Depression and anxiety are serious problems. An estimated 34
million American adults are affected each year by some sort of
depressive disorder. Several million young people are touched by
anxiety and depression as well. For decades, scientists searched
for a way to combat these disorders and in recent years, have produced
drugs such as Zoloft to improve the lives of those fighting these
demons.
Both depression and anxiety can greatly disrupt the lives of the
afflicted. Those with serious forms of these disorders canít or
wonít work, social relationships are affected, and suicidal thoughts
may be present. Zoloft and other similar SSRI (selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors) drugs work to change this cycle of
despair.
As the number one prescribed depression and anxiety medication in
American, this drug has indeed worked miracles for millions.
Zoloft works to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain,
something scientists believe may cause depression because, if the
serotonin level is unbalanced, the nerve cells can't communicate or
send messages to each other correctly.
Zoloft also exhibits few serious side affects, making it one of the
safest medications of its kind on the market. However, like most
SSRI drugs as well as other types of medication prescribed for anxiety
and depression, Zoloft is not recommended for most individuals under
the age of 17, though it has been used for the treatment of childhood
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Determining whether Zoloft is right for you will include conversations
with your medical doctor and, if you are seeing one, your therapist as
well. They will help you determine whether this drug is
appropriate for someone in your situation. Both anxiety and
depression vary greatly among those affected with the disorders and
Zoloft is not recommended for everyone.
If you find, after much discussion, that you are indeed a candidate for
Zoloft, be sure to carefully research the side effects so that you may
recognize them if they occur, take your medication only as prescribed,
and never stop your meds without first consulting your doctor.
Positive results may take up to eight weeks to appear, so be patient
with your course of treatment.
By: Samantha Posted: Mar 27 2006 03:17:30 PM