What is the max dose of zoloft

Zoloft Dosage Guide - Drugs.com

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Generic name: SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE 25mg
Dosage forms: tablet, film coated, oral concentrate
Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 15, 2023.

Dosage in Patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, and SAD

The recommended initial dosage and maximum ZOLOFT dosage in patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, and SAD are displayed in Table 1 below. A dosage of 25 mg or 50 mg per day is the initial therapeutic dosage.

For adults and pediatric patients, subsequent dosages may be increased in case of an inadequate response in 25 to 50 mg per day increments once a week, depending on tolerability, up to a maximum of 200 mg per day. Given the 24-hour elimination half-life of ZOLOFT, the recommended interval between dose changes is one week.

Table 1: Recommended Daily Dosage of ZOLOFT in Patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, and SAD
Indication	Starting Dose	Therapeutic Range
Adults
MDD	50 mg	50-200 mg
OCD	50 mg
PD, PTSD, SAD	25 mg
Pediatric Patients
OCD (ages 6-12 years old)	25 mg	50-200 mg
OCD (ages 13-17 years old)	50 mg	50-200 mg

Dosage in Patients with PMDD

The recommended starting ZOLOFT dosage in adult women with PMDD is 50 mg per day. ZOLOFT may be administered either continuously (every day throughout the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, i.e., starting the daily dosage 14 days prior to the anticipated onset of menstruation and continuing through the onset of menses). Intermittent dosing would be repeated with each new cycle.

•: When dosing continuously, patients not responding to a 50 mg dosage may benefit from dosage increases at 50 mg increments per menstrual cycle up to 150 mg per day.
•: When dosing intermittently, patients not responding to a 50 mg dosage may benefit from increasing the dosage up to a maximum of 100 mg per day during the next menstrual cycle (and subsequent cycles) as follows: 50 mg per day during the first 3 days of dosing followed by 100 mg per day during the remaining days in the dosing cycle.

Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting ZOLOFT

Prior to initiating treatment with ZOLOFT or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [See Warnings and Precautions (5. 4)].

Dosage Modifications in Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Both the recommended starting dosage and therapeutic range in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child Pugh scores 5 or 6) are half the recommended daily dosage [See Dosage and Administration (2.1, 2.2)]. The use of ZOLOFT in patients with moderate (Child Pugh scores 7 to 9) or severe hepatic impairment (Child Pugh scores 10-15) is not recommended [See Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant

At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of ZOLOFT. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping ZOLOFT before starting an MAOI antidepressant [See Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Discontinuation of Treatment with ZOLOFT

Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of ZOLOFT [See Warnings and Precautions (5. 5)]. Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping ZOLOFT abruptly whenever possible.

Preparation of ZOLOFT Oral Solution

ZOLOFT oral solution must be diluted before use.

•: Use the supplied calibrated dropper to measure the amount of ZOLOFT oral solution needed
•: Note: The supplied calibrated dropper has 25 mg and 50 mg graduation marks only
•: Mix with 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade or orange juice ONLY. After mixing, a slight haze may appear, which is normal.

Instruct patients or caregivers to immediately take the dose after mixing.

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Zoloft for anxiety; Dosages, interactions, and more

Living with anxiety can make daily life difficult. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available for anxiety that can help people find relief from their symptoms. Zoloft is one medication that may help. In this guide, we’ll explain to you what Zoloft is and how to take it for anxiety.

Taking Zoloft for anxiety

Anxiety is a prevalent condition that affects people all over the world. An estimated 31% of all adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life, and SingleCare’s anxiety survey found that 62% of respondents experienced some degree of anxiety. Zoloft is the brand name of a generic medication called sertraline. It’s a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that treats anxiety by slowing down the reabsorption of serotonin. Zoloft treats several mental health conditions:

Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Depression (also known as major depressive disorder)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Zoloft may treat anxiety if psychological treatments, like cognitive behavioral therapy, aren’t working or if your healthcare professional/psychiatrist thinks it will improve your quality of life in combination with other methods like therapy.

What’s the right Zoloft dosage for anxiety?

The right dosage of Zoloft for anxiety varies by the severity of anxiety and whether the patient has other medical conditions. In general, though, the initial therapeutic dosage of Zoloft for anxiety is 25 mg or 50 mg per day.

