What is Zoloft?
Zoloft has the generic name of sertraline HCI and is marketed by Pfizer Inc. Zoloft belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, more commonly referred to as SSRIs. The class of SSRIs includes other widely prescribed antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil. Zoloft is prescribed to treat a number of ailments including depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Depression can be an extremely debilitating problem, resulting in feelings of great sadness and sense of worthlessness. Some studies have shown that depression may be caused by an imbalance of the neurotransmitter brain chemical known as serotonin. Zoloft is designed to enhance the use of serotonin in the brain to improve the sending of nerve impulses, in the hopes of treating symptoms of depression.
Zoloft Side Effects
The more common side effects of Zoloft 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. SSRIs, Zoloft included, may be 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. Recent reports have 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, change in behavior or increased suicidal ideation, especially when Zoloft is first prescribed or the level of dosage is changed.
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Zoloft Black Box Warning and Child Suicide
Some studies report that there may be as much as a two-fold increase in the risk of suicide amongst kids who are prescribed antidepressants. In October of 2004, the FDA issued a public health advisory concerning antidepressants and possible links to an increase in child suicide ideation. The FDA also ordered the manufacturers of antidepressants to include a "black box warning" on the drug labels, alerting users of the drugs of the possible link between antidepressants and child suicide. Zoloft is included amongst those drugs required to carry the new warning along with other popular antidepressants including Wellbutrin, Paxil and Prozac. The black box warning is the strongest warning the FDA has available to it. The material included in the black box warning must be incorporated on the label as well as all advertisements for the drugs. The black box warning for Zoloft is aimed at the link between antidepressants and child suicide, however, the link between treatment with antidepressants and an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions may apply to adults as well as children and adolescents.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Zoloft and noticed adverse side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or suicidal thoughts, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Zoloft litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP?s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Zoloft. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Zoloft Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Zoloft-P21/'>Zoloft: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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