In the United States, Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. Sertraline, also known as Zoloft, is a drug that treats depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Off-label uses of Zoloft include the treatment for eating problems and sleeplessness.
Zoloft is a prescription drug that comes in pill, tablet, or liquid form. Zoloft is usually administered only once a day and is considered a safe and effective treatment option. Nonetheless, Zoloft abuse, reliance, withdrawal, and overdose are all common side effects.
Table of Contents:
- Facts/Statistics
- Uses Of Zoloft
- Misuse And Zoloft Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
- Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms
- Mixing Zoloft And Alcohol
- Overdose Of Zoloft
- Serotonin Syndrome And How Does It Affect You?
- Zoloft Addiction Treatment
- Zoloft Addiction Recovery
Facts/Statistics
- It has fewer adverse effects than other antidepressants; sertraline is a commonly prescribed antidepressant.
- Sertraline is only accessible as a pill with a prescription.
- Sertraline takes 4-6 weeks to achieve full impact in treating depression and anxiety disorders.
- Sertraline is commonly given once a day, with or without food.
- Adults should take 50 mg per day, with a maximum dose of 200 mg per day.
Uses Of Zoloft
Most of the time, skilled doctors prescribe zoloft only to a limited number of illnesses. These are some of the conditions
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Anxiety disorder
- Anxiety about social situations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Sertraline is also used to treat a variety of different health problems. Sertraline is sometimes used to treat drug addiction. Mental diseases are frequently encountered alongside substance usage, and Sertraline generic drugs are commonly used in these programs.
Sertraline's Beneficial Effects
SSRIs, such as sertraline, are commonly used to treat depression and have proven beneficial in the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders. Sertraline, on the other hand, is not intended to be used alone to treat mood disorders or other mental health conditions.
These drugs can be more effective, along with frequent therapy sessions with a licensed therapist. This combination has proven to be the most effective, long-term mental health treatment.
Misuse And Zoloft Addiction: Signs And Symptoms
Zoloft is generally considered safe and has been used to treat various mental illnesses in the past. It does, however, carry the risk of reliance, overuse, and withdrawal. Substance abuse is defined as taking Zoloft in a way that is not prescribed.
Self-medicating, changing the dosage quantity, or taking it more frequently might lead to addiction and drug abuse. It may even lead to severe health problems.
Some of the notable side effects of using Zoloft are
- Sleeping problems
- Restlessness
- Irritability or rage
- Appetite loss.
- Dizziness
- Uncontrollable shaking of the body
If these adverse effects do not go away or become severe, contact your doctor. Also, the following are some less common but more dangerous adverse effects:
- Headaches
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Seeing or hearing something that isn't there (hallucinating)
- Fever
- Sweating excessively
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Increased suicidal ideation or depression
- Rashes
- Breathing problems
- Hazy vision
- Bloating or gas
If you notice any symptoms, contact your physician right once. Zoloft has the potential to cause mania or hypomania.
Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms
Many patients face withdrawal symptoms when they stop using Zoloft, similar to all SSRI antidepressants. Before quitting Zoloft, you can talk to your doctor and discuss the symptoms as they might reduce gradually going off this medicine. These withdrawal symptoms aren't life-threatening, but they can be rather unpleasant.
- Swallowing problems
- Dizziness
- Joint discomfort
- Body pains or sensations of "zapping."
- Fluid accumulation in the legs or lungs (edema)
- Skin redness Sweats at night
- Hallucinations
Mixing Zoloft And Alcohol
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, altering mood and impairing the effectiveness of mood stabilizers. As a result, drinking alcohol while taking an antidepressant medicine, among other things, is not suggested.
Unfortunately, since Zoloft is a very commonly prescribed antidepressant, it may be usual to take it with alcohol. Sertraline works by controlling the activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is why this class of medications (SSRIs) is known as mood stabilizers.
On the other hand, alcohol alters the activity of various brain receptors, including GABA and dopamine, and hence has a significant potential for changing behavior and mood.
As a result, the impact of alcohol may interfere with Zoloft's primary medicinal purpose. Unfortunately, many people with mood disorders are more inclined to combine medication with intoxicating substances to boost positive experiences.
Overdose Of Zoloft
Taking too much Zoloft can result in an overdose, which can produce a range of unpleasant side effects, including:
- Fast heartbeat
- Tiredness
- Agitation
- Shaking
- Fever
When a person takes too much Zoloft, it can harm the pancreas and heart. A person may also have hallucinations, delirium, or pass out.
Excessively high serotonin levels in the brain can be caused by taking too much Zoloft, which leads to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
Serotonin Syndrome And How Does It Affect You?
