What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is known generically as sertraline HCI and is an antidepressant from a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Zoloft belongs to the same family of drugs as other widely prescribed antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil. Manufactured and marketed by Pfizer, Inc, Zoloft is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
According to some studies, a chemical imbalance in the brain may be the cause of depression. Zoloft is used to increase the supply of a neurotransmitter brain chemical known as serotonin and restore this chemical balance in the brain. As a result, the boost in serotonin helps improve the transmission of nerve impulses, in turn helping to treat symptoms of depression.
Adverse Side Effects Connected to Zoloft
The more common side effects of Zoloft in New York and nationwide may include nausea, sleeping difficulties, agitation, diarrhea and drowsiness.
Zoloft may also be linked to more serious side effects, including increased thoughts of suicide or increased suicide attempts, mania, seizure, weight loss and sexual side effects. Have you or a loved one experienced any of these severe side effects due to the use of Zoloft or other antidepressants? A drug injury lawyer at Finz & Finz, P.C. can inform of your legal rights. Contact a New York Drug Injury Lawyer today!
Zoloft, as with other SSRI's, have been linked to bleeding problems in the stomach and intestines. These gastrointestinal bleeding problems may be exacerbated if Zoloft is taken in conjunction with aspirin or ibuprofen. For more information concerning the possible dangerous side effects that can result from taking Zoloft, contact our Drug Injury Lawyer.
Recent reports have also shown that taking antidepressants such as Zoloft may lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions in both children and adults. The FDA has strongly recommended that anyone prescribed antidepressants should be closely monitored by their physician for unusual mood changes, changes in behavior or increased suicidal ideation, especially when Zoloft is first prescribed or the level of dosage is changed.
Black Box Warning for Zoloft
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved Zoloft for the treatment of depression in patients under 18 years old. By FDA regulation, the drug should not be promoted for the treatment of teenagers with depression. The FDA also requires that Zoloft, as with all antidepressant medications, have a “black box” warning about the increased risk of suicide in teenagers and children. This "black box" warning was added to the health professional labeling of all antidepressant medications to describe this risk and emphasize the need for close monitoring of patients started on these medications. A "black box" warning is the most serious warning placed in the labeling of a prescription medication and its use on antidepressant medication labeling signals the recognition that depression and other psychiatric disorders in pediatric patients can have significant consequences if not appropriately treated and monitored appropriately.
Legal Help for Zoloft and Antidepressant Users in New York
To facilitate the process and to further understand your rights, consult with a New York drug injury lawyer who is knowledgeable regarding the dangerous side effects of Zoloft.
If you, a family member or friend have suffered a serious illness, injury, or medical condition due to the use of Zoloft, please call us at (888) FINZ-FIRM to speak with an experienced defective drug litigation lawyer now or fill out the Free Defective Drug Case Evaluation form.
