why is sertraline a recommended treatment for depression. what are the benefits

SSRIs

increase levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing the reuptake of serotonin by nerve cells. They are often selected as a first-line drug treatment for depression due to effectiveness and a lower risk of side effects compared to older antidepressants. Most SSRIs are now available in generic form, making them very affordable.

Full Answer

How does sertraline treat depression?

Zoloft and other SSRIs can be used to treat depression, ocd, ptsd, anxiety disorders and many other mood disorders. SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter, which transmits electrical impulses from one neuron to the next.

Is sertraline a strong antidepressant?

Sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Does Zoloft really help with depression?

Zoloft is a brand name for a particular SSRI that is frequently prescribed for those struggling with anxiety disorders. While many believe Zoloft for anxiety treatment is effective, this drug is more commonly used for personality disorders and depressive mood swings.

What are the side effects of sertraline?

Understanding the Side Effects of Zoloft (Sertraline)

• Most Common Zoloft Side Effects. Gastrointestinal problems can occur quite frequently in people taking Zoloft. ...
• Less Common Side Effects. While far less common, there are some serious side effects associated with Zoloft use. ...
• Side Effects in Children and Adolescents. ...
• A Word From Verywell. ...

What are the benefits of sertraline?

By increasing serotonin levels, sertraline can help to prevent panic attacks, improve your general mood and stop some obsessive compulsive behaviors. People with social anxiety disorder also notice benefits from using sertraline, as it can help with some symptoms of anxiety.

How does sertraline help with depression?

Sertraline and other SSRIs treat depression by raising the amount of serotonin in the brain. When more serotonin is available, your mood often improves.

Why is sertraline the best antidepressant?

The investigators recommend sertraline as the best choice for an initial antidepressant because it is available in generic form and is therefore lower in cost. They further recommend that sertraline, instead of fluoxetine or placebo, be the new standard against which other antidepressants are compared.

What does sertraline do to your mood?

Research has linked depression with low levels of serotonin. Sertraline increases the amount of serotonin present in the brain, helping to reduce chemical imbalances and improve a person's overall mood.

How does sertraline make you feel?

Taking sertraline may make you feel sleepy, dizzy and restless, and could affect your eyesight when you start taking it.

Does sertraline calm you?

Sertraline should help you feel calm and relaxed. It could take some time for sertraline to have its full effect. This effect should reduce your behaviour problem.

Is sertraline a strong antidepressant?

Abstract. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with well established antidepressant and anxiolytic activity. Results from several well designed trials show that sertraline (50-200 mg/day) is effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder in elderly patients (> or =60 years of age).

When is it best to take sertraline?

When is the best time to take sertraline (Zoloft)? Typically, your doctor will recommend that you take your prescribed dose of sertraline once a day, either in the morning or evening. If sertraline makes you drowsy, your doctor may suggest that you take it at bedtime.

Before Taking This Medicine

You should not use sertraline if you are allergic to it, or if you also take pimozide. Do not use the liquid form of sertraline if you are taking d...

How Should I Take Sertraline?

Take sertraline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your do...

What Happens If I Miss A Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...

What Should I Avoid While Taking Sertraline?

Do not drink alcohol.See also: Sertraline and alcohol (in more detail)Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) f...

sertraline Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose of Sertraline for Depression:Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a dayMaintenance Dose: 50 to 200 mg orally once a dayComments:-Dose a...

What Other Drugs Will Affect Sertraline?

Taking sertraline with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic medication,...

What is sertraline used for?

Sertraline is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD ), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ).

What is MAO inhibitor?

MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others. Tell your doctor if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting.

What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

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.

What are the side effects of sertraline?

Common sertraline 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.

What are the conditions that cause bipolar disorder?

bipolar disorder (manic depression); heart disease, high blood pressure, or a stroke; liver or kidney disease; seizures; glaucoma; bleeding problems, or if you take warfarin ( Coumadin, Jantoven ); long QT syndrome; or. low levels of sodium in your blood.

Can you take sertraline if you are allergic to it?

You should not use sertraline if you are allergic to it. Do not use the liquid form of sertraline if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse) or you could have a severe reaction to the disulfiram.

How long does it take for sertraline to work?

After six weeks, the patients taking sertraline reported a 21% greater improvement in anxiety symptoms - such as feeling worried, nervous and irritable - compared to the control group taking a dummy pill. After 12 weeks, the gap was 23%.

What is the most common medication used for depression?

Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is one of the most common drugs used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. But scientists still have little idea of how these kind of drugs work.

Does sertraline help with anxiety?

Sertraline: Antidepressant works 'by reducing anxiety symptoms first'. A commonly-prescribed antidepressant reduces anxiety first and has a smaller effect on depressive symptoms weeks later, a study suggests. Researchers at University College London said it made people feel better but worked in unexpected ways.

