Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of using Zoloft as follows:
Serotonin syndrome
- Serotonin is one chemical in the brain, which in permissible amounts, is believed to reduce anxiety and promote happiness and well-being.
- Very excessive concentrations of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. Individuals with serotonin syndrome can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea.
- Zoloft use, especially along with a few other antidepressants, such as, citalopram, fluoxetine, and vilozodone, can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body and lead to development of serotonin syndrome.
- Report symptoms of serotonin syndrome to your physician promptly for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Bleeding episodes
- Zoloft intake can thin the blood and increase risk for bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes.
- Patients can present with bleeding spots on the skin, internal abdominal bleeding with fresh blood or partially digested blood in the stool, and bleeding in the urine staining the urine brownish red.
- While taking zoloft, keep a close watch on the stool and urine color for any red discoloration, indicating fresh bleeds. Report to your physician regarding any bleeding spots in the skin, episodes of fresh bleed with the stool and urine, after starting to take zoloft. Partially digested blood can stain the stool black and tarry, which also must be reported to the physician.
Other constitutional side-effects
- Individuals taking zoloft can also present with sexual dysfunctions, such as, compromised interest in sex, difficulty attaining and maintaining erection, and/or difficulty having an orgasm.
