It is recommended not to take Zoloft with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). You should stop taking an MAOI at least 14 days before you start with Zoloft. Similarly if you have to begin with an MAOI, you need to Zoloft again 14 days before starting an MAOI.

Zoloft is approved by FDA for treating OCD in children. However, it is not approved for treating depression in children and one needs to call up the doctor immediately in case of any new or worsening symptoms. Likewise, the medication need not be stopped without consulting the doctor as that may worsen the conditions and may result in a relapse of depression. In case of pregnancy too, seeking the doctor’s advice is a must.

One should avoid consuming alcohol while taking Zoloft and refrain from taking the liquid form of the medicine if you are taking disulfiram as the liquid form contains alcohol which may have a reaction to disulfiram.

It is not advisable to change the doses without the doctor’s knowledge and the doctor will do so if he finds it necessary and this logic is applicable in case of missed doses as well. The intake of this medication does not depend on food and it is possible to start feeling better after 4 weeks of having taken the medicine although the doses should not be stopped suddenly, in spite of feeling well.

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenagers) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for children/teenagers), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Zoloft Oral Side Effects

Nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, nervousness, suicidal thoughts)
• decrease in sexual ability (ejaculation delay)
• decreased interest in sex
• uncontrollable shaking (tremor)
• unusual weight loss

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.

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.

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. 

Zoloft is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of depression and certain types of anxiety disorders.

Zoloft Description:

Sertraline hydrochloride is an orally administered selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It is prescribed for depression and a number of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. As well, it is approved for OCD in children and adolescents aged 6-17.

Zoloft is FDA approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.

Depression is a real medical condition.

Everyone has times when they’re feeling down. If you have depression, this sad mood along with other symptoms can last weeks, months, or even years if not treated. Depression isn’t a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It’s a real medical condition, but there are ways to successfully treat depression.

Depression can affect anyone.

More people suffer from depression than you might think. Depression strikes people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnic groups. Depressive disorders affect about 34 million American adults. Nearly twice as many women as men are affected by a depressive illness each year.

Anxiety Disorders

Diagnosis

The first step to properly diagnosing an anxiety disorder is to rule out another medical condition. Because anxiety accompanies so many medical conditions, some serious, it is extremely important for your health care professional to uncover any physiological medical problems or medications that might underlie or be masked by an anxiety attack.

Thus, a physical examination and medical and personal history is essential. You should describe any history of anxiety disorders or depression in your family and mention any other contributing factors, such as excessive caffeine use, recent life changes or stressful events. It is very important to be honest with your health care professional about all conditions, including substance abuse, or other psychological or mood states that might contribute to or result from the anxiety disorder.

Anxiety attacks can mimic or accompany nearly every acute disorder of the heart or lungs, including heart attacks and angina. Asthma attacks and panic attacks have similar symptoms and can also coexist. In addition, anxiety-like symptoms are seen in many other medical problems, including epilepsy, hypoglycemia, adrenal-gland tumors and hyperthyroidism. Women can also experience intense anxiety attacks with hot flashes during menopause. Many drugs, including some for high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid disorders, can produce symptoms of anxiety, as can withdrawing from certain drugs like those used to treat sleep disorders or anxiety.

Panic disorder often coexists with depression, and sometimes the two conditions are difficult to distinguish because anxious feelings, agitation, insomnia and problems with concentration often accompany depression.

Thus, your health care professional will use a medical evaluation to rule out alternative explanations of anxiety symptoms.

Health care professionals can use various tests to determine the causes, type, severity and frequency of your anxiety. Most are written, multiple-choice tests that can be administered on paper or verbally. Among the most common:

The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. It consists of 14 items, each defined by certain symptoms. This was one of the first rating scales developed to quantify the severity of anxiety symptoms. Since its introduction by Max Hamilton in 1959, it has become a widely used and accepted test for the evaluation of anxiety.

The Beck Anxiety Inventory measures the severity of anxiety in adults and adolescents and to differentiate between anxiety and depression, giving professionals a firm basis upon which to make diagnostic decisions.

A variety of other tests are available to health care professionals via the American Psychiatric Association and other professional organizations. Most are centered on defining the kinds of symptoms you experience as part of your anxiety.

