Zoloft (sertraline) is prescribed to relieve symptoms of depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The medication is supposed to work by restoring the balance of certain naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain. However, Zoloft has recently been linked to serious side effects including; fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, muscle pain, trouble swallowing, ringing in the ears and seizures.
In the United States, mental illness occurs in an estimated 12% of children and adolescents (7 to 12 million). Depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are among the most common conditions in teens and young adults. Considering alarming statistics like these, it is no wonder how an anxiety and depression medication like Zoloft has become so popular. What is even more alarming is that the side effects caused by the drug can in some cases be worse than the symptoms the medication is used to treat.
Additional side effects reported by Zoloft users:
- Nervousness
- Tremors
- Sleep disturbance
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Zoloft is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are a class of antidepressants used to treat various forms of depression, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. There is evidence of increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors and other psychological side effects in young people who have taken SSRI antidepressants. For this reason, all SSRIs (with the exception of Prozac) are not approved by the FDA for use in people under 18. The side effects are so severe that in 2004, the FDA ordered the strongest safety warning possible:
Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of an SSRI or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need.
List of other popular SSRIs:
- Prozac
- Paxil
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram Oxalate
- Fuoxetine
- Fluvoxamine Maleate
- Paroxetine
- Dapoxetine
If you or a loved one have experienced any side effects from Zoloft contact us immediately at 800-966-4999 to see why our law firm has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients.
