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Zoloft is undeniably one of the most famous brands of antidepressants in the market. It was even mentioned in the movie Love and Other Drugs one too many times and a number of celebrities have been using the medication. It is also believed to be one of the safest antidepressant medications because it is under the SSRI drug class, even so with reports of sexual dysfunction have been made as one of the Zoloft side effects. However, there has been a newly approved SSRI by the FDA which is reported to cause fewer sexual dysfunctions. Viibryd, the newest antidepressant has fewer sexual side effects but it still carries the same box warnings found in Zoloft and medications similar to it. Though Zoloft is believed to be safer than most antidepressants, a strong warning was released by the FDA and Zoloft makers as it can increase suicidal thoughts.


The Zoloft Warning

According to the Zoloft website, “Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment. Depression and certain other serious mental illnesses are important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Anyone considering the use of ZOLOFT or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. ZOLOFT is not approved for use in pediatric patients except for patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)”. This should be taken seriously especially since the FDA and Zoloft’s manufacturer released the significant warnings. It would be best to consult your doctor if you have any plans on using the drug especially if you are under the population mentioned in the warning.

Depression and Suicide

Major depression is not a choice; rather it is a disease requiring medical intervention. Suicide is the situation that we avoid from happening in a person suffering from depression. Increased stress can make a person commit suicide so aside from avoiding that, one must also learn to avoid medications that can worsen the condition. It would always be helpful to ask questions to your doctor or do some research on reliable sources regarding treatments and its possible side effects. As an example, Zoloft birth defects were reported aside from the mentioned side effect above.