Is Zoloft Good For Bipolar Disorder

Interactions Between Zoloft And Other Medications

Zoloft may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Zoloft . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Bepridil

I gained 25 pounds and it wiped out my libido. I felt fat and flat and it nearly destroyed my marriage due to the lack of sexual interest. Also made me have uncontrollable sweating.

What Are The Side Effects Of Zoloft

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives ; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive , more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

• a seizure;
• vision changes, eye pain, redness, or swelling;
• low blood sodium–headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady; or
• manic episodes–racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or talkative.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Sertraline can affect growth in children. Your child’s height and weight may be checked often.

Common side effects may include:

• indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• sweating;
• tremors; or
• sexual problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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• About

Nathan Yerby is a writer and researcher. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida.

Clinically Reviewed:

David Hampton

• About

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

David embarked on his journey into sobriety in June of 2005, which led him to his current career path as a Certified Professional Addiction Recovery Coach in private practice in Greater Nashville. David is also a public speaker and the author of two books. David is cohost of the weekly Positive Sobriety Podcast, as well as being a frequent contributor to various articles and recovery based materials. As a member of the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors , David works closely with Nashville area treatment centers, nonprofit recovery organizations, and consulting with faith-based groups trying to bridge the gap between the recovery communities and faith-based organizations who wish to understand addiction.

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How Ssris Affect The Brain

Sertraline is far from the only SSRI on the market. Other brand names for different drugs in the SSRI category include Prozac, Luvox, Paxil, and Lexapro.

Mental health disorders like depression and OCD are neurological illnesses, meaning that they cause our brains to dysfunction. One of the ways that these disorders change our brains is through changing the patterns of release and reuptake of certain neurotransmitters.

One neurotransmitter, serotonin, sends messages between neurons in regions of the brain that are responsible for mood. SSRIs limit the reabsorption of serotonin into the neurons, which then increases the overall levels of serotonin in the brain. When there is enough serotonin available in the brain, it starts working properly again in other words, the symptoms of the mental illness get better.

Sertraline For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, is diagnosed when people with female reproductive organs experience symptoms of depression only at certain times in their menstrual cycle. Symptoms of this PMDD are very similar to major depressive disorder, so it makes sense that sertraline would be effective for this condition.

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Bipolar Ii Disorder In Adults: A Review Of Management Options

Assistant Professor for Pharmacy PracticeFlorida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTallahassee, Florida

Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and ProfessorFlorida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesTallahassee, Florida;

Tallahassee, Florida;

US Pharm

Bipolar disorder is characterized by pathologic variations in mood, with periods of mania, hypomania, psychosis, and depression. The two most common types, bipolar I and bipolar II, differ in the presentation of mood variations. The course of bipolar II is less well studied and less understood than bipolar I disorder. Patients with bipolar I disorder have episodes of full mania alternating with episodes of major depression,1,2 whereas patients with bipolar II disorder pre-sent with one or more episodes of major depression with at least one hypomanic episode.1 Bipolar II can also manifest itself as a mixed state, which is the presence of both depressive and mood elevated symptoms simultaneously.3 Patients with bipolar II disorder display fewer manic symptoms than those with bipolar I disorder; both conditions may have an equivalent impact on quality of life and may also be associated with increased suicide risk.3 Patients may also present with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, which consists of at least four discrete episodes of mania or depression in a single year, demarcated by clear periods of remission or by switches to episodes of opposite polarity.4;

Conditions Treated By Zoloft Vs Prozac

Zoloft is primarily used for the treatment of depression, OCD, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is also approved to treat PTSD and social anxiety disorder.

Prozac is approved to treat major depression, OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia. While Prozac can be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, itâs marketed under a different name: Sarafem. Prozac can also treat depressive episodes in those with bipolar I disorder. Prozac can be used off-label for PTSD and social anxiety disorder.

Both Zoloft and Prozac can be used off-label to treat general anxiety, binge eating disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder.

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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Important Cautions About Zoloft Medication

There are several important things to note if you will be using Zoloft. These include:

• You should not take Zoloft if you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor , and there should be a two-week break between stopping or starting Zoloft and starting or stopping a MAOI. Serious, even fatal, complications can occur when these types of drugs are combined.
• The manufacturer advises that you should not drink alcohol while taking Zoloft.
• Do not discontinue Zoloft without talking to your doctor. You should also not stop taking Zoloft all at once to avoid SSRI discontinuation syndrome.
• Practice caution if you are using any other medications which may increase your levels of serotonin. There are several medications, both mental health medications and non-mental health related drugs, such as some pain medications, which can add together to increase levels. The resultant serotonin syndrome, which can be medically serious, is often avoided by making sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are taking.
• It could take up to eight weeks before your medicine has its full effect.
• Be aware that any antidepressant has the possibility of triggering hypomania or mania.

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Stopping The Use Of Sertraline

Stopping this medicine quickly, or reducing the dose too much at once, may cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Once you start taking an;SSRI, the brain adjusts to having a new level of;serotonin;around. If you stop taking the SSRI all at once, the balance starts to change again. You could get some symptoms from the change.

Sertraline is not addictive, but you may get uncomfortable;withdrawal symptoms;if you stop sertraline suddenly, as your body begins to miss it. It is better to agree stopping with a doctor who will reduce you gradually over about four weeks.

