Zoloft, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is a medication commonly used to treat issues like depression, PTSD, OCD, panic attacks, and the like. This drug is also known as its generic brand name, “Sertraline,” which was made to restore the balance of natural serotonin in the brain. The point of the drug is to allow the individual to enjoy a better mood, sleep, appetite, and energy that was previously negatively affected by the issues stated above. Regardless, because this drug is a mood enhancer, many people have attributed it to using the drug to give someone a “high” when used past its prescribed dose. Although there is no clinical claim that this is true, one thing’s for sure: one must do their best to stick to the prescription to avoid any complications.
That said, let’s delve deeper into Zoloft to figure out what it is made of, what it does to your body, and more.
What Are the Uses of Zoloft?
Zoloft is an SSRI/selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that can be used to treat issues like depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and the like. As stated above, it is explicitly made to restore the balance of natural serotonin, a chemical within the brain. It is also important to note that this drug is not limited to the above reason. Zoloft can be used to treat several other issues, such as those listed below:
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Social phobia
- Specific phobia
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
- Premature ejaculation
Keep in mind that Zoloft’s use isn’t necessarily limited to what’s mentioned above. It can be used for various things depending on the patient’s needs and what Zoloft can do for the individual.
What Is Zoloft Made Of?
Zoloft is made of a chemical known as sertraline, which was made by a company named Pfizer. This is a pharmaceutical drug that is used to treat mental disorders, such as depression. Zoloft is chemically similar to SSRIs like Paxil and Prozac, which have the same purpose. Sertraline belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The point of this drug is to increase serotonin levels in the brain to bring the patient’s mood up. High levels of serotonin make a person feel happier, more focused, and more aware of what’s going on. In some cases, Zoloft is used in conjunction with other medicines, if necessary.
What Does Zoloft Look Like?
Zoloft is a white, triangular tablet that has Z and S on each side of the tablet. It has the opposite effect of SSRI drugs, which normally have a black background. Zoloft is currently in 20 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses, with or without food.
How Does Zoloft Work?
Zoloft works by targeting the natural chemical known as serotonin, which is within the brain and helps regulate mood. Serotonin is known to be released when the brain sends signals to the body to feel happy or relaxed. This chemical is also known to help regulate sleep, pain perception, anxiety, and mood. Although serotonin isn’t necessarily stored in the brain, it is important to note that Zoloft helps increase the level of serotonin in the brain. As a result, a person taking Zoloft is said to be in a better mood, be more relaxed, and sleep better.
How Do I Take My Zoloft?
The recommended dose for this drug is anywhere from 25 to 100 mg, taken once a day. Nonetheless, some patients may choose to take a higher dosage, but it’s not recommended as it can cause a number of problems. In the case of children, the drug is not recommended to be used past the age of 12 years old. It is also important to note that the initial dose can be increased over time to a maximum of 200 mg per day. Furthermore, it is important to know that the drug is available in tablet, oral solution, and extended-release tablet forms. Also, an individual can choose to take the drug with or without food, but it is recommended that the drug be taken with food.
What Are the Side Effects of Zoloft?
Since this is an SSRI/selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it can potentially cause an imbalance within the brain’s serotonin system. Doing so can have adverse effects on the body and mind. These include the following:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Drowsiness
- Nightmares
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Suicidal ideation
Keep in mind that there are other possible side effects that are associated with this drug that aren’t limited to what we shared above. In fact, when combined with other drugs, more side effects can result. For that reason, you should always check with your doctor to know for certain.
Can You Get High off of Zoloft?
As mentioned, because Zoloft is a mood enhancer, many people have hypothesized that you can get high off of Zoloft. After all, if it makes the user feel happy and relaxed, wouldn’t it be a good thing? However, with that being said, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that “there is no evidence that Zoloft can cause any form of ‘high’ or euphoria.” Nonetheless, it is important to note that “some people who have taken Zoloft, or similar antidepressants, have experienced a ‘high’ after increasing the dose of the antidepressants or combining them with another drug. This is called ‘serotonin syndrome’ and can be dangerous.” Although the NIDA states that it isn’t possible to get high off of this drug, they also make it clear that it is possible to experience a high if you take the drug to the extreme.
Regardless, if there is one thing you should be wary about, it is the fact that you shouldn’t take Zoloft past your prescription. It won’t do the body any good and will only further increase the risk of complications that can lead to serious results.
Is Zoloft Addictive?
Yes, it is possible to become addicted to Zoloft. Just like any other drug, the chance is there since it is meant to regulate the natural chemical in the brain. Nevertheless, when one begins to take the drug more than the recommended amount, it is possible to become dependent on it. It is possible to become addicted to the drug, so be sure to contact a medical professional right away.
Conclusion
In the end, you should be aware of the fact that Zoloft is a mood enhancer, as well as a prescription drug used to treat several issues, such as depression, PTSD, and the like. It works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain and helps regulate mood. That said, Zoloft isn’t limited to the things stated above. Some people use this drug to help with issues like premature ejaculation and the like. Nonetheless, regardless of what the individual plans to do with the drug, it is important to note that one should never take the drug in excess. Be sure to take the drug as prescribed by a medical professional, and if any issues or concerns arise, contacting the doctor is a must!