Zoloft tablets are available in three dosage strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The maximum dose of Zoloft is 200 mg per day (which can be taken as two 100 mg tablets).

Most studies suggest that the most effective dose of Zoloft is 50 mg per day. This dose is proven to be the most effective and tolerable dose for most patients. People who don’t respond to 50 mg per day may be advised by their doctor to increase their dose of Zoloft by 50 mg per day at weekly intervals to a maximum of 200 mg per day. For example, a doctor might recommend taking 50 mg daily for one week, then 100 mg daily for one week, etc. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for use—and only change doses under the guidance and direction of your provider. Do not initiate dosage changes on your own.

Zoloft is also available in liquid form as an oral solution. The oral solution comes as a clear, colorless solution with a menthol scent that contains 20 mg of sertraline per mL, at 12% alcohol. It comes in a 60 mL bottle with a calibrated dropper with 25 mg and 50 mg measuring marks. Zoloft oral solution must be mixed (just before taking) into 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water, orange juice, lemonade, ginger ale, or lemon or lime soda before consumption.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for use and do not change the dose of Zoloft on your own. Symptoms of a Zoloft overdose may include seizures, coma, heart problems, high blood pressure, and serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur from the buildup of excess serotonin and requires emergency medical attention. If you think you overdosed on Zoloft, you can call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, but if your symptoms seem severe or life-threatening, you should call 911 and go directly to the emergency room.

When does Zoloft start working for anxiety?

Zoloft doesn’t work immediately, so don’t stop taking Zoloft if your symptoms don’t improve right away. It takes two to six weeks to start reducing anxiety symptoms. Some people may feel a reduction in their anxiety symptoms within the first week of taking Zoloft, but this shouldn’t be expected for everyone.

How does Zoloft make you feel?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some of the earliest signs that Zoloft is working are improvements in sleep, energy, or appetite. These improvements could happen one to two weeks into taking the medication.

More significant changes, like feeling less depressed or regaining interest in daily life, may take six to eight weeks to occur. Over time, many people will notice a substantial difference in their anxiety symptoms, and some people may eventually have no symptoms at all.

Side effects

Here are the most common side effects of Zoloft you may experience when you start taking it:

Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Lightheadedness
Dry mouth
Nausea
Diarrhea
Increased sweating
Restlessness
Sexual side effects like sexual dysfunction
Fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Nervousness

Some side effects may be more noticeable at first, but then disappear as your body gets used to the medicine.

Sexual side effects

Sometimes, individuals who take an antidepressant like Zoloft may experience sexual side effects. In men, symptoms may include delayed ejaculation, decreased sex drive, and/or problems getting or maintaining an erection—and in women, decreased sex drive and problems having an orgasm. Patients who are experiencing sexual side effects should consult their healthcare provider. Although it may feel uncomfortable to talk about these issues with your prescriber, it is very common and there are solutions available.

Serious side effects

Although it’s rare, Zoloft may cause more serious side effects like unusual weight loss, low sodium blood levels, increased risk of bleeding (especially when combined with certain drugs like blood thinners or NSAIDs), seizures, and serious allergic or skin reactions.

Serious allergic or skin reactions

While rare, having a serious allergic or skin reaction can be life-threatening and cause death. People with symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat) should get emergency medical help right away. Likewise, those with symptoms of a serious skin reaction (hives, blistering or peeling skin, red or purple rash, fever, burning eyes, sore throat) should seek emergency medical attention.

Increased risk of bleeding

SSRI drugs, including Zoloft, can increase the risk of bleeding (which may range from mild to life-threatening), especially when taken with certain other medications. Examples of these medicines include:

Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Celebrex (celecoxib), Mobic (meloxicam), or Motrin (ibuprofen)
Anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin)
Antiplatelet drugs such as Plavix (clopidogrel)

Patients should discuss all the drugs they take with their healthcare professionals before taking Zoloft. This includes prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

Warnings

Zoloft also comes with a black box warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A black box, or boxed, warning, is the strongest warning required by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Short-term studies have shown that antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults compared to a placebo. However, people of any age who take Zoloft should be monitored, so seek medical advice right away if you’re taking Zoloft and start to have mood changes and/or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Contraindications

Zoloft is not safe for everyone. Zoloft should not be used in:

People who are allergic to sertraline or any SSRI medication such as Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), or Lexapro (escitalopram)
People who have taken an MAOI drug in the last 14 days
People with moderate to severe liver problems (Child-Pugh Class B-C)

Additionally, Zoloft should never be stopped abruptly (with few exceptions, such as in the event of a life-threatening reaction). When it is time to stop taking Zoloft, the healthcare professional will provide a tapering schedule so that the medication is stopped safely and slowly, over a period of time. Stopping Zoloft abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, vertigo, shock sensations, confusion, sleep problems, and seizures.

