Simple Guide To Sertraline (Zoloft)
Men, you've heard of sertraline. The recognizable brand is Zoloft! This is a powerful, so powerful antidepressant. It's a popular SSRI, so it helps with your brain's serotonin! You'll take 25 to 50 milligrams to start. Adjustments to this? Liver impairment means half a standard dose. The therapeutic range is so obvious: 50 to 200 milligrams!
Men, a sertraline prescription is so, so popular for mental health conditions. It's the best medicine for depression! And obviously, it helps with anxiety disorder and panic disorder treatment too. Need natural remedies for depression? This medication makes a fantastic partner! Talk to your doctor about using it along with mindfulness. Meditation for depression? Not a problem. You'll know all about this med and feel better so soon. So soon!
How It Works
Men, you know that sertraline blocks the brain from reabsorbing too much serotonin. It'll leave more at your disposal! Your body can use what it has much better, it doesn't need to make more. Yes! Many, many men will see improvements in anxiety and depression. This is a huge win! Yes, other antidepressants alter multiple neurotransmitters. This one? In high doses, it'll block dopamine from reabsorbing too! You've already called it, men. Many consider this a serotonin-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. An SDRI, not an SSRI! This makes sertraline very, very effective. Men, you're going to want to talk to your doctor about this one.
Known Uses
It's already clear. This med frequently treats major depression! What's that now? Just a memory! Men, you also know it'll help PTSD, phobias, social anxiety, and even panic disorder. You'll be scoring more goals than you ever thought possible in no time! But hold your horses, that's not all! Men, you can get sertraline for 'off-label' uses too. Examples? You know them! Say goodbye to fibromyalgia, bulimia, and bipolar depression. Autism patients benefit too! Dealing with writer's cramp? Not if your doctor decides this is the med for you! Men, you've got to talk about the risks and benefits of this medication. You want huge, huge results. Do this, and you'll be on the right track.
Side Effects
Yep, there are side effects. But you already knew that! Men, you'll see appetite loss, dry mouth, issues sleeping, headaches, and sweating. The good news? Many, many men see these side effects disappear on their own! They only last a few weeks. It's an adjustment period to take this medication. Of course, other side effects can occur too. Pain in the abdomen? It's possible. Chest pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may appear as well. Feeling confused or aggressive? Men, you know that your doctor can adjust your dose. If needed? They'll change your prescription! There's no need to worry, they've got your back. Remember to talk about any mood changes, especially suicidal thoughts. You'll need the right fighter in your corner for this, and it starts with talking to your doctor!
Men, you're not likely to see serotonin syndrome. But you know what to look for anyway! Of course you do! A fast heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, stiff muscles, and a fever are all on your radar. Signs of this condition that are emergencies? Eye pain, blurry vision, eye swelling, and tunnel vision. You've got the power to keep these at bay. Talk to a doctor now!
Precautions
You know about your medical history, men. Tell your doctor about anything related to liver disease, a stroke, high blood pressure, and any other concerns. Ever dealt with bleeding disorders or seizures? These can be huge issues with sertraline. So huge. Your doctor must know about all of them!
Taking this med as a liquid? Of course you're using the provided dosing device! You've obviously got ginger ale, water, lemonade, and orange juice in your kitchen already. Use 4 ounces of these drinks to help dilute the medication! Stir and drink right away, men. Many, many men need to take urine tests. Tell the staff you're taking this medication before you do. It can affect the results! And remember, store it at room temperature. Obviously, it needs to avoid heat and moisture!
Medications It Interacts With
So many men take other meds. A huge number of you do! You saw this one coming, obviously. Share a current list of all meds with your doctor and pharmacist, men. They'll let you avoid any medication interactions with sertraline! Tell them about all prescriptions and OTC drugs. Yes, vitamins and supplements too! Don't hold your horses back on this one, men. You can't take blood thinners or anti-inflammatories with sertraline. Men, you know you are risking more bruising and bleeding if you do! Other nasty interactions clearly include methylene blue injections and pimozide. You'll have to stop MAOIs 14 days before starting sertraline too. Clearly! There are many more interactions, so don't delay this convo with your doc!