Although serotonin syndrome is uncommon in Zoloft users, you could develop a life-threatening illness if you take too much of the drug. Serotonin syndrome is a disorder in which the neurotransmitter serotonin levels in the brain are dangerously high. If you take Zoloft with another SSRI, you're more likely to experience this side effect.
Hallucinations, muscle stiffness, convulsions, confusion, and coma are among warning indications of serotonin syndrome. If you are experiencing any symptoms, seek emergency medical help right once.
Do not wait if you have taken too much Zoloft or taken another drug with Zoloft. Before the effects take hold, you should notify poison control or go to an emergency center. You may be able to get your stomach pumped before the medicine is absorbed into your system if you act promptly. This will, however, usually only work if the overdose was unintentional. Most people who overdose to achieve a high or a sensation of exhilaration will experience side effects before realizing they need medical treatment.
Zoloft Addiction Treatment
Rehab Treatment
Even though Zoloft addiction is uncommon, there are still reasons to consider seeking therapy. Addicts are more likely to take drugs to cover emotional and psychological anguish.
Therapists and other specialists can assist you in effectively addressing your requirements and resuming your everyday life. It is critical, to be honest with staff about how you are feeling at all times of the day when you visit a rehab treatment facility for your Zoloft addiction.
Coming off Zoloft is risky and might lead to suicidal thoughts.
You will be secure if you express your emotions with the support of the recovery center's professionals. You will also be in counseling with a therapist to help you get to the source of your problem and avoid further addiction troubles and mental and physical harm.
Addiction to Zoloft must be addressed as seriously as any other addiction. It has the power to take your life and everything you've worked for away from you.
Detox Treatment
According to the study, there is no physical addiction to Zoloft. Still, severe withdrawals after the chemical are out of a person's system can be life-threatening since it produces severe depression, leading to suicide. The body adjusts to the SSRI, increasing serotonin levels in the body.
When detoxification occurs, the body's serotonin levels drop, making the person feel worse than before taking medicine. Many people discover that they are unable to wean themselves off antidepressants without expert assistance. If you've decided to stop taking Zoloft, consider enrolling in a rehabilitation program to safeguard your safety during this challenging time.
Do not discontinue taking Zoloft without first visiting a doctor since this could put your life in jeopardy. If you decided to go to rehab for your Zoloft addiction, you would be making a life-changing decision.
Zoloft Addiction Recovery
Getting into a Zoloft addiction treatment program can be a frightening and humiliating experience. Please keep in mind that prescription medications like Zoloft are one of the most widely abused substances. Antidepressants, for example, are frequently recommended by doctors with specific directions for daily use.
Although antidepressants are meant to benefit people, they can sometimes have the opposite effect, and taking more than prescribed can lead to addiction. There is no shame in seeking Zoloft addiction treatment. Like a cocaine addiction, Zoloft can wreck your life.
Mentally, physically, and spiritually, you will improve during treatment. You'll start living a life where you're pleased and surrounded by people who understand your situation. To keep oneself occupied, you should get active in a recovery community.
Conclusion
Addiction to Zoloft can be extremely tough to overcome on your own. Many people go back and forth from trying to quit entirely and experiencing withdrawal symptoms to needing it more and using higher doses.
If you're having trouble controlling your dosage and wish to taper off Zoloft properly, get in touch with us. You can be provided with several treatment options, in addition to medical detox.
FAQ
Is it possible to become addicted to Zoloft?
Experts are still debating whether Zoloft is physically addictive. When you quit taking Zoloft, clinical trials revealed no withdrawal syndrome or drug-seeking behavior typical of drugs that provide a high.
However, because Zoloft affects the central nervous system, clinicians must be mindful of previous drug usage. This can lead to Zoloft misuse or abuse, which is marked by tolerance to the drug, increasing doses, and drug-seeking behavior.
How Do I Know If I am Dependent on Zoloft?
Regardless of the pain it is creating in your life; you will be unable to stay away from Zoloft. Another way to tell is, try to stop, and your body experiences withdrawal symptoms.
Is it possible to get off Zoloft?
It is feasible to get off Zoloft. You must be willing to improve your life and have the courage to seek out.
When you take Zoloft, how long does it stay in your system?
To comprehend how long Zoloft stays in your system, you must first understand the notion of half-life. In the field of drugs, half-life refers to the time it takes for half of a drug to leave a person's system. So, if a chemical has a half-life of one week, it will be 50% out of the system after that time.
The half-life of Zoloft is approximately 25-26 hours. As a result, the levels of Zoloft in a person's system will reduce by 50% after one day. The classes will be at 25% two days after you stop using them. This process continues until all traces of Zoloft have vanished from the body.
What is the Zoloft Lethal Dose?
The LD-50 of the medication is 2000 mg per kilogram of body weight. It is critical to use this medication only as directed by a skilled medical professional. Sertraline should never be combined with alcohol, medical marijuana, or any other substance.