Zoloft is the brand name of the drug Sertraline HCl, shown here, that is used for the treatment of depression, stress and anxiety.

The FDA has approved the use of Zoloft for both short-term and long-term use and has received this approval for more uses than any other brand of its nature. This being said, everybody is unique and will have their own reaction to Zoloft’s effects. It is a drug that takes time to fully enter the system and have an impact on the stress levels in the body. You will not see overnight results – that is not what the medication was designed to provide. Instead, you will need a few weeks to begin to see the more long-term impact that it can establish.

Though relief will come soon, it is not going to happen within the first twenty four hours. While some people feel the first improvements in their symptoms after the first week or two, others require up to eight weeks to start to see any improvement at all. From that point on, though, you will start to see how your symptoms are more controlled and have less of an impact on your life. Your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose so that you can see how you react with the drug. Then, if necessary, the dose will be adjusted to properly suit your needs.

It is also during that time that you will discover whether or not you will experience some of the side effects that may occur with the use of Zoloft. These can include insomnia, sleepiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, and sexual side effects. You may have none of these side effects, or you may have several, but you won’t necessarily have all of them. Keep in mind that with time, the side effects of Zoloft do typically decrease. Unlike some other SSRIs, Zoloft has not been shown to contribute to weight gain in any studies.

Zoloft is designed to help you deal with depression and anxiety conditions of many kinds, but it will not change the way you think or the person you are.

Zoloft is one of the most prescribed medications for the treatment of depression, stress disorders and anxiety disorders.

In 2007, Zoloft was prescribed more than any other antidepressant available on the American market, with 29,652,000 prescriptions having been written and filled. Though the actual effect of this form of antidepressant is considered to be comparable to that of the older tricyclic form of antidepressants, these are often a first choice simply because their side effects are different and less dramatic. In fact, some studies are starting to show that drugs of Zoloft’s nature are actually more effective for some kinds of depression than fluoxetine (commonly known as Prozac). Furthermore, it is known to be exceptionally effective in treating anxiety and panic disorders. That being said, cognitive behavioral therapy is still considered to be a superior treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder than Zoloft – but Zoloft in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy is much better than either one on their own.

Actual social phobia (the extreme version of social anxiety disorder) and post-traumatic disorders can see improvements through the use of Zoloft, but only modestly. Other therapies are recommended in conjunction with the drug. Zoloft has also been known to help ease the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) when using sub-therapeutic doses or simply using it intermittently as needed for treatment.

Though a very effective drug, Zoloft does not come without the risk of side effects – some of which are quite common. These side effects are universal throughout the SSRI class of drugs. They include diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, sleepiness, and sexual side effects. Some people also report dry mouth. That being said, unlike many other SSRIs, Zoloft has not been shown to lead to weight gain and any cognition impacts it has are deemed to be mild. As with other forms of antidepressant, in some specific types of cases, there is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts with Zoloft – however, statistics relating to this topic are currently subject to controversy.