Is Zoloft a Good Medication for Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental condition that is characterized by feelings of fear and extreme stress. Anxiety symptoms include tense muscles, sweating, headaches, trembling and nausea. The Zoloft medication produced by the Pfizer Inc. is often prescribed to treat anxiety conditions in adults.

Types

Zoloft is approved to treat specific anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Zoloft is occasionally prescribed to OCD children aged 6 to 17.

Function

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which blocks the reabsorption of the serotonin neurotransmitter. Serotonin is thought to regulate feelings of anxiety and depression.

Dosage

Zoloft is prescribed in 25 milligram, 50 milligram and 100 milligrams oral tablets. The average half-life of a Zoloft dosage is 26 hours.

Side Effects

Some anxiety patients taking Zoloft suffer from headaches, insomnia, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach and sexual problems. Other common side effects include an increase in sweating, blurred vision and uncontrollable tremors.

Warnings

Anxiety patients who take Zoloft need to contact their physicians immediately if they notice worsening or new anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, severe restlessness or impulsive actions.

References

• The Anxiety Community: Zoloft
• Zoloft Side Effects
• Zoloft.com: Types of Anxiety

Resources

• Zoloft.com: What to Expect
• Zoloft.com: How Zoloft Works

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