Does sertraline affect serotonin?

Antidepressants such as sertraline work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Antidepressant withdrawal 'hits millions'. Too many 'hooked' on prescription drugs. Antidepressant use rising among children.

What is Zoloft used for?

Zoloft is a medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Article by: Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC.

Can SSRI cause manic episodes?

If you have bipolar disorder and take an SSRI, you may be at risk for triggering a manic episode if you are not also taking a mood stabilizer. Talk to your doctor about your specific symptoms, other health concerns, and other medications you take so they can make the best recommendation for your condition and symptoms.

Can Zoloft be taken while pregnant?

Birth defects and fetal harm are possible when Zoloft is taken during pregnancy, but the risk is very low. The drug may be transferred via breast milk. Therefore, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing before you take Zoloft.

Can you stop Zoloft?

It’s important not to discontinue use of the drug before talking with your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms of Zoloft can include anxiety, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, nausea, and the return of depressive symptoms.

Is Zoloft a selective reuptake inhibitor?

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants, and they work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. They are also sometimes prescribed to treat anxiety and other conditions. If you have bipolar disorder and take an SSRI, you may be at risk for triggering ...

What is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are common antidepressants prescribed for moderate and severe cases. These are considered to be safer than other prescribed depression drugs and have fewer side effects. The popular SSRIs prescribed by most doctors fall under the brand names of “Prozac,” “Zoloft,” “Celexa,” “Lexapro,” “Paxil,” ...

Why do antidepressants cause depression?

It may be caused by a combination of factors, such as stress, genetics, and a chemical imbalance within the brain. Antidepressants focus on balancing the chemicals that form our emotions and mood by promoting concentration, better mood, sleep, and appetite, all of which can be negatively affected by a depressed state.

What are SSRIs used for?

The drugs are also used to treat anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, migraines, chronic pain, eating disorders and addiction diseases.

What is the black box warning on antidepressants?

Each antidepressant under scrutiny for risk of aggressive and suicidal behaviors has a “black box warning.”. This Food and Drug Administration label intends to make patients, pharmacists, and doctors fully aware of the possible dangers of the drug.

What is the treatment for depression?

Antidepressant medication is commonly used to treat various depressive disorders. Depression is a medical condition represented by a low mood with emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. It may be caused by a combination of factors, such as stress, genetics, and a chemical imbalance within the brain.

What is the diagnosis of depression?

A depression diagnosis covers a wide array of symptoms and requires a combination of treatment vices. Antidepressants may be the first, and sometimes only, choice of many physicians in treating the symptoms. There are many types of antidepressants, each one with its own strength to target the chemical imbalance within a patient.

How to help depression?

Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, nutrition, and sleep may also help with depression symptoms. Depression medications may all have similar goals, but they also have varying effects, based on the individual patient. The side effects of antidepressants can range from mild to severe and differ from medication to medication.

How do SSRIs help with depression?

SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing the reuptake of serotonin by nerve cells. They are often selected as a first-line drug treatment for depression due to effectiveness and a lower risk of side effects compared to older antidepressants. Most SSRIs are now available in generic form, making them very affordable.

What is the best treatment for depression?

Good options for treatment for depression include drug therapy, psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or a combination of the two.

What is Zulresso injection?

Zulresso ( brexanolone) injection from Sage Therapeutics was approved in March 2019 for the treatment of Postpartum Depression (PPD) in adult women. PPD is a major depressive episode that occurs following childbirth or during pregnancy with symptoms of sadness, loss of interest, inability to feel pleasure, and lack of self-worth. Postpartum depression can also interfere with the maternal-infant bond or lead to suicidality.

What is the purpose of SNRIs?

By blocking reuptake, the neurotransmitter concentrations are increased in the nerve synapse to help elevate mood or treat other conditions. These agents may also be selected as a first-line treatment option, especially in patients with more severe depression. Several generic SNRIs are now available.

Which TCAs block serotonin?

The tertiary amine TCAs have a greater effect at blocking serotonin (compared to norepinephrine) and include: amitriptyline, clomipramine, doxepin, imipramine, and trimipramine. The secondary amine TCAs preferentially block norepinephrine and include: desipramine, nortriptyline, and protriptyline.

How many people respond to antidepressants?

No single antidepressant medication has been found to be the best treatment for every patient. In general 40% to 60% of patients (4-6 out of 10 patients) will have a positive response to the first antidepressant medication they try.

How long does it take for a person to feel the effects of a drug?

Drug therapy used in treatment involves medications that alter the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain. It generally takes four to eight weeks for most patients to feel the full effects of antidepressant medications.