Zoloft medications come under the class of antidepressants that are categorized under selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) drugs. They relieve the symptoms of depression, which include feeling unworthy, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. These medicines restore the balance of chemical messengers of the brain and nerves.
The function of these medicines is to stimulate the rise of serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter chemical. Its imbalance leads to depression. It carries signals or messages between the brain and neurons (nerve cells) and throughout the body.
Zoloft not only treats depression but also various disorders related to mental health, which include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and others.
These medicines must be taken under the direction of your healthcare provider. These drugs are available in the form of capsules and liquid medicines such as suspensions, solutions, and syrups for oral intake. They come in three different doses – 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. An appropriate dose will be prescribed based on the severity and need.
Zoloft side effects
The medicine can cause some common side effects, which are as follows:
- Seizure
- Nose bleeds
- Vision changes, eye discomfort, eye pain, or redness
- Digestive issues, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia, tiredness
- Sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction, low libido, or premature ejaculation
- Tremors, agitation
- Sweating
- Sodium level drops in the body, which is indicated by symptoms like headache, confusion, memory problems, weakness
- Manic episode, indicated by a boost of energy, dangerous or risky behavior, racing thoughts, a sudden burst of happiness, or being too talkative.
These are the common side effects that one might experience after taking the medicine. They disappear on their own after some time. But if they continue to bother you and cause discomfort, then it is advisable to see your doctor.
Zoloft and erectile dysfunction
As these are antidepressant drugs, they can alleviate the symptoms of depression and treat erectile dysfunction which was happening because of psychogenic reasons. There is still a lack of enough evidence on Zoloft’s direct impacts on the erection function. The medicine triggers an increase in serotonin levels, which is a chemical that regulates the various functions in the body, including – blood clotting, sleep, mood, digestion, wound healing, nausea, bone health, and sexual desire.
The rise in serotonin hormone in the body can cause an increase in the sex drive or libido and an improvement in erectile function. On the contrary, according to some studies, these medications can affect sexual function by causing erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorders. These can be the sexual side effects of the medicine.
In addition, the effects of the medicine can make the sexual organs turn insensitive, affect arousal, lower the sex drive, and prevent the release of nitric oxide in the penile arteries, which is a chemical that is necessary for a healthy sexual response. Nitric oxide is an essential chemical that conducts vasodilation in the penile arteries to allow more blood inside the penile arteries. But lack of it gives rise to erectile dysfunction problems.
