Sertraline Side Effects
Sertraline is an oral anti-depressant that is used to treat the symptoms of depression. It is also used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder and even some panic disorders. As with any oral medication there are Sertraline side effects that you will need to take into consideration before taking it.
Drug Interactions
There are several drugs that may react adversely with Sertraline Hcl, so it is wise to tell your physician about any other medications that you may be taking. Some of the medications that may interact with Sertraline are: Propulsid, Seldane and Mellaril. There are other drugs that interact as well, so please check with your family physician t for a complete list. It is also advised to tell your physician about non-prescription medicines and herbal remedies that you may be taking. Also if you are a smoker or a regular drinker it is best to mention these things to your physician because they might adversely interact with Sertraline.
Other Things to Consider while taking Sertraline
You may be wondering what other Sertraline side effects there are. You may get drowsy or even have symptoms of dizziness while taking Sertraline. Until you are certain of how your body is going to react to the side-effects of this drug it is strongly recommended not to operate heavy machinery or drive under the effects of it. There are some other symptoms that you should be aware of too such as worsening of your depression, changes in sleep patterns, anger and agitation and suicidal thoughts or actual attempts of suicide. As with many other anti-depressants the increase chances of suicidal behavior while on Sertraline are higher and this continues to be an issue of controversy. If any of this occurs you should consult your physician immediately. Any medications that are used to treat coughs and cold symptoms could also have an adverse effect on Sertraline, so be aware of these things as well. Some additional Sertraline side effects include things such as: dry mouth, palpitations, fast heart rate, a loss of touch with reality, hallucinations, skin rash and hives, intestinal gas, increased and/or decreased appetite and increased sweating. Pregnant women should be advised about the risk of taking Sertraline. When taken by women who are pregnant the drug Sertraline was found in significant amounts in the fetal blood stream and may be the contributing factor in certain birth defects.
The Scientific Facts about Sertraline Hydrochloride
Sertraline Hydrochloride also known as Zoloft is an anti-depressant drug of the SSRI class of drugs. It was introduced by Pfizer in 1991 and in 2007 was the most prescribed drug of its kind. Many opinions state that Zoloft is more effective for treating depression than the widely prescribed drug Prozac. Sertraline is primarily used to treat depression but as stated earlier can be used to treat other conditions as well such as: panic disorder, post- traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Comparing Sertraline with other common Anti-depressants
Although Sertraline can be compared to other tricyclic drugs in the way in which it treats depression, it does seem to be better tolerated by patients than some of the older anti-depressants. People who participated in studies on Sertraline did show a better quality of life and improvement in their depression symptoms than with some of the other drugs used such as Elavil. According to an analysis of Sertraline and 11 other anti-depressants, it does seem to be better in terms of acceptability in the acute phase of the treatment of major depression.
Like many SSRI drugs Sertraline has sexual side effects. Many people have complained of having a decrease in their desire for sex while taking this drug. Others have even reported having trouble reaching orgasm. Only a small percentage of people who were prescribed Zoloft have had any complaints of sexual problems while taking it. The sexual side effects were only 1% in people taking Sertraline for depression. Zoloft has also caused ejaculatory problems such as ejaculatory failure. In the documented cases where ejaculatory problems were a sertraline side effect, it happened in about 19% of the cases. Of course these side effects will be very specific to each individual. You may experience one or two of these symptoms or none at all. It all depends on the person who is taking the prescribed drug.
More Sertraline side Effects
Impotence is when a man is not able to achieve or keep an erection. At least one percent of men reported having an impotency issue while taking Sertraline. Priapism is another sexual side effect reported with men who have taken Zoloft. Priapism is a very painful erection that will not subside even after sexual activity has taken place. If not treated by a physician it can lead to permanent damage to the penis. This can be a very embarrassing thing for any man but prompt medical attention is important in cases of priapism. With any of these sexual side effects mentioned it is of utmost importance to discuss them with your doctor so that they can make a decision as to how to handle it.
Side Effects from withdrawing from Sertraline
As with any drug there can be withdrawal side effects associated with Sertraline. These include things like trouble with walking and standing, nausea and vomiting, an unusual feeling of constant movement of your body and things surrounding you, increased dizziness, sweating, increased tiredness and agitation. Before you completely stop taking Sertraline it is best to first discuss these issues with your physician. He may choose to taper you off so that possibly you won’t experience these Sertraline side effects so strongly.
Sertraline hydrochloride is known to be one of the most effective treatments for clinical depression and other disorders as determined by your physician. But just like with any prescription drug, it is smart to do your homework on it. Talk with your physician and friends or family about it before deciding to take this drug on a regular basis and then make an informed choice about taking Sertraline.
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