There are also certain instances when Zoloft may be used with caution and close monitoring. Before taking Zoloft, tell your prescriber about all of the medications you take and all of your medical conditions, especially if you:

Consume alcohol
Are at risk of bleeding
Have liver problems
Have mental health conditions or a history of mental health conditions
Have glaucoma
Have electrolyte abnormalities
Have (or have a history of) heart or heart rhythm problems
Have a history of seizures

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about how to take Zoloft if you’re taking any of the following medications:

Other medications that increase serotonin because of the risk of serotonin syndrome (such as other antidepressants, opioid pain medications, muscle relaxants, cough suppressants, or migraine medications in the triptan drug class)
Disulfiram
Blood thinners such as warfarin
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen
St. John’s Wort
Lithium
Nardil (phenelzine)
Parnate (tranylcypromine)
Marplan (isocarboxazid)
Azilect (rasagiline)
Emsam (selegiline)
Orap (pimozide)

Zoloft taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other drugs that increase serotonin (such as other antidepressants, triptans, and dextromethorphan which is found in cough and cold products) could cause serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening emergency that can cause hallucinations, seizures, comas, tremors, delirium, and other serious side effects.

RELATED: Is it safe to take anti-anxiety medication with alcohol?

What is the most effective antidepressant for anxiety?

There is no single antidepressant that’s best for treating anxiety. What works for one person may not work for another. Depression symptoms will completely go away for about 1 out of every 3 people who take SSRIs, but more research still needs to be done on why SSRIs work for some people and not for others. Your healthcare provider is the best person to ask which antidepressant will be most effective for you.

“Other SSRI medications can be effective for anxiety such as Prozac or Celexa or Paxil, yet each has some side effects—notably lowered libido and weight gain,” says Uma Naidoo, MD, a psychiatrist at Mass General Hospital in Boston. “Benzodiazepines are very effective in the short term while under the care of a doctor, but these are potentially addicting medications and must be used with immense caution and only as a short-term measure, e.g., grief following the death of a family member,” says Dr. Naidoo. Benzodiazepines are controlled substances, and have the potential for abuse and dependence, and include drugs such as Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam).

As mentioned earlier, your healthcare provider is the best person to ask about how to treat anxiety. Medications can be effective in treating anxiety, but Dr. Naidoo says you may have other options as well. Some additional ways to combat anxiety, in combination with your prescription medication, may include:

Talk therapy: Patients with anxiety can benefit from regular sessions with a therapist.
Physical exercise: Regular physical exercise (as approved by your doctor) can be helpful to many people, improving symptoms of anxiety and helping you sleep better, in addition to improving overall health. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that is appropriate for you.
Mindfulness and breathing exercises: Mindfulness can help people focus on the present and help reduce anxiety and depression.
Dietary changes: Eating regular, healthy meals will help keep your blood sugar steady, avoiding that jittery feeling from low blood sugar, which may add to anxiety. A registered dietician is often covered by insurance and can be a very helpful resource in instituting dietary changes.

Your physician can help you come up with a treatment plan that will fit well into your life.

When to see a doctor

If you are experiencing anxiety that is interfering with your quality of life, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Start with your primary care provider, who can often recommend some lifestyle changes, start you on a medication, and/or provide recommendations for a therapist. You will be on your way to feeling better soon, and you will be glad you reached out for help.

