Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is an antidepressant that is in the group of antidepressants known selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Zoloft is used to treat a variety of psychological disorders including, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual disphoric disorder (PMDD). These disorders are caused by chemical imbalances within the brain, and Zoloft as well as other antidepressants in this class work to regulate the imbalance to alleviate symptoms. As with other antidepressants, side effects of Zoloft cannot be ruled out and are different in each individual patient.

Patients are encouraged to consult their prescribing physician or psychiatrist if new symptoms appear, if they become worse, or if suicidal thoughts occur at any time during treatment, which occur more often in patients under the age of 18. Since the signs and symptoms of  many psychological disorders overlap, patients may be diagnosed with more than one mental illness, therefore the same precautions should be observed whether the patient has major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or any other psychological disorder. For most antidepressants in this class, the patient will not start experiencing relief from symptoms until after at least one week of therapy at the earliest. The average length of time varies, but is usually two to three weeks, and in some patients may take longer. Of course, if symptoms do not subside, possibly a dose adjustment may be in order.

According to various online references, some patients have experienced various Zoloft  side effects during treatment including insomnia, agitation, panic attacks, restlessness, fatigue, impulsivity, and mania. Other symptoms may include dizziness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or urinary retention. Zoloft should not be taken if alcoholic beverages have been consumed either.  The patient should wait and take the next dose the following morning. This medication should always be taken with food or milk as well, not on an empty stomach. Patients should also avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until they have taken it long enough to know how they react to the drug. Another possible side effect of Zoloft is weight gain, which is common in some patients, as is decreased appetite in others. Zoloft should also not be taken if you are pregnant, lactating, have liver or kidney disease, or have a history of seizures or heart attack. Patients should also not abruptly stop taking this medication without being instructed by their physician or psychiatrist. Debilitating symptoms may return or become worse, which could put the patient back to square one in their treatment.

Zoloft is not a drug to be taken lightly off. Patients should always consult their psychiatrist before taking or stopping the drug.