Zoloft – sertraline HCl

Zoloft is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of depression and certain anxiety conditions.

Zoloft is FDA approved to treat depression, certain types of social anxiety conditions, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.

For more than 15 years, Zoloft has safely and effectively treated millions of people with depression and certain anxiety conditions. Zoloft is available in multiple strengths, so your doctor can decide a dose for you.

Zoloft® (sertraline HCl) is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It’s approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.

Important Safety Information

Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions” is available.
Zoloft is not for everyone. People taking MAOIs or pimozide shouldn’t take Zoloft. Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Side effects may include dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea and sleepiness. In studies, few people were bothered enough by side effects to stop taking Zoloft. Side effects may result from stopping Zoloft particularly when abrupt. You should, however, stop taking Zoloft if you get any of the following symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction, such as fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure.
You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there is a potential risk to the fetus with Zoloft. Like many antidepressants, Zoloft can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.
Zoloft is approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.
Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain. So talk to your doctor about how Zoloft might help you. Zoloft comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets. You and your doctor can discuss a dose for you.
Source: http://www.zoloft.com

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Overview
Paxil is the brand name for Paroxetine, a phenylpiperidine derivative. Paxil is an SSRI – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, which is a type of antidepressant. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) to normal.

Paxil’s effects can usually be felt within one to four weeks.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Paxil is used primarily to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD.)

Paxil is also used to treat:
depression
panic disorder / panic attacks
diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy)
chronic tension headaches
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
premature ejaculation
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Warnings
The safety and effectiveness of Paxil in children under 18 years old have not been established.

Paxil is not addictive. Suddenly discontinuing Paxil may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, sweating, or tremors. Dosage should be gradually tapered when Paxil is discontinued.

Paxil does not usually cause sedation, but patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until it is known that Paxil does not affect the ability to safely engage in these activities.

For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: One study showed no adverse effects due to Paxil during pregnancy, but further study is required and pregnant women are not advised to take Paxil. Paxil passes into human breast milk, and nursing mothers should not take Paxil.

Contraindications
Paxil should Not be used for people with an allergy or hypersensitivity to this drug or any SSRI.

Precautions
Paxil may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
liver or kidney disease – lower dosage may be needed
seizures (epilepsy or convulsions) – risk of seizures is increased
a history of mania – Paxil may activate mania
elderly – lower dosage may be needed
brain disease or damage
mental retardation

Adverse Reactions
Paxil may cause the following reactions:
lowered blood pressure and fainting upon standing (postural hypotension)
sweating
dry mouth
nausea
headache
drowsiness
sedation
nervousness
insomnia
constipation
weakness
loss of appetite
taste disorders
tingling in hands
upset stomach
dizziness
blurred vision
itching
chills
abnormal ejaculation
impotence
sexual dysfunction
diarrhea
hypomania
seizures

Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Paxil are:
MAO Inhibitors (within 14 days) – serious or even fatal interactions can occur when taken with Paxil
benzodiazepines, desipramine, Haldol (haloperidol), and Normodyne (labetalol) – Paxil may increase the effects of these drugs
Dilantin (phenytoin) – can decrease blood levels of Paxil and reduce its effects
Quinaglute (quinidine) and Tagamet(cimetidine) – can increase Paxil levels and lead to drug toxicity
Astemizole (Hismanal) – can lead to a serious change in heart rhythm when taken with Paxil
Ultram (tramadol) – can increase the risk of seizures when taken with Paxil
Tryptophan – can increase side effects such as sweating, nausea, and dizziness when taken with Paxil
Coumadin (warfarin) – can cause bleeding when taken with Paxil
Moclobemide (Manerex) within 3 to 7 days
Buspirone (BuSpar), Bromocriptine (Parlodel), Dextromethorphan (cough medicine), Levodopa (Sinemet), Lithium, Meperidine (Demerol), Nefazodone (Serzone), Pentazocine (Talwin), other SSRIs (such as: Citalopram [Celexa], fluoxetine [Prozac], fluvoxamine [Luvox], sertraline [Zoloft]), LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), marijuana, Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Tramadol (Ultram), Trazodone (Desyrel), Tryptophan, Venlafaxine (Effexor) – taking these medicines with Paxil can increase the chance of developing a rare, but very serious, unwanted effect known as the serotonin syndrome, whose symptoms include confusion, diarrhea, fever, poor coordination, restlessness, shivering, sweating, talking or acting with excitement you cannot control, trembling or shaking, or twitching.

Source: http://whatmeds.stanford.edu/medications/paroxetine.html

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