Treatment of comorbid obsessive-compulsive and depressive disorders in childhood

The problem of treating mental disorders in childhood is one of the most urgent and complex. This is due, on the one hand, to the complexity of their differential diagnosis in this age group and, accordingly, the choice of adequate therapy, and, on the other hand, to special care that must be taken when prescribing pharmacotherapy [5]. The latter is largely determined by the features of pharmacokinetics in an ontogenetically formed organism. The difference from adults is that in children the process of absorption of the drug, getting into the blood and its excretion is accelerated. It is also important to note a lower level of drug binding to blood proteins and, as a result, an increased amount of free fractions in the blood. This leads to a faster onset of both therapeutic effect and adverse events. In addition, drugs used in pediatric practice should have a wide “therapeutic window” so as not to pose a threat to life in case of overdose, especially in adolescents who are at risk for suicidal activity [1, 3] The incidence of side effects in drugs for pediatric practice should be minimal and they should be as mild and quickly passing as possible [3].

Given the high prevalence of depressive disorders in childhood, the issues of their treatment are especially relevant [4]. Over the past decades, there has been a steady increase in the frequency of these disorders, outstripping the general trend in the growth of mental disorders [2]. Depression leads to impaired social functioning and school performance. Adolescents suffering from depression are significantly more likely to commit suicide attempts, use psychoactive substances, are characterized by deviant behavior, difficult relationships with family and environment, and later in life have more problems in family, social and professional spheres. In the age group of 10-14 years, completed suicide is the fourth most common cause of death, and in the age group of 14-19years comes in third place [16]. All this determines the importance of early diagnosis and active treatment of depression in children and adolescents. The sooner depression is recognized, the less severe its consequences will be. The earlier treatment is started, the less effort and time it will require, and the better the result will be.

The clinical picture of mental disorders in childhood is characterized by pronounced polymorphism, which is largely associated with the combination of several psychopathological syndromes [2], which often requires the appointment of combined therapy with antidepressants, anxiolytics and neuroleptics. Therefore, drugs used in pediatric practice need a favorable profile of drug interactions with a minimum of undesirable symptoms that occur when several drugs are co-administered [9-eleven]. In childhood, depression is most common with a predominance of somatic equivalents, as well as in combination with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and anxiety disorders, therefore, antidepressants with thymoleptic and simultaneously with anxiolytic properties that do not cause undesirable effects should be the most optimal for the treatment of childhood depression. side effects [16]. The emergence of drugs that selectively block serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) has significantly expanded the range of possibilities for treating OCD and depressive disorders in childhood. However, the existing age restrictions associated with the lack of relevant clinical trials are still an obstacle to providing the safest and most adequate therapy using these agents.

Thus, the problem of an adequate choice of antidepressant therapy in children, taking into account the age specificity of the psychopathological picture of depression, remains relevant. An important aspect of therapy in childhood should include the possibility of treatment with drugs that are sufficient to be taken once a day, which significantly improves patient compliance. These drugs include an antidepressant from the SSRI class Zoloft (sertraline) from Pfizer [5]. Due to the selective inhibition of serotonin uptake, it has a very weak effect on the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, has no affinity for muscarinic cholinergic receptors, serotonin, dopamine, histamine, GABA-, benzodiazepine and adrenoreceptors and therefore does not have a stimulating, sedative or anticholinergic effect. Sertraline does not cause drug dependence and weight gain with long-term use. Data obtained in previous clinical trials on the high efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of depression in children and adolescents substantiate the possibility of its use in this age group [8, 12-14, 17].

One of the largest is an international multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness of sertraline treatment of depression in children and adolescents, conducted by S. Sharp and J. Hellings [16], who studied 376 people aged 6-17 years, whose diagnosis according to the DSM -IV met the criteria for major depressive disorder. Patients included in the main group took sertraline (zoloft) at a dose of 50 to 200 mg per day for 10 weeks. The Children Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRSR) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scales were used as assessment tools. A significant improvement in performance in children taking sertraline began to be observed already by the 7th day of admission. Side effects in the form of diarrhea, nausea and agitation were observed in only 7 people, 6 of whom belonged to the placebo group, which illustrates only the extremely high placebo reactivity characteristic of childhood.

