Zoloft is undeniably one of the most famous brands of antidepressants in the market. It was even mentioned in the movie Love and Other Drugs one too many times and a number of celebrities have been using the medication. Even with reports of sexual dysfunction as one of its side effects, Zoloft is still believed to be one of the safest antidepressants out there especially since it also belongs to the SSRI drug class. However, a newly approved SSRI by the U.S. Food and Drug was reported to produce less sexual dysfunctions.
Viibryd, the newest antidepressant has fewer sexual side effects but it still carries the same box warnings found in Zoloft and medications similar to it. Though Zoloft is believed to be safer than most antidepressants, a strong warning was released by the FDA and Zoloft makers as it can increase suicidal thoughts.
The Zoloft Warning
As found on the Zoloft website, Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment. Depression and certain other serious mental illnesses are important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Anyone considering the use of ZOLOFT or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. ZOLOFT is not approved for use in pediatric patients except for patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This should be taken seriously especially since the FDA and Zolofts manufacturer released the significant warnings. It would be beneficial on your part to consult your physician when you wish to take Zoloft especially if you belong to the mentioned population found in the warning.
Occurrence of Suicide in Depression
Major depression is not a choice; rather it is a disease requiring medical intervention. Suicide is the situation that we avoid from happening in a person suffering from depression. Apart from avoiding situations that can make the person commit suicide such as too much stress, one must also be aware of other things that may worsen the condition such as the use of medications. Your physician can best answer your questions with regard to your treatment plan so it would be wise to ask questions at the same time doing some research on reliable sources regarding the potential side effects of your medications. Zoloft for example, has been associated with Zoloft birth defects aside from the occurrence of suicidal thoughts as mentioned above.
