Zoloft Antidepressant for Treating Mental Depression

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Sober Recovery Expert Author

Zoloft antidepressant medication may be recommended by your doctor for treating depression. If you are new to the field of antidepressants, you may be surprised about this particular drug and its properties. Here we'll answer some questions for you, including: What is this drug? Why has your doctor chosen the antidepressant Zoloft in treating your condition? What can it do to alleviate symptoms of depression? What side effects, if any, are associated with its use?

Zoloft and Its Applications

Zoloft is an effective medication for treating depression and is FDA approved. It is used to treat other disorders that may include social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a more severe version of premenstrual syndrome).

Zoloft antidepressant medication may be recommended by your doctor for treating depression. If you are new to antidepressants, this article helps explain the properties of this drug and how it works.

Your doctor will be aware that Zoloft antidepressant medication is generally well tolerated and is the number one doctor-prescribed brand of its kind--it has been used to treat more people than any other medication of its kind over the last decade. This drug has helped millions of sufferers and has been used over a 14-year period.

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is not habit forming and is usually not associated with weight gain. It is available in multiple strengths (25mg, 50mg, or 100mg). Your doctor can decide on which dose is appropriate for you.

How Zoloft Works

Zoloft alleviates symptoms of depression by working to correct the balance of serotonin levels in the brain. Nerve cells use chemical messengers to communicate and, if you are suffering from depression, these messengers may not have been communicating in the way they should have been. Zoloft helps nerve cells to transmit messages more effectively.

When taking Zoloft, some side effects may be encountered; however these are minimal and usually the benefits outweigh effects such as nausea, sleepiness, or insomnia, dry mouth or possible sexual side effects. If you are concerned, discuss any issues with your doctor.

Often, just knowing what to expect lessens fear of the unknown. Communication with your doctor is a key element in the journey to feeling better.

Alternatives to Zoloft

If you are considering alternative treatment options over taking Zoloft antidepressant medication, the good news is that there are potent, natural remedies available, which work to calm the nervous system and treat depression effectively. Natural supplements are specifically formulated to address underlying causes of depression, working to correct neurotransmitter malfunction. Deficiencies of certain amino acids and minerals can affect vitality and feelings of well being.

Natural preparations incorporate vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, specialty supplements and herbal extracts, as well as other ingredients, including:

  • chamomile, which offers beneficial anxiolytic effects (anxiety reduction)
  • valerian, for treating mood disorders such as depression
  • calcium and magnesium, for alleviation of emotional and physical stress
  • ginkgo biloba, for concentration, mental acuity, and depression

Herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to conventional medication and you may discuss with your doctor the possibility of taking this approach as an alternative to using the antidepressant Zoloft. Remember, though, it is very important to consult your doctor first before deciding on a treatment option. Your doctor may feel that your depression merits treatment with a prescription drug.

Conventional and alternative treatments offer hope in treating depression. Prescribed antidepressant medication or a natural treatment plan can help, so work with your doctor to find the best approach for your individual case.

If you or someone you know is seeking help from addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 800-772-8219 to start the path to recovery today.

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