In other studies, side effects were also considered to be non-serious. So S. Donnely et al. [12], evaluating the efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of 189 outpatients aged 6 to 17 years with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, double-blind for 10 weeks, showed that sertraline is well tolerated: only 8% of patients interrupted treatment because of - for side effects (2.1% - in the placebo group). Adverse events included diarrhea, anorexia, and agitation. E. Tierney et al. [17] retrospectively assessed the therapeutic and side effects of sertraline used at doses of 25-200 mg per day in 33 patients aged 8 to 18 years with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and identified side effects in 16 patients, while 8 patients discontinued therapy due to for these manifestations. Changes in behavior were observed in 7 patients (2 patients developed hypomania). M. Nixon et al. [14] followed 21 outpatients aged 12 to 18 years in an open 6-month study and found only minor side effects in the form of headaches.

Zoloft (sertraline) is the drug with the most extensively studied pharmacokinetic profile in childhood and adolescence of all SSRIs. The half-life of sertraline in children and adults is approximately the same, and the maximum concentration (C max.) and clearance in the blood in children are slightly higher, and in adolescents somewhat lower than in adults, which is reflected in the dosing regimens of the drug in patients of different age categories [ 7] (Fig. 1) . Figure 1. Pharmacokinetic characteristics of sertraline in pediatric practice. However, in the Russian Federation, in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years, Zoloft is recommended for the treatment of only OCD, but not depression, despite the clinical experience obtained both in our country and abroad [6, 15], which shows a high antidepressant effect. effectiveness of Zoloft in this age group.

Purpose of the study conducted in 2011-2012 in the Department for the Study of Child Psychiatry with the Childhood Autism Research Group of the Scientific Center for Mental Health of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, consisted in assessing the clinical efficacy, tolerability and safety of Zoloft in the treatment of comorbid OCD depression in pediatric patients. Zoloft was prescribed to patients on a planned basis as the drug of choice for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Studying the reduction of OCD symptoms was not part of the aim of the study.

Material and methods

We analyzed the condition of 26 inpatients aged 7 to 14 years (mean age 10.0±1.6 years) who had a combination of OCD and depressive disorders in the clinical picture. The picture of depression met the ICD-10 criteria for a depressive episode of moderate and mild severity (F-32). These disorders were observed in the structure of mood disorders (F3x) in 6 people, schizotypal disorder (F21x) - in 8, schizoaffective disorder (F25x) - in 5, OCD (F4x) in combination with mood disorders - in 7. Patients with schizotypal and schizoaffective disorders disorders received zoloft in combination with antipsychotics. Patients with comorbid depressive disorders and OCD received Zoloft monotherapy.

Zoloft was administered once in the evening, starting at 25 mg. In the absence of individual intolerance, the next day the dose was increased to 50 mg per day. Subsequently, the dose was increased in steps of 25-50 mg per week until a therapeutic effect was achieved. The average effective dose of Zoloft was 100 mg per day (75 to 150 mg). The maximum dosage used mainly in children over 12 years of age was 150 mg per day. The dynamics of the condition was assessed weekly for 6 weeks of therapy using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D 21), the Beck Subjective Depression Rating Scale, the Global Clinical Impression of Change (CGI-I), and the severity (CGI-S) mental state scales.

According to the structure of depressive symptoms, the patients were distributed as follows: 12 patients - depression with a predominance of anxiety; 5- melancholic depression; 9 - dysphoric depression (depression with behavioral disorders).

The severity of the depressive state of the patients included in the study, before the start of Zoloft therapy, corresponded to mild (4 patients), moderate (14), and severe (8) depression. The average score on the HAM-D scale was (16.4±3.2).

Results and discussion

All 26 patients included in the study completed the course of therapy, which is a high indicator of thymoanaleptic activity and tolerance to the drug. The proportion of patients receiving the maximum therapeutic dosage of the drug (150 mg per day) was 35% (9 patients), which also positively characterizes the tolerability of the drug.

