Zoloft
Zoloft (Sertraline HCI) is one of the most widely prescribed and most beneficial prescription drugs for treating depression and a number of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as PMDD or premenstrual dysphoric disorder in women who are eighteen years or older. Zoloft is also approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and teenagers ranging from the ages of six to seventeen. Zoloft is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved and has been successfully prescribed for many patients for the past fourteen years.
One of the best things about Zoloft is that it is available in a variety of different strengths from mild to strong. In this way a doctor can decide exactly how much a patient requires for his particular disorder and prescribe it accordingly. This prescription drug comes in tablet form and amounts include 25 milligrams, 50 milligrams and 100 milligrams. Unlike many drugs of its kind, Zoloft is not a drug that is “habit-forming” nor will it contribute to extra pounds being added to the stomach or waistline.
Zoloft belongs to a category of drugs that are called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s). This drug works to improve upon a chemical imbalance that is believed to take place in the brain as a result of prolonged stress, trauma, anxiety or depression. This drug is prescribed to millions of individuals across the globe on a regular basis.
Not everyone begins to reap the benefits of this drug at the same time. Some individual’s will notice that their symptoms begin to improve after taking Zoloft for only one to two weeks while other people might not notice any change until they have been taking it regularly for six to eight weeks. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) strongly encourages patients of Zoloft to take the drug as prescribed for a period of eight months to a year to discourage the symptoms of depression from coming back.
Learn about common Zoloft side effects to see the potential risks of this medication before you take it.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
