What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is a prescription drug that is considered to be a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These prescription drugs are used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The zoloft dosage changes depending on the disorder that you are taking zoloft for. Zoloft, commonly known as the brand name sertraline, is always prescribed in a tablet form or pill for each specific dosage.
What are Zoloft Side Effects?
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that works to target your central nervous system by restoring the brains’ natural ability to produce serotonin. The neurotransmitter serotonin is responsible for regulating moods, allowing for natural feel good emotions, regulating digestion, and sleep functions. Zoloft will support individuals experiencing mood disorders and depressive disorders to regulate your emotions to avoid any negative side effects such as panic attacks or major depression.
Signs of Zoloft Abuse and Addiction
If you have a history of substance abuse, this often increases the risk of developing an addiction to zoloft. Someone experiencing a physical dependence on zoloft will also experience psychological dependency to zoloft which can create challenges in stopping your substance abuse. Some signs to be mindful of for a zoloft addiction are:
- Stealing someone else’s Zoloft prescription
- Faking symptoms to obtain a Zoloft prescription
- Going to multiple doctors to get more than one Zoloft prescription
- Taking larger or increased doses of Zoloft than prescribed to feel high
- Using Zoloft as a method of coping or managing day to day problems
- Feeling unable to function normally without the use of Zoloft
- Stating that you want to quit your use of Zoloft but are unable to stop taking zoloft and engaging in drug abuse
- Experiencing adverse effects or negative consequences due to your drug abuse but continue to use zoloft despite the adverse effect
Zoloft Withdrawal Symptoms
Depending on the severity of your substance abuse patterns, your withdrawal symptoms will vary from mild, moderate, and severe withdrawal symptoms. Zoloft withdrawal symptoms can include the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of memory
- Hand or body tremors
- Anxiety disorder
- Depressive disorders
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Lack of concentration
- Suicidal thoughts or ideations
- Vivid, intense dreams
The time you will experience zoloft withdrawal symptoms will depend on your unique history with drug abuse. Patients will often move through the most severe side effects within the first week., While some withdrawal symptoms may last up to a month in time. That is why it is recommended to undergo zoloft detox within the supportive environment of medical detox to have your withdrawal symptoms monitored and treated by licensed professionals.
Long Term Side Effects of Zoloft Abuse
If you engage in zoloft drug abuse for a prolonged period of time or at an increased dosage, it increases the risk of developing long term, serious or adverse effects. Long term effect associated with zoloft abuse is developing serotonin syndrome which creates the following side effects:
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Delirium
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Flushing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremor
- Neck pain
- Convulsions or seizures
- Acute kidney injury or kidney damage
- Acute liver failure or damage
- Metabolic acidosis
- Diffuse intravascular coagulation
- Coma
Zoloft Addiction Treatment
At Novo Detox treatment center, we offer a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment that will support you in gaining long term success in addiction recovery. Within our luxury rehab, you will have access to licensed addiction counselors and medical professionals who specialize in effective, safe drug withdrawal and drug rehab processes. Through individual and group therapy processes, you will be provided with evidence based therapy methods including dual diagnosis treatment and behavioral therapy that will support you in healing from your substance abuse while learning coping skills and tools for managing your depressive disorders, anxiety disorder, and other mood disorders without having to turn to drug and alcohol as a way to self medicate and cope.
Contact our Treatment Center today to hear more about the personalized approach to drug addiction treatment and start your journey towards a life of sober living and balanced mental health functioning.
