Zoloft is a prescription medication used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Zoloft belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which change the amount of a chemical in the brain to maintain mental stability.
This medication comes in a tablet and an oral solution (liquid) form, and is usually taken by mouth once a day, with or without food.
Common side effects of Zoloft include nausea, headache, and insomnia.
This medication may also cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Zoloft affects you.
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Zoloft or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Zoloft is not approved for use in pediatric patients except for patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
