, male sexual dysfunction, decreased sex drive, insomnia, fatigue, tremors, increased sweating, dry mouth, dizziness, abdominal pain, and changes in weight or appetite. However, more serious side-effects may occur as a result of taking Zoloft. One of the greatest risks with Sertraline HCl is the tendency for some patients, especially those under the age of 18, to develop suicidal thoughts during the first few weeks of taking the drug. Other potentially serious side-effects include seizures, convulsions, hallucinations, tremors, balance or coordination problems, and allergic reactions.