Zoloft: Medifacts and Uses

Manufactured by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Zoloft is an antidepressant drug, containing Sertraline as the main active ingredient. Depression is not it’s only use, Zoloft is also used to treat a number of mental illnesses such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) group of drugs.

Zoloft Structural Formula

It is sertraline hydrochloride and is known as (1S-cis)-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-N-methyl-1-nanphthalenamine hydrochloride. Its chemical formula is C17H17NCl2 • HCl. Its molecular weight is 342.7. It has following structural formula:

It is a white solid with crystalline nature. It is sparingly soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in water and isopropyl alcohol. It is also used in children and adolescents for treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Its main ingredient is serotonin. It is a chemical in the brain. It plays an important role and controls sleep, mood and appetite. Zoloft works by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain.

Uses of Zoloft

Zoloft or sertraline hydrochloride is used for treatment of depression or other such disorders. Zoloft works by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain, which helps to treat different mood or stress related disorders. It is used for following purposes.

It is used to treat depression. As serotonin controls mood, Zoloft is used to treat depression by acting in the brain.

It is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD. It is also brain related mood disorder.

Doctors prescribe it for treatment of panic disorder or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), another stress related disorder.

It may also be used for treatment of social anxiety disorder. It is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Doctors prescribe it for other mood related or stress related disorders.

Precautions before taking Zoloft

Patients should consult with their doctor about their medical history before taking Zoloft. One should take care of following things before using Zoloft.

You should not use Zoloft if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Consult your doctor before taking Zoloft, if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breast-feeding.
Tell your doctor if you are on any medication or dietary supplement, before taking Zoloft.
Consult your doctor before going on this medicine if you have a medical or family history of any mood related or stress related disorder.
Consult your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or substance abuse.
Tell your doctor if you have any history of seizures or any metabolic problem.
Consult your doctor if you have any kind of heart problem, liver problem or stomach related problem.
If you have suffered or suffering from dehydration or low sodium level, it is advisable to consult your doctor before going for Zoloft.
Tell your doctor if you are going through electro convulsive therapy.
Avoid driving or other unsafe activities, while using Zoloft, because it could cause drowsiness.
Avoid drinking while using Zoloft.
It should be used very cautiously in children and teenagers. It could arose suicidal thoughts in them, thus be careful, while giving them this medicine.

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