Zoloft Side Effects
Zoloft, also referred to as sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drug. This medication is used for treatment with depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphonic disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
What you should know
As is the case with any medicine, Zoloft presents some possible side effects, although not everyone who takes the drug will experience them. Among the most serious are the possible birth defects that can take place if Zoloft is used during pregnancy, especially its later stages.
Research has connected the use of Zoloft and similar serotonin inhibitors to a host of birth defects in newborns. Among the common birth defects connected to Zoloft use during pregnancy include pulmonary hypertension, heart problems and many other issues. However, all users of the medication face documented risks of certain side effects.
Common Side Effects
As with any Food and Drug Administration-approved medication, before entering the market as a legal drug, it underwent thorough study in clinical trials. During these clinical trials, several common side effects were witnessed, including the following:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sweating
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping
If such symptoms appear to linger or worsen, patients should quickly notify their doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
In addition to these common reactions, patients may also experience several unlikely, yet serious side effects, including:
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Decreased interest in sex
- Decrease in sexual ability (ejaculation delay)
- Muscle cramps/weakness
- Shaking/tremors
- Unusual weight loss
In addition, the appearance of black/bloody stools or unusual vomit represents other rare side effects which should be met with immediate doctor consultation, as they can signal a possible life-threatening complication.
Pulmonary Hypertension
One of the most serious risks to infants is pulmonary hypertension, or PPHN, which is a lung condition that can occur right after a baby is born. Newborns with PPHN often end up with a high amount of pressure within the lungs’ blood vessels, as well as major problems getting the right amount of oxygen into the bloodstream. A newborn baby with pulmonary hypertension may have rapid breathing and heart rates, as well as irritated skin issues.
Cleft lip/palate
Newborns with these craniofacial birth defects can end up with developmental problems on their upper lip or the roof of the mouth (palate). The birth defect can range from a small opening in the lip area, to a major gap in the roof of the mouth and nose. Ongoing research has linked the use of Zoloft during pregnancy to the risk of both cleft lip and cleft palates.
Heart Defects
Research has found that using serotonin inhibitors such as Zoloft during pregnancy can increase the risk of a newborn having heart defects. The common heart defects in newborns include hypoplastic left heart syndrome, coarctation of the aorta, heart valve abnormality and atrial septal defect, among others.
Other birth defects
Using Zoloft or related serotonin inhibitors during pregnancy has increased risk of other birth defects besides pulmonary hypertension, cleft lip, cleft palate and heart problems. The other common birth defects associated with Zoloft use include neural tube defects, cranial birth defects, anal atresia, abdominal effects and clubfoot. Newborns may also experience several other less serious side effects such as feeding issues, difficulty breathing, tremors, and seizures.
