Zoloft for Anxiety: Benefits, Side Effects & What to Expect

Anxiety is a mental condition that is characterized by feelings of fear and extreme stress. Anxiety symptoms include tense muscles, sweating, headaches, trembling and nausea. The Zoloft medication produced by the Pfizer Inc. is often prescribed to treat anxiety conditions in adults.

Types

• Zoloft is approved to treat specific anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Zoloft is occasionally prescribed to OCD children aged 6 to 17.

Function

• Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which blocks the reabsorption of the serotonin neurotransmitter. Serotonin is thought to regulate feelings of anxiety and depression.

Dosage

• Zoloft is prescribed in 25 milligram, 50 milligram and 100 milligrams oral tablets. The average half-life of a Zoloft dosage is 26 hours.

Side Effects

• Some anxiety patients taking Zoloft suffer from headaches, insomnia, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach and sexual problems. Other common side effects include an increase in sweating, blurred vision and uncontrollable tremors.

Warnings

• Anxiety patients who take Zoloft need to contact their physicians immediately if they notice worsening or new anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, severe restlessness or impulsive actions.