Some of the withdrawal symptoms include:

• dizziness or headaches
• tingling feelings like pins and needles or numbness – some people describe electric shock-like feelings down their head and back
• sleep disturbances
• feeling anxious or agitated
• feeling sick or being sick
• shaking

These symptoms should stop after two to three weeks for most people, but a very few people can get them for two to three months or more.

Most people get mild symptoms, but for a very few people they can be very intense.

Go and speak to your doctor if you have decided to stop taking your medication.

Q: Will I Experience Side Effects With Sertraline

A: Unfortunately, whether or not someone experiences side effects with any medication depends on each person. There are many common but mild side effects associated with sertraline, along with some rare, serious ones. Many people who take sertraline will experience at least one of the side effects that we listed above.

If theres a specific side effect youre worried about, talk to your doctor. There are certain things you shouldnt do because theyll increase your risk of side effects; for example, dont take herbal depression remedies like St. Johns Wort while youre taking sertraline.

Your OCD thoughts may be worrying about whether or not you will experience side effects with this or any other medication, and thats a typical symptom of the disease. Unfortunately, neither this blog or any other can tell you with absolute certainty whether or not you will experience side effects.

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Warnings Of Zoloft Vs Prozac

Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults and children. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors should be monitored in individuals whose symptoms are not improving.

Zoloft and Prozac can lower the seizure threshold in some people who have a history of seizures. Therefore, these drugs should be monitored or avoided in those affected groups.

Zoloft and Prozac can cause QT prolongation, an electrical disturbance in the heart muscle. If you have a history of arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythm, you may be at an increased risk.

SSRI antidepressant drugs are usually prescribed for long-term uses. Abruptly stopping these medications can cause withdrawal symptoms such as rebound anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. When stopping these medications, they should be tapered slowly with proper medical guidance.

Zoloft and Prozac are in Pregnancy Category C. They should only be used if benefits outweigh the potential pregnancy risks. Consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Side Effects Can Zoloft Cause

Common side effects can include: constipation uncontrollable shaking changes in sex drive

It also is recommended that you wait to drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is also recommended that people avoid alcohol and illegal drugs while on the medication, as they can worsen adverse effects. Report side effects to your doctor immediately. Serious side effects can include seizures, bleeding or bruising, swelling, hives, rash, trouble breathing, agitation, fever, fast heartbeat, vomiting, muscle stiffness, loss of coordination, or hallucinations. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online.

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How To Take Zoloft

Use;Zoloft ;exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take sertraline with or without food, at the same time each day.

Sertraline liquid must be diluted with a liquid right before you take it. Read and carefully follow all mixing instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

Measure the mixed medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device .

Sertraline may cause false results on a drug-screening urine test. Tell the laboratory staff that you use sertraline.

Do not stop using sertraline suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms . Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Are Zoloft Vs Prozac The Same

No. Zoloft and Prozac are not the same. Although they both work to enhance serotonin activity, they have some different approved uses. Zoloft is FDA approved for PTSD and social anxiety disorder whereas Prozac is used off-label for these indications. Zoloft is available as an oral tablet and liquid solution. Prozac only comes as an oral capsule.

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Which Bipolar Medicine Is Best

Doctors use many types of drugs to treat bipolar disorder. Some fight the extreme highs of mania and others treat the lows of depression. You might take one drug at a time or a few at the same time.

The best bipolar medicine is the one that works best for you. Work with your doctor to decide on the medication plan that helps you the most.

You may keep taking these medications for years or decades, even if itâs been a long time since your last manic or depressive episode. This is called maintenance therapy and helps prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Finding The Right Bipolar Disorder Medication

It can take a while to find the right bipolar medication and dose. Everyone responds to medication differently, so you may have to try several bipolar disorder drugs before you find the one that works for you. Be patient, but dont settle for a bipolar medication that makes you feel lousy, either.

Once youve discovered the right bipolar disorder drug or drug cocktail, it may still take time to determine the optimal dose. In the case of mood stabilizing medications such as lithium, the difference between a beneficial dose and a toxic one is small. Frequent office visits to re-evaluate your medication needs and careful monitoring of symptoms and side effects will help you stay safe.

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Other Treatments For Ocd

If youve taken sertraline before and found that it wasnt effective for you or caused uncomfortable side effects, that doesnt mean that your OCD prognosis is hopeless. There are a wide range of other medications and treatments available for OCD, and its important to try many until you find one that works for you.;

Learn About Your Bipolar Disorder Medication

When starting a new medication, educate yourself about how to take it safely. Questions to ask your doctor about any new prescription include:

How often should you talk with your doctor?

During an acute manic or depressive episode, youll likely need to talk with your doctor at least once a week to monitor your symptoms, medications, and any side effects youre experiencing. This will become less often as you start to recover. Once youre feeling better, youll likely still need to review things with your doctor every few months. However, its important to see your doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

• Suicidal or violent feelings.

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How To Use Zoloft

Before starting or refilling a Zoloft prescription, read the medication guide included with your pills, as it may be updated with new information.

This guide should not replace a conversation with your doctor, who has a holistic view of your medical history, other diagnoses, and other prescriptions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking the medication.

What Other Information Should I Know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking sertraline.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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