Zoloft Side Effects

Side effects of Zoloft include nausea, ejaculation problems, insomnia, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, drowsiness, indigestion, loss of appetite, shakiness and decreased libido. Other side effects of Zoloft include paresthesias or tingling and burning sensations, black stools, tremors or uncontrollable shaking, dark urine, vomiting that looks similar to ground coffee, yellow eyes, yellow skins, an increase in sweating, pain, unexplained weight loss, headaches, mild to severe vision changes, constipation, hot flashes and nervousness.

In children, the side effects of Zoloft include sinus inflammation and infection, fever, loss of bladder control or urinary incontinence, hyperactivity, bloody nose, and purpura or purple or red skin discolorations.

Some Zoloft side effects occur infrequently but nevertheless are potentially critical and need to be reported immediately.  These include chest palpitations, jitteriness or internal restlessness, panic attacks, agitation, anxiety, suicidal behavior or thoughts, extreme elation that alternates with a sad or depressed mood, unusual behavioral changes and signs if serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous albeit rare problem that is associated with some medications. These include rapid heart rate, mental changes like confusion, hallucination, changes in blood pressure, irregular heart beats, seizures and coma.

Some patients also experience Zoloft allergic reactions. Signs of Zoloft allergic reactions include hives, an unexplained rash, wheezing, difficulty swallowing or breathing and unexplained swelling.

There are also rare side effects of Zoloft that include but are not limited to flushing, ED or erectile dysfunction, clammy, cold skin, flushing, glaucoma, hypertension or high blood pressure, acne, hair loss, weight gain, increased appetite, diverticulitis, yawning, muscle pains, seizures, menstrual problems, tinnitus and inflammation or irritation of the nose or rhinitis.

Zoloft has similar contraindications and side effects as other SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. High rates of diarrhea, nausea, insomnia and side effects that are sexual are common.  Using Zoloft for depression is also associated to suicidal tendencies. This is, however, a continuing controversial subject since significant statistics are not easy to acquire.

Pregnant women who take Zoloft had significant amounts in fetal blood which is also associated with higher birth defect rates.

Zoloft’s efficacy for depressed patients is not unlike older tri-cyclic antidepressants but with less apparent side effects.

Also known as Eleva and Selectra, Zoloft is actually sertraline hydrochloride and is an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is an antidepressant. Introduced in 1991 by Pfizer, Zoloft is utilized mainly for the treatment of adult outpatient major depression as well as social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorders.  Aside from this, Zoloft is also utilized for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks,, stress disorders, social phobia or social anxiety disorders and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Generally, users of Zoloft have reported better sleeping habits, a general good mood, good energy levels and a renewed interest in daily life. It also reduces urges of performing tasks repeatedly such as counting, checking or hand-washing, which all interfere with daily life. The way Zoloft works is that it restores the balance of natural chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain.