If you suffer from panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, or some other social anxiety, it could be that Zoloft has been recommended for you. However, before you agree to take this medication you should first consider the side effects of Zoloft.

Zoloft is an SSRI which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It works by improving your overall mood, relieving anxieties, lowering fear, and actually reducing certain compulsions. It does these things by providing balance for various chemicals, like serotonin, in the brain. Unfortunately, the side effects of Zoloft may make this an unattractive treatment option for some people despite the many potential benefits of this particular medication.

One of the side effects of Zoloft that many patients feel very uncomfortable with is that Zoloft, and other SSRI's like it, can actually have the opposite effect to the desired one. In some patients it increases depression and, along with that there are increased suicidal thoughts and attempts. Although this particular side effect of Zoloft is not altogether common it certainly bears mentioning. This side effect seems to be more common in people below the age of 25 years but it does occur in older people as well. It is vital that anybody who is on a Zoloft prescription should know of the possibility of this side effect occurring. If you are currently on this medication and you have experienced more feelings of depression and/or suicidal thoughts, then it is essential that you inform your doctor.

Notify your doctor if you begin to notice these side effects of Zoloft: loss of interest in sex, weight loss that can't be explained, delayed ejaculation, jaundice, uncontrollable shaking, thoughts of suicide, dark urine, vomit or stool that is the consistency of coffee grounds, severe stomach pain, black stool, or if you suspect an allergic reaction.

Zoloft should rather not be taken by anyone with a family or personal history of bipolar disorder, seizures, kidney, thyroid or liver disease, and suicidal thoughts or tenancies. Children should not be placed on Zoloft, because of the side effect that causes weight loss, since most kids should not rapidly loose weight. As with any medication Zoloft should never accompany alcohol, especially since it causes sleepiness.

Another of the potential side effects of Zoloft is that when taken alongside other medications it can interact with them. This can potentially damage your health so it is vital that you and your physician know precisely what other medications and supplements you are taking, even if only over the counter pain relievers. Remember, it is your body and you have the right to be actively involved in ensuring its overall well-being.

It is important that you know you must never adjust your dosage, or stop taking your Zoloft, or other SSRI, on your own. Doing so without a doctor's guidance can result in some rather serious withdrawal symptoms. SSRI dosages need to be gradually decreased only under the supervision of a doctor.

If you decide the side effects of Zoloft that could be experienced are not acceptable then make sure you discuss it plainly with your doctor. After-all, your ultimate objective is to have peace of mind which means you do not need to be stressing over the medication. And, if you would prefer, there are natural, herbal anxiety remedies that are available that do not carry the same risks but do provide the same benefits.