Zoloft is one of the most commonly known and used medications used to treat depression and other mental health disorders. Although Zoloft is an antidepressant and does not give off a desired euphoric feeling, it is still abused and can cause several health issues both physically and mentally. Abusing Zoloft has also been known to lead to drug dependence and addiction.
Zoloft, otherwise known by its brand name Sertraline, is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs. Zoloft is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by balancing and regulating the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone in the brain that allows for feelings of happiness and mood stabilization.
Zoloft is used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, it can be used to help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, eating disorders, and insomnia.
Zoloft can help improve overall mood and well-being, sleep, and enhance energy levels. This medication can help someone with a severe mood disorder to enjoy life again. However, this drug has been known to produce dependency and addiction, especially when used inappropriately.
Zoloft has proven to greatly improve the lives of those suffering from different mental disorders, and for most, there are no risks to taking this drug for long periods of time. However, because this drug works by altering the chemicals in the brain, it is common to develop a physical dependence to this medication, which can lead to addiction.
When a person has become dependent on Zoloft, they may feel they are unable to function without the drug in their system. Withdrawal effects are likely to occur when someone has become dependent on Zoloft. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms might not mean someone is addicted to Zoloft, however, addiction is possible and is likely to happen when this drug is abused.
After taking Zoloft for a long period of time and developing a dependency, withdrawal effects are likely to occur once stopping the use of the drug. The withdrawal effects can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous so it is very important to speak with your doctor first, before deciding to stop the use of Zoloft.
Withdrawal symptoms of Zoloft include:
When a person discontinues this drug, they may experience feelings of depression and extreme sadness. Suicidal thoughts and ideations may occur, in which case 911 should be contacted immediately before symptoms worsen.
Just like with most drugs, Zoloft carries many different side effects and risks. Side effects are common and are likely to improve after a few weeks of taking the medication.
Common side effects of Zoloft include:
In rare cases, Zoloft can result in serious side effects including fast or irregular heartbeat, black or bloody stools, swelling or pain in the eye, vision changes, brown or black vomit, fainting, or suicidal thoughts or ideations.
Medical attention must be sought out if you or someone you know are experiencing severe side effects from taking Zoloft.
Mixing Zoloft with other pharmaceutical or recreational drugs is extremely risky and can cause life-threatening health issues. When Zoloft is mixed with other serotonin-enhancing drugs, serotonin syndrome may occur. This condition may cause increased heartbeat, loss of coordination, high fever, hallucinations, extreme dizziness, muscle spasms, or result in death.
Inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, as Zoloft can have a negative interaction with several types of drugs. For instance, taking Zoloft while taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAO’s) can lead to serious, sometimes fatal drug interactions.
While overdosing on Zoloft alone is not as common as with other antidepressant medications, it is still possible and can cause serious health issues or, in rare cases, result in death. A Zoloft overdose may occur if too much of the drug is taken at one given time, or if it has been mixed with other mind-altering substances, like alcohol. Signs someone may be overdosing on Zoloft include:
Some of the more serious signs of a Zoloft overdose include abnormal blood pressure (dangerously low or dangerously high), hallucinations, extreme delirium, fainting or unconsciousness, inflamed pancreas, heart issues, or seizures.
In some cases, overdosing on Zoloft can result in serotonin syndrome/toxicity which can result in coma or fatality. 911 must be called immediately if someone is showing signs of a Zoloft overdose.
While Zoloft is one of the most commonly used antidepressant drugs on the market, it still holds risks for abuse, dependency, addiction, and possible overdose. Contact Quit Addiction Now (888 564-4780) to seek help for your Zoloft addiction.
