ZOLOFT helps treat depression.

Zoloft is effectively used to treat depression. It is also used to treat social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. Zoloft is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years.

How does Zoloft work?

Zoloft is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. Nerve cells in the brain and the rest of the nervous system use chemical messengers. These messengers help cells send messages to each other. One of these messengers is called serotonin. Studies show that serotonin plays an important role in how our body works. It controls sleep, appetite, temperature, and blood vessel tone. Serotonin is also in charge of the release of certain hormones and how much pain we feel.

Because it is connected to so many functions in our body, serotonin has an effect on a wide range of conditions such as depression. Scientists believe people with depression could have an imbalance of serotonin in their brains. So the nerve cells can't communicate or send messages to each other the right way. This lack of contact between cells might cause depression. Zoloft helps fix the nerve cells so they can send messages to each other the way they normally should.

What are the signs and symptoms of depression?

It is important to know that depression is a common medical condition with very specific symptoms. Signs and symptoms might be different for each person. Depression defined:

• A lasting sad mood and/or
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most activities

People may experience several or all of these symptoms:

• Changes in appetite or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Restlessness or decreased activity that others notice
• Loss of energy or feeling tired all the time
• Hard time concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Repeated thoughts of death or suicide

For a doctor to decide that someone is clinically depressed, the person must have five or more of these symptoms and at least one must be either of the first two main symptoms of depression. These symptoms must last for at least two weeks. The symptoms should be serious enough to cause worry and to get in the way of the person's work, social life, or daily life.

Are there any side effects?

Some people taking Zoloft might have side effects. The most common Zoloft side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea, and sleepiness. Not everyone will experience side effects. If side effects persist or worsen while taking Zoloft, contact your doctor right away.