Zoloft for Anxiety

Zoloft is an antidepressant drug medicine used for treating anxiety and depression.

More about Zoloft:

• Zoloft is the brand name of the sertraline drug.
• It is an SSRI group of medicine. SSRIs stand for selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.
• It is an FDA-approved medicine for: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Major Depression Disorder (MDD), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

• It can be also used to treat GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder).
• It is also approved for children for treating OCD above six years.
• It increases the serotonin levels in the body.
• Serotonin is a hormone responsible for mood and emotional balance.
• Increased serotonin uplifts the mood in individuals to cure depression and anxiety.
• This mood-enhancing function of Zoloft makes it a suitable medicine for anxiety.
• Drowsiness, sweating, and low sex drive are common side effects of Zoloft.
• Suicidal thoughts and worsening anxiety could be the serious side effects, that need to be reported immediately.
• Discontinuation requires strict medication supervision unless serious side effects can occur.

Zoloft and Anxiety

Zoloft is an approved medicine for the treatment of social anxiety but it can also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder.

Healthcare providers may choose this as the first-line medication for anxiety.

Studies confirm, its positive role in the treatment of social anxiety and panic attacks.

This medicine is also approved for disorders like OCD, PTSD, MDD, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

It effectively treats MDD or Depression which can be a root cause for triggering anxiety disorder in an individual.

All these features make this medicine a good choice for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

How does Zoloft work for Anxiety?

Zoloft is an SSRI group of medicine. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in our body.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in our body that regulates mood, emotions, and happiness in an individual.

Our body produces serotonin naturally, but cells in our brain reabsorb it.

Zoloft or SSRI medicines block or inhibit this reabsorption process of serotonin to increase its levels in our body.

This increased level of serotonin uplifts the mood and provides emotional balance, and a feeling of happiness in individuals to fight anxiety.

Moreover, anxiety also causes our bodies to produce cortisol and adrenaline hormones in our bodies. These hormones prepare our body for a dangerous situation by increasing our blood pressure and heart rate.

Serotonin is the opposite of cortisol. Its presence in the body decreases cortisol levels to normalize blood pressure and heart rate.

So, increased levels of serotonin in our body directly enhance mood and indirectly decrease the levels of cortisol to fight symptoms of anxiety.

How quickly does Zoloft work for anxiety?

Zoloft cannot start working immediately.

It belongs to the SSRI group of medicines. These medications usually take two to four weeks to be fully effective.

One can start experiencing its benefits within 2 to 3 days after starting the medication.

Results may vary from person to person, regularity in taking dosage, and factors or triggers for anxiety.

Zoloft dosage for Anxiety

Dosage Form: Tablets and capsules

Strength: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg

For Adults:

Starting dose: 25 mg once in a day

Increase dose: 25 mg and total 50 mg after 7 or 10 days of starting- once a day

Maintenance Dose: 50 to 200 mg once a day

Dose Timing: It can be taken in the morning and evening but at a regular cycle of 24 hours (Once a day)

Zoloft Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness
• Mouth Dryness
• Nausea
• Difficulty in sleep
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Irregular bowel movement
• Less Sex Drive
• Issues in semen discharge
• Erection issues
• Sweating
• Trembling

Serious Side Effects (Less common-to be reported immediately to your healthcare provider)

• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts
• Skin rashes
• Worsening of anxiety or depression

Things to avoid with Zoloft and Interactions with other medications

1.  Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

These are medicines previously used for treating depression and Parkinson’s disease. These medicines include:

• Phenelzine – Nardil
• selegiline – Zelapar, Emsam
• linezolid –  Zyvox

2.  Blood Thinners

Blood thinners prevent the blood to clot. They increase the risk of bleeding.

Zoloft also increases the risk of bleeding. Combining this medicine with a few blood thinners is not recommended. These blood thinners may include:

• Dabigatran – Pradaxa
• Clopidogrel -Plavix
• Warfarin – Coumadin
• Rivaroxaban – Xarelto
• Aspirin

3.  Other Antidepressant Medicines

Some antidepressant medicines are not advisable with Zoloft. So, consult your healthcare provider, if already taking any antidepressant medicines. These include the following:

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and amitriptyline
• Tramadol – Ultram
• Duloxetine – Cymbalta
• Fluoxetine – Prozac

4.  Other Medications

There are a few other medicines considered not good to take with Zoloft. Kindly check the following list and consult your healthcare provider about such ongoing medications.

• Flecainide
• Tolterodine like Detrol & Detrol LA
• Risperidone like Risperdal
• Metoprolol like Toprol XL and Lopressor
• Atomoxetine like Strattera
• Antipsychotics like ziprasidone
• Antifungal like fluconazole
• Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin
• Antiarrhythmic like amiodarone or sotalol
• Methadone –Methadose
• Avoid alcohol with Zoloft as it may increase drowsiness and cause severe side effects.

Conclusion

Zoloft is FDA-approved for treating social anxiety and depression. It also approved medicine for a few more disorders like OCD and PTSD. It’s an SSRI group of medicines that works by increasing serotonin levels in the body.

Serotonin plays a vital role in treating anxiety and depression by enhancing mood and balancing one’s emotions/thoughts. Therefore, Zoloft is a well-suitable medicine for treating anxiety, depression, and other disorders with fewer side effects.