Learning About Sertraline (Zoloft)

Sertraline is a popular antidepressant. Ladies, heard of Zoloft? That's the brand name! Its a type of SSRI, meaning it impacts serotonin. The starting dose for most ladies over 18? It's usually 25 to 50 milligrams! Ladies with liver issues will receive a half dose. Those who need a therapeutic dose will receive between 50 to 200 milligrams of this med.

Ladies, you'll get a sertraline prescription for many mental health conditions. These are the most popular anti-depression tablets for major depression treatment! They're also great for panic disorder and anxiety disorder treatment. And guess what? These pills work amazingly when paired with natural remedies for depression. Ask a doctor about cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness for depression!

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How It Works

Ladies, sertraline is going to block your brain from reabsorbing serotonin. This will increase serotonin available in your brain! It doesn't make more, just makes your body use what it's already got much better. Guess what? Symptoms of depression and anxiety will improve! You'll feel much better in no time, ladies. Talk to your doctor and get things started!

Yes, other antidepressants influence more neurotransmitters. They're different types! It depends on your needs here. But guess what? Sertraline will block dopamine reabsorbing too! You'll need a high dose to make this happen. But of course, this effect makes some consider this medication a serotonin-dopamine reuptake inhibitor instead of an SSRI!

The Best Uses

Have major depression? Ladies, sertraline is commonly prescribed for this! You can get it for panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias too. What about PMDD? Yes, this medication plays a role in treating that condition too! It also helps PTSD patients. Of course, sometimes doctors need to use it for other conditions. These are 'off-label' uses! They include bulimia, autism, fibromyalgia, and even bipolar depression! Dealing with writer's cramp? This is sometimes an option!

Clearly, sertraline has many 'off-label' uses. Ladies, talk to your doctor about it. It might just work for you! But remember, talk about the risks and benefits with your doctor before deciding. Do this, and you'll be on the road to recovery!

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Side Effects

Yes, ladies, this med does have side effects! You'll likely have headaches, dry mouth, sweating, problems sleeping, or appetite loss. The good news? These side effects go away on their own in just a few weeks! Abdominal pain, chest pain, vomiting, and diarrhea are also side effects. Of course, your doctor needs to know right away if you see aggression of confusion appear! Make sure they adjust your dose or switch you to another med. This will help the side effects go away!

Ladies, are you under 25? You might deal with some suicidal thoughts on this med. But this is very rare! Of course, tell your doctor immediately if this happens. Have your loved ones watch out for you too! Another rare possibility is serotonin syndrome. Ladies, be on the lookout for a fast heart rate, fever, stiff muscles, and hallucinations. Get urgent medical attention for these! Eye pain and swelling, blurry vision, and tunnel vision are emergencies. Thankfully, ladies, you can get them fixed and be right as rain in no time!

Precautions To Remember

Go over your medical history with your doctor, ladies! They need to know about things like kidney disease, stroke, liver disease, and high blood pressure. Seizures and bleeding disorders too! You will need another med instead of sertraline if you've dealt with any of these. Your doctor can recommend what's best. Want the best results? Take this medication at the same time daily. It's good with and without food!

If you have the liquid form? Ladies, use the included dosing device. You'll need to dilute it too. Ginger ale, water, orange juice, lemon-lime soda, and lemonade work well. Stir and drink immediately! Watch how you store this one too. It needs to be away from heat and moisture. Keep it at room temperature! If you need to do urine tests? Make sure you tell the staff you take sertraline.

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Medication Interactions

Ladies, what other meds do you take? Tell your doctor about them! Prescriptions, vitamins, herbal supplements, OTC meds, all of them. There are many medication interactions with sertraline. Examples? Blood thinners and anti-inflammatories! They'll increase bruising and bleeding. Pimozide interacts as well. Dealing with any MAOIs? You'll need to wait for 14 days before starting with sertraline!

Your doctor can help you avoid interactions. The pharmacist too! Give them both a current list and keep them updated. That way? You'll be sure to avoid any known medication interactions. Sertraline is going to work the way it's supposed to this way!