Zoloft and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Most people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are first introduced to an anti-spasmodic drug when they are initially diagnosed. However, you could have received a low dosage of an anti-diarrhea medication or antidepressant instead. To be honest, there are a wide variety of different prescription medications that are available for IBS symptoms. However, the effectiveness of these drugs may vary from one patient to the next.

Trying to ascertain which drug will do the trick for you is something that will more than likely have to be done through trial and error. IBS medications are symptom-specific which means that they try to reduce such symptoms as constipation, painful abdominal spasms and diarrhea. If the first IBS drug that you try does not help in symptom reduction, then go on to another option.

Currently, many IBS patients seem to be quite frustrated with the lack of reliable, safe and effective therapies that will treat their symptoms. They would definitely like to see new treatment options that would have a tremendous impact on their problem, that is, the ability to prevent symptoms. That is a tall order to fill. For the time being, it is better to take something than have nothing at all. The only thing you can do is to keep those fingers crossed for new medication therapies that may be on the horizon.

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pain

Antidepressants that have been found to be effective in treating IBS can be delivered to the patient in a low dosage which can raise the threshold for pain for those who suffer from painful abdominal cramps. They are also able to decrease the rate of contractions in the gastrointestinal tract. This will change the bowel function in patients such as helping those who suffer from diarrhea as well as constipation.

Why would an antidepressant such as Zoloft help IBS sufferers? The antidepressant is meant to affect the uptake of a specific neurotransmitter called serotonin which is directly involved with the development of clinical depression. This occurs in the brain. It is interesting to note that the enteric nervous system of the intestines is rich with nerves containing large amounts of serotonin. Approximately 95% of all of the serotonin in a person’s body is not found in the brain but in the intestines. Therefore, the effect of an antidepressant such as Zoloft on the brain is also felt in the intestines as well.

It is important to take note of the fact that the dosage of antidepressants used for IBS is a good deal lower than when it is used to treat depression. The doctor who is prescribing an antidepressant such as Zoloft for IBS should be familiar its use for this disease as different antidepressants can cause different side effects. At times, symptoms can worsen instead of subsiding.

SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Zoloft can serve to stimulate the production of serotonin and can sometimes trigger severe IBS attacks in those patients who suffer from diarrhea. They are very helpful for those patients who suffer from constipation. You may wish to discuss with your doctor the possibility of using Zoloft for your treatment of IBS.

Generic zoloft, Buy generic zoloft online

WASHINGTON - The first generic versions of Zoloft, the top-selling brand-name antidepressant in the United States, received federal approval Friday.– In June 30, 2006–

Israel’s Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. said it will make generic versions of the drug, also known as sertraline, in 25-, 50-and 100-milligram tablets. Roxane Laboratories Inc., based in Columbus, Ohio, will make a liquid concentrate version of the drug, the Food and Drug Administration said.

In June 30, 2006 The FDA approved today the first generic versions of the antidepressant Zoloft.

The generic drug will come in two forms: You can buy sertraline tablets and a liquid concentrate (sertraline hydrochloride).

“Sertraline tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and the liquid concentrate is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and some anxiety-related disorders,” states an FDA news release.

In 2005, Zoloft was the top-selling antidepressant in the U.S., with more than $3 million in U.S. sales, according to the pharmaceutical market research firm IMS Health.

“Generic drugs are safe and effective alternatives to brand-name prescription products and can provide for significant cost savings for the American public,” says Gary J. Buehler, RPh, director of the FDA’s Office of Generic Drug

Drug Interactions

The mechanism of action of sertraline(generic Zoloft) is presumed to be linked to its inhibition of CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin (5HT). Studies at clinically relevant doses in man have demonstrated that sertraline blocks the uptake of serotonin into human platelets. In vitro studies in animals also suggest that sertraline is a potent and selective inhibitor of neuronal serotonin reuptake and has only very weak effects on norepinephrine and dopamine neuronal reuptake. In vitro studies have shown that sertraline has no significant affinity for adrenergic (alpha1, alpha2, beta), cholinergic, GABA, dopaminergic, histaminergic, serotonergic (5HT1A, 5HT1B, 5HT2), or benzodiazepine receptors; antagonism of such receptors has been hypothesized to be associated with various anticholinergic, sedative, and cardiovascular effects for other psychotropic drugs. The chronic administration of sertraline was found in animals to downregulate brain norepinephrine receptors, as has been observed with other clinically effective antidepressants. Sertraline does not inhibit monoamine oxidase.

Zoloft information

Zoloft is the brand name. Sertraline is the generic name. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and other disorders. SSRI medications affect the levels of serotonin in the brain. For many people, these medications are the first choice for the treatment of depression.

Sertraline (Zoloft) is an SSRI that affects serotonin levels in the brain. It is indicated for major depression, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A major depressive episode is described by an overwhelming and persistent depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks).

Who Should Not Take Zoloft?

Individuals who are allergic to SSRIs

Individuals currently taking, or have taken within the past 2 weeks, pimozide (Orap) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate) (Do not take MAOIs or thioridazine for at least 5 weeks after stopping SSRIs.)

Tell the doctor what medications are currently being taken because many medicines interact with SSRIs. Do not take any nonprescription or herbal medications without first consulting the doctor or pharmacist. The following are examples of interactions, but they do not represent a complete list.