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Zoloft

Zoloft is one approach to the treatment of depression and anxiety, but should not be considered a "cure", as this article explains ...

Zoloft is the most common brand name for the chemical Sertaline, a drug classed as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).  Other SSRIs include Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Celexa), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Escitalopram (Lexapro).  Zoloft is produced today by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, and is also marketed under the brand names Lustral, Apo-Sertal, Gladem, Serlift, Asentra, Xydep, Serlain and Stimuloton, depending on where in the world it is sold. 

Similar to the other SSRIs, Zoloft acts by boosting the amount of serotonin present in the synapses between nerve cells.  Because serotonin is a mood enhancing neurotransmitter, the main use for Zoloft is as a part of therapy for depression.  Many SSRIs, including Zoloft, have been shown effective in treating forms of anxiety disorders as well.  Just like the other SSRIs, Zoloft does not add any serotonin or mood altering chemicals to your body, but rather helps your body to better use its own natural mood stabilizing machinery. 

The most common side effects of Zoloft include insomnia, asthenia, tremors, confusion, reduced libido, sexual dysfunction, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, and nausea.  Most users of Zoloft will experience one or more of these effects during the first months of use, but with time they often fade.  More rarely, users of Zoloft may experience weight lose, mania, or hypomania.   

Depression and anxiety are the two most common forms of mental illnesses.  Unfortunately, like most mental illness, these disorders often have a certain amount of social stigma attached to them.  For this reason many people suffering from these conditions are unwilling to seek treatment, and often develop harmful self-medicating habits.  When considering whether or not to seek treatment for depression or anxiety, it is important to understand that these disorders are an issue of brain chemistry, and are very hard to overcome without help.  After consulting with a physician, you may or may not determine that and SSRI like Zoloft is right for you, but without any therapy or treatment these disorders generally get worse.

Today, there are a wide variety of treatments available for both depression and anxiety.  Zoloft and other SSRIs are one approach to treatment, but should not be considered ‘cures’ for depression or anxiety.  Rather, they should be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy and treatment to maximize the positive effects in combating the disorders.  Healthy diet, frequent exercise, counseling, support groups, talk therapy, expressive arts, meditation, and prayer are all effective measures in treating both depression and anxiety, and together with the use of an SSRI like Zoloft, the chances for recovery from these conditions is very good.

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