Pfizer Inc., which is the world’s biggest pharmaceutical company, manufactured one of the most prescribed antidepressant in the United States-Zoloft. It is the used to treat numerous neurological problems most importantly major depression which affects 19 million adults in the United States alone. Taking the drug, however, entails much consideration due to the side effects of Zoloft.

 

Major depressive disorder is a syndrome – group of symptoms - characterizing a sad and/or irritable mood which is no longer the usual sadness or grief. Particularly, the sadness of depression is typically greater in intensity and longer in duration and symptoms and functional disabilities are more severe than normal.

 

The symptoms of depression may include but are not limited to:

- Difficulty concentration, remembering details, and making decisions

- Fatigue and decreased energy

- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or hopelessness

- Feelings of pessimism

- Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

- Irritability, restlessness

- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

- Increase or loss in appetite

- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems unrelieved with treatment

- Persistent sadness, anxiety or “empty” feelings

- Suicidal thoughts and/or suicide attempts

 

Feeling sad, lonely or depressed at times is definitely normal to anyone especially as a reaction to loss, struggles in life, or a fractioned self-esteem. But if it becomes disturbing affecting your normally enjoyable life, perhaps It’s time that you need to seek the advice of your physician.

 

Untreated symptoms of clinical or major depression may worsen throughout time and cause suffering and may even be life-threatening. More than 10% of people struggling from depression commit suicide.

 

The medical treatment of choice, usually along with other therapies, is an antidepressant. The most common class of antidepressants is SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Among this group of antidepressant is Zoloft, also known generically as sertraline hydrochloride.

 

SSRIs act on a specific neurotransmitters within the brain known as serotonin which are used to communicate between brain cells. Several conditions which include depression may develop as levels of serotonin dwindle. Zoloft inhibits serotonin reuptake or absorption to keep adequate amount of serotonin for relay of chemical signals.

 

Only a medical expert can correctly diagnose if you have major depressive disorder. Moreover, taking Zoloft should be consulted first due to the risks involved in taking the drug. Major depression is a serious illness and likewise treatment must also be taken seriously.