Zoloft (Sertraline HCL) an anti-depressant medication belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). It is used to manage the symptoms of major depressive illness (inclusive of bipolar disorder or manic depression). Zoloft (Sertraline HCL) is not only a drug for depression but is equally effective in reducing anxiety, insomnia, and psychomotor agitation which occasionally accompanies depression.
Zoloft (Sertraline HCL) lessens the symptoms of depression in the absence of major side effects that are experienced by several people taking the older tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors.
In the brain of every individual there a normal substance known as serotonin present. Insufficient amount of serotonin may contribute to depression, panic disorder, OCD and PTSD. Zoloft is the most effective anti-depressant drug which works to rectify the chemical imbalance of serotonin in the brain which may be associated with the symptoms of depression or anxiety. This helps in alleviating these symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Zoloft (Sertraline HCL) is a medicine which is used for curing depression and is not an addictive drug and nor is it associated with weight gain. This medication is available both in tablet and liquid form. Few of the symptoms improve within a few days of taking this medication but for the anti-depressant medication to be totally effective, it is vital that this medicine is taken for four to six or even eight weeks.
Zoloft (Sertraline HCL) is avoided in the treatment of depression in children or adolescents. Other brand names of Zoloft are Altruline, Aremis, Besitran, Dominum, Fatral, Gladem, Lesefer, Nudep, Serlain, etc.

A number of factors are responsible for the usage of this medicine for treating depression. The dose differs from person to person. Factors responsible for the dosage is – age, other medicines taken by the person, other medical conditions that the person suffers with and the medical condition for which the person is going to take this anti-depressant medicine. Generally the dose recommended is 50 to 200 mg per day. It should be taken once in the day, either in the morning or evening, and can be taken with or without food. The duration of the treatment differs from person to person.

Commonly observed side effects of the anti-depressive medicine, Zoloft (Sertraline HCL) include nausea; diarrhea; tremor; insomnia; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased sweating; sexual complaints (delayed ejaculation/orgasm); sleepiness; etc.

Medications such as lithium; pimozide; aspirin; warfarin; ibuprofen; linezolid; MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), such as Nardil, Parnate, or Marplan; etc.
Group of symptoms which is known as serotonin syndrome is caused by some Zoloft (Sertraline HCL) drug interactions which can be quite dangerous. There can also be an interaction between Alcohol and Zoloft which can cause unwanted side effects.

Beneficial in the treatment of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is further indicated to treat panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and social anxiety disorder. Zoloft is also prescribed for other conditions, such as fibromyalgia and migraines.

This depression medicine is stored at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) though storage for a short period can be permitted between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). It has to be stored away from light and moisture.

• Should be used with great caution in patients suffering with epilepsy, liver and kidney dysfunction.
• Keep your physician informed before taking Zoloft, incase you are suffering from diabetes, epilepsy, cirrhosis, unstable heart disease, allergies, etc.
• Women should keep their physician informed if they become pregnant or are thinking of conceiving or are breast feeding an infant, before taking this medicine.
• Drinking of alcohol is to be avoided.
• Refrain from stopping or adjusting the medicine without the consultation of your physician though, you are feeling better.