The dynamics of depressive disorders during Zoloft therapy was characterized by a rapid onset (already on the 2nd week) of a positive therapeutic effect (a decrease by an average of 3.8 points on the HAM-D scale) and a further gradual reduction in depressive symptoms by the 6th week (fig. 2) .Figure 2. Dynamics of depressive symptoms according to the Hamilton scale. As the most common depressive symptoms in pediatric patients, manifestations of anxiety and sleep disturbances, as well as somatic symptoms, came to the fore. The effectiveness of Zoloft in relation to anxiety disorders was assessed by sections of the scale: mental anxiety, sleep disorders, general somatic symptoms and general depressive mood. First of all, positive changes concerned the general depressive mood and insomnia. Patients noted the disappearance of difficulties falling asleep, the restoration of the duration and depth of night sleep already from the end of the 1st - the beginning of the 2nd week of therapy, which made it possible to dispense with the additional prescription of tranquilizers with a hypnotic effect. At 2-4 weeks of therapy, anxiety, restlessness, separation anxiety, which easily occurs at the moment of separation from the mother or other significant people, decreased. The focus on anxious experiences lost its relevance, anxiety, fears of possible failures disappeared. Patients stopped complaining about the fear of the dark, being without parents, unfamiliar people or places. These changes were reflected in the reduction of scores in the mental anxiety section of the HAM-D scale. The general somatic symptoms of depression were reduced somewhat later - on the 4-6th week of therapy, which was expressed in the disappearance of complaints of abdominal pain, headache, feelings of lethargy and loss of strength.

The high overall effectiveness of treatment is reflected in the scores on the scales of the overall clinical impression - CGI-I and CGI-S. So, already from the 7th day of treatment, the value of the indicator of the severity of the disease decreased. According to the reduction of the indicator of the global assessment of the dynamics of the mental state, the significance was achieved by the 4th week of treatment. In terms of the effectiveness of therapy, there was a similar dynamics of changes in the state of patients (Fig. 3) . Figure 3. Dynamics of indicators on the CGI-I, CGI-S scales. The starting average total CGI-S score of 4.2 decreased to 2 points after 6 weeks of therapy. The mean CGI-I total score at the final visit (week 6) was 1.5 (significant improvement).

Clinically, as early as the 1st week of treatment, all children showed a significant improvement in well-being. The tearfulness disappeared rather quickly. At the 2nd week of therapy, the ability to express joy, appetite improved, and suicidal thoughts were deactivated. On the 3rd week, against the background of a gradual improvement, working capacity and social activity increased - the children willingly joined rehabilitation classes and began to attend classes.

Most of the patients included in the study did not experience adverse events while taking Zoloft. One patient noted increased morning sleepiness during the first 3 days of taking Zoloft at a dose of 50 mg per day, which disappeared on the 4th day with continued use of the drug at the same dose. After the 1st week of therapy, 2 patients with a diagnosis of schizotypal disorder developed signs of hypomania with behavioral disorders when the dose of Zoloft was increased to 100 mg per day. After reducing the dose of Zoloft to 50 mg per day and introducing a behavior-correcting drug (neuleptil - 3 mg per day), the condition returned to normal over the next week. In 1 patient, when the dose was increased to 150 mg per day, tremor of the fingers and tongue was noted, which was reduced when the dosage was reduced to 100 mg per day.

In 2 cases, short-term episodes of nausea were noted during the 1st week, which did not recur later.

On the ECG and in the general clinical analyzes for a period of 6 weeks of therapy, no abnormalities were detected. There were no subjective complaints about side effects from the gastrointestinal tract and the autonomic nervous system (persistent nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, diarrhea, accommodation disorders, excretion disorders). Common side effects of antidepressants, such as hypotension, tachycardia, and syncope, have also not been identified. All patients continued to take Zoloft after the end of the study - both inpatient (12 people) and outpatient. Data on the evaluation of adverse events are in good agreement with the results of previous studies and indicate a favorable tolerability and safety profile of Zoloft in pediatric patients with depression.

The data obtained on the efficacy and tolerability of Zoloft in the treatment of various types of depression in childhood and the possibility of its use in the combined therapy of depressive symptoms, including schizophrenic disorders, indicate the need for further study of modern antidepressants in order to expand age limits and provide children with the most modern pharmacological preparations.

Zoloft withdrawal syndrome - Healthy Youth Center

Zoloft – what is this drug? The active substance of the drug is sertraline. It belongs to the pharmacological group of antidepressants and is prescribed to patients with the following symptoms: depression, OCD, panic disorders, PTSD, social phobia. Zoloft is a powerful serotonin reuptake inhibitor in human brain cells.