Specific anxiety disorders are diagnosed based on the severity and duration of symptoms and on additional behavioral characteristics that accompany the symptoms of anxiety. Specifically:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is confirmed if you experience excessive anxiety and worry on most days for at least six months and if three or more of the following symptoms are present (only one for children):

edginess or restlessness

tiredness and fatigue

difficulty concentrating

irritability

muscle tension

sleep disturbances

Symptoms should cause significant distress, impair normal functioning and not be due to a medical condition or other mood disorder or psychosis.

Panic attacks are diagnosed if you experience recurrent unexpected panic attacks or have at least one unexpected panic attack followed by at least one month of fear that another will occur; this fear can be as disabling as the panic attack itself. If you associate the harmless circumstances surrounding the original attack with fear, similar circumstances later may recall the anxiety and trigger another attack. During a panic attack, you feel intense fear or discomfort, with at least four or more of the following symptoms:

rapid heartbeat

sweating

shakiness

shortness of breath

a choking feeling

dizziness

nausea

feelings of unreality

numbness

either hot flashes or chills

chest pain

fear of dying

fear of going insane

Panic attacks that include only one or two symptoms, such as dizziness and heart pounding, are known as limited-symptom attacks; these may be either residual symptoms after a major panic attack or precursors to full-blown attacks. Panic attacks occur with other anxiety disorders, including phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Phobias. If you have a specific phobia, you may experience the following symptoms around the phobic object or situation:

panicky feelings

sweating

rapid heartbeat

avoidance behavior

difficulty breathing

Social phobia. Symptoms vary in intensity, ranging from mild and tolerable anxiety to a full-blown panic attack. Sometimes social phobia is manifested by extreme shyness and discomfort in social settings; frequent blushing, trembling, sweating, palpitations, diarrhea and confusion are typical symptoms.

CLASS: Triazolo Benzodiazepines.
Generic name: Alprazolam.
Type: Anti anxiety.

Strengths:
Oral Solution: 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg / 5 ml, 0.25mg / 2.5 ml.
Tablets: 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg.

Normal dosage:
USE UP TO EIGHT MONTHS ONLY!
If under 18 years of age, DO NOT USE!

18 to 60 years of age, 0.25mg to 1.5mg daily.
Over 60 years of age, lower dosage, increased cautiously.
Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.
Dosage Depends on Disorder:

Oral (For anxiety or nervous tension):
Start : 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Maximum : 4 mg in 24 hours.
Oral (For panic disorder):
Start : 0.5 mg 3 times daily.
Increases : 1 mg daily in 3 to 4 day intervals.
Maximum : 10 mg in 24 hours.

Problems with:
Liver Function: If liver disease is present, start dosage at 0.25mg, increase as needed.
Kidney Function: N/A.

Testing:
Before taking: None if for short-term use.
While taking: None if for short-term use.

Take: With or without food. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form Alprazolam (Xanax XR). Swallow whole.

Xanax Alprazolam Prescription Full Benefits: First day to a week.

Missed Dose(s): Take if within one hour ;if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule. Never Take a Double Dose

To Stop Use: Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly if you have been taking it for over three weeks. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in your dose.

Overdose symptoms include: Confusion, loss of consciousness or sleepiness. Can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an Xanax ( Alprazolam ) overdose include:

Sleepiness.
Dizziness.
Confusion.
A slow heart beat.
Difficulty breathing.
Difficulty walking and talking.
The appearance of being drunk.
Unconsciousness.
Remember: Keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children; never share your medicines with others and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

XANAX Tablets contain alprazolam which is a triazolo analog of the 1,4 benzodiazepine class of central nervous system-active compounds.

The chemical name of alprazolam is 8-Chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-s-triazolo benzodiazepine.

Alprazolam is a white crystalline powder, which is soluble in methanol or ethanol but which has no appreciable solubility in water at physiological pH.Each XANAX Tablet, for oral administration, contains 0.25, 0.5, 1 or 2 mg of alprazolam.

XANAX Tablets, 2 mg, are multi-scored and may be divided .

Inactive ingredients: Cellulose, corn starch, docusate sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and sodium benzoate. In addition, the 0.5 mg tablet contains FD&C Yellow No. 6 and the 1 mg tablet contains FD&C Blue No. 2. Tags:Xanax Alprazolam Prescription