Zoloft
When someone has daily feelings of depression and anxiety, it keeps them from living up to their full potential. Too often, a person with these mental health disorders finds it difficult to reach out for help. Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry provides compassionate care for people who need to talk to trained mental health providers and begin the healing process.
We also offer access to vital prescription medications like Zoloft. What is Zoloft used for in mental health? This powerful drug helps alleviate the symptoms that happen with depression, anxiety disorders, and more. It helps provide a more centered feeling, which in turn allows the individual to concentrate on their therapy sessions. Monitored use of Zoloft can help make a real difference in a person feeling like their old selves and getting on with their lives.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is a drug available only by prescription and classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is the brand name for a generic drug called Sertraline. This is a common type of prescription medication popular in the U.S. with 39.2 million prescriptions for Sertraline written in 2021.
It can be prescribed by a psychiatrist or other physician. Usage of this medication should be done under the supervision of a doctor or therapist.
How is Zoloft Used?
While most people have heard of the drug, many people wonder what is Zoloft used for in mental health. The medication can be used to treat several types of mental health disorders. It is prescribed to help ease the symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
How Can Zoloft Help Anxiety?
What is Zoloft used for in mental health treatment for people with anxiety? Zoloft increases the production of serotonin in a person’s brain, which helps minimize their symptoms of anxiety. As a result, they feel calmer and less prone to have panic attacks or worry endlessly. When used as prescribed, this drug can help people feel calm and not fall victim to triggers to become anxious.
How Can Zoloft Help Depression?
What is Zoloft used for in mental health treatment for people with depression? As it does for people with anxiety, Zoloft helps increase the production of serotonin in the brain. In turn, this helps the person reduce their symptoms of depression. When used as prescribed, it can become a real game-changer for people who feel hopelessly mired in depressive feelings.
Side Effects of Zoloft
Zoloft, like any other prescription medication, can cause side effects. In most cases, they are short-lived, but some can continue for an extended amount of time. Anyone taking the drug should report all side effects to their prescribing physician. Common side effects of Zoloft include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Reduction in sex drive
- Difficulty sleeping
- Moodiness
Anyone who feels an increase in their anxiety or depression or who develops suicidal feelings should immediately contact their doctor or therapist. While these side effects are rare, they should be taken seriously and discussed with a clinician immediately.
How Long Does It Take for Zoloft To Work?
How soon a person feels Zoloft is working in full depends on the individual, their particular brain chemistry, and symptoms. Most people begin to feel an improvement within one to two weeks. It can take four to six weeks for most people to feel the full effects of Zoloft on their symptoms.
How Do I Know I Need Zoloft?
Someone who can benefit from using Zoloft typically has depression, an anxiety disorder, OCD, PTSD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. They should receive a full evaluation from a physician or mental health counselor so they know their exact diagnosis. This will include a discussion of their mental health history and any symptoms they currently experience. Once the assessment is completed, a discussion about medications that may help can take place. The prescriber may suggest Zoloft or the individual seeking help can ask if it is the right drug for them to try.
Once a person starts taking Zoloft, they should give it time to take full effect. If they experience no side effects or temporary ones, and the drug is contributing to a notable reduction in their symptoms, they can continue to take it. They should make sure to check in with the provider regularly because a change in dosage may be necessary. When used in conjunction with therapy, Zoloft can be part of a highly effective overall plan to improve a person’s mental health.
Find Treatment For Mental Health in Atlanta Today
Do you find that an anxiety disorder, depression, or other mental health disorder interferes with your personal relationships, social life, and career? Trying to get through the day without professional help only makes your condition worsen and keeps you from enjoying your life. Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry provides effective therapy fine-tuned to the specific needs of each person we treat. Our staff understands the intricacies of treating mental illnesses and makes it our goal to help ease your symptoms so you can begin to heal. A combination of focused therapy sessions and the use of medications like Zoloft help put you back in the driver’s seat.
Are you ready to get started in enjoying improved mental health? Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can help you feel better.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is an Industry leader in mental health treatment . Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treat and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual.
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