Zoloft is one of the most popular anti-depressant drugs available today. This drug is used by doctors to treat conditions such as depression, OCD, panic disorders, extreme anxiety, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. As with other anti-depressants in its class, there are side effects of Zoloft that you should be aware of.
Most important to know before taking Zoloft is that like other medicines in the anti-depressant drug class, if it is taken by someone under the age of 24, it could cause thoughts of suicide.
The good news is that many people suffer no side effects or only mild ones at the hands of Zoloft. However, there are side effects of Zoloft that have been reported and of which you should be aware. The less severe side effects you should look for are:
Increased Anxiety
Constipation
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Dry Mouth
Drowsiness
Tiredness
Insomnia
Weight Loss
On the other hand, there are some more severe, less common side effects of Zoloft that you should be on the look out for including:
Black or Bloody Stools
Fainting
Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
Unusual Bleeding or Bruising
Hallucinations
Memory Loss
Exaggerated Reflexes
Extreme Aggression
Decreased Bladder Control
If you, along with your doctor, decide to discontinue use of Zoloft as part of a treatment plan, it's best to taper off the anti-depressant instead of going cold turkey. Failure to do so can result in a discontinuation syndrome that will render withdrawal like symptoms. While Benadryl can help ease the symptoms, it's best to slowly reduce your dosage until you're off for good to avoid all potential side effects.
Zoloft is a great help for many people suffering from a myriad of mental health issues. The side effects of Zoloft are rare and mostly mild so those considering the drug should not be worried before taking it. Be aware of your side effects and evaluate the seriousness while weighing them against the positive benefits of the medication.