More than 1/3 of people face the dangerous consequences of abrupt withdrawal of Zoloft. In narcology, this phenomenon is called withdrawal syndrome or withdrawal syndrome. The time of onset of symptoms of withdrawal syndrome when used is directly proportional to the half-life of the drug from the body. A drug such as Zoloft is addictive with systematic irregular use, therefore, there is also a Zoloft withdrawal syndrome, which usually occurs 3-5 days after the last use of the drug. The symptoms of Zoloft withdrawal syndrome are quite difficult to recognize, so people think that the disease has returned and start using the medicine again.

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How to reduce the dose of Zoloft correctly?

The course of treatment with Zoloft usually lasts no more than 8 weeks (about two months). As with the use of other antidepressants, an unreasonable increase in the duration of its use leads to negative consequences for human health. However, even before the period prescribed by the doctor, it is not recommended to stop taking the drug, since the gradual disappearance of symptoms is not a reason to complete the course. How long can I take Zoloft?

How much Zoloft can I take?

Many patients wonder how much Zoloft should be taken? Naturally, the duration of the course is strictly individual. So, how long can you take Zoloft? Only the attending physician, depending on the symptoms present, will be able to tell you how much Zoloft should be taken in your case. A specialist can prescribe a medication for 6-12 months, but this happens in exceptional cases.

The risk of developing withdrawal symptoms is increased in the following cases:

abrupt withdrawal of the drug and its removal from the body;
regular intake over two months;
excessive anxiety;
Combination with anti-hypertension, allergy and antipsychotic drugs.

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How to cancel and stop drinking Zoloft?

Zoloft causes a withdrawal syndrome when it is stopped abruptly. This drug affects the processes occurring in the human brain, so you should take the medicine only with a doctor's prescription. How to stop taking the drug and "get off" from Zoloft? To avoid the withdrawal syndrome, the dosage of the medication according to the medical plan is reduced by 25 mg every 14 days. If a stable remission is achieved after a course of treatment, the doctor will stop taking the drug. However, the specialist will cancel the drug if the patient experiences side effects, insomnia and headache from Zoloft are not uncommon.

In which case the doctor can cancel the medication:

the patient has a headache;
causeless sadness, anxiety;
feeling of devastation;
nervousness, irritability;
weakness;
suicidal tendencies;
sleep and appetite disorders;
decrease in concentration.

If a person has lost their appetite or has regular headaches, the doctor begins a gradual process of reducing the dosage. The therapeutic dose is reduced over several weeks, and sometimes months.

Symptoms of withdrawal after taking

Is it possible to abruptly stop taking the medicine? Abrupt withdrawal of the drug threatens the occurrence of withdrawal or withdrawal. The human body, accustomed to a certain dose of the drug, will respond without an adaptation period. Most often, a deterioration in the patient's health is noted within 2-4 days after the last use. Depending on the individual characteristics and the state of the central nervous system, withdrawal symptoms may be different.

Symptoms and signs of withdrawal

nervousness;
irritability;
irritability;
insomnia;
nausea, vomiting;
headaches;
incoordination, balancez.

In some cases, a person will not even feel dangerous signs, and sometimes you may need to call an ambulance for drug treatment from the Center for Healthy Youth. Therefore, if you feel a deterioration in the condition, it is worth contacting a doctor who will help reduce the dose and improve overall well-being.

How long does Zoloft withdrawal last?

Withdrawal symptoms can persist without drug treatment for quite a long time, for several weeks. While taking antidepressants, the activity of neurons changes, so after stopping the drugs, the body needs time to rebuild and adapt to new conditions. The longer the course of treatment was, the longer the rehabilitation period will be. Withdrawal symptoms will not disappear until the active substance of the drug is excreted from the body. If general weakness lasts for a month, you should contact your doctor or specialists from the Healthy Youth Center.

When does Zoloft start to act and help?

It is important to understand that Zoloft does not begin to act immediately, but after a certain period of time. How long does Zoloft take to work? As a rule, the first positive dynamics begins to be noticeable to the patient only after 2-3 weeks of regular use. The maximum effect is noticeable after 2-3 months of admission.

Discontinuation considerations

When choosing antidepressants, it is important to know which medications the patient has previously taken and which medications they are currently taking. Before prescribing an effective remedy that normalizes the work of the central nervous system, the doctor conducts a number of necessary examinations, identifies existing contraindications and prevents side effects.

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