Introduction
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that have been widely used in recent decades. One of the most popular SSRIs is Zoloft (sertraline), which has been used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and other mental health conditions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Boseley, 2017; Marchand, 2017). The purpose of this paper is to review the pharmacological properties of Zoloft, its efficacy, side effects, and controversies surrounding its use.
Pharmacology
Zoloft is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Kendrick & Monteleone, 2017). It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, which leads to increased serotonin levels in the brain (Marchand, 2017). This increased serotonin activity is thought to help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and provide other therapeutic benefits (Kendrick & Monteleone, 2017). Zoloft is generally prescribed in doses of 25-200mg per day, with higher doses often required for more severe conditions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Boseley, 2017).
Efficacy
The efficacy of Zoloft has been studied in numerous clinical trials. A meta-analysis of 67 trials found that Zoloft was significantly more effective than placebo in treating major depression and other mental health conditions (Kendrick & Monteleone, 2017). Another study found that Zoloft was effective in reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder compared to placebo (Marchand, 2017). Additionally, Zoloft has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in some women (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Side Effects
Like all medications, Zoloft is associated with potential side effects. Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, sexual difficulties, and headache (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Boseley, 2017). Less common side effects can include dry mouth, dizziness, and weight gain (Kendrick & Monteleone, 2017).
Controversy
Despite its widespread use, Zoloft has been the subject of some controversy. One concern is that its long-term effectiveness is unknown; while it can provide short-term relief, its long-term benefits are uncertain (Kendrick & Monteleone, 2017). Additionally, the potential for addiction is a concern; some users may become dependent on the drug and require higher doses to maintain its effects (Boseley, 2017).
Conclusion
Zoloft is a widely used SSRI with proven efficacy in treating major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is generally well tolerated, although it can cause side effects such as nausea and insomnia. Its long-term effectiveness and potential for addiction remain controversial.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
Boseley, S. (2017). The Guardian view on depression drugs: more research needed. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/20/guardian-view-depression-drugs-more-research-needed
Kendrick, A., & Monteleone, P. (2017). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of sertraline in the treatment of major depression. BMC Psychiatry, 17(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1346-3
Marchand, A. (2017). Efficacy and safety of sertraline for the treatment of social anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis. CNS Drugs, 31(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-016-0380-3