Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride)

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft is a prescription drug whose primary active ingredient is sertraline hydrochloride, which is used for a wide array of mental and sociological disorders ranging from chronic depression to Attention Deficient and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is an antidepressant known as part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family.

Zoloft came onto the scene in 1991 as a primary treatment program for depressive disorders in both adults and in children but has also been used for treatment of social anxiety afflictions of panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive issues. It is one of the top two prescribed medications for these types of medical conditions due to the lack of severe side effects resulting from the sertraline hcl ingredient.

Potential Side Effects

With every prescribed medication, there is always the possibility of some resulting side effects. Zoloft with sertraline hydrochloride has very few. Among them is the potential for nausea when the drug is first being introduced into the physical system, the possibility for sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or drowsiness, and perhaps minor diarrhea. A more common result of the sertraline hcl is the potential for increased weight gain and decrease in libido. See also Zoloft and weight gain.

Chronic Depression

For people who struggle with these types of emotional disorders, Zoloft with sertraline hydrochloride has proven to be sort of miracle drug. Although there may be an initial gain of a few extra pounds or decrease in appetite for sexual activities, most people find this to be only a slight tradeoff required for feeling better.

In the decades before these antidepressants were made available to us, the common treatment program was psychotherapy. However, many medical insurance programs offer only limited coverage, if any coverage at all, for psychological treatment options. With the introduction of Zoloft with sertraline hcl, many more people can now seek a remedy for these constant feelings of sadness by seeking medication from their primary care physician.

Dosages

One reason why medical professionals find this prescription medication so appealing is due to its varying strengths and dosages. Chronic depression and the other social anxiety disorders that Zoloft has been known to help come in different levels of intensity. Since Zoloft with sertraline hydrochloride can be prescribed in dosages of 25 mg to 100 mg, this offers a wider range of possibilities for the physicians use of the drug. Since every individual has a unique medical case, Zoloft provides the ability to create a specialized treatment program based on the needs of the individual patient.