Using Zoloft to Treat Panic Disorder

Using Zoloft to Treat Panic Disorder Panic Disorder Treatment Print Zoloft for Panic Disorder By Katharina Star, PhD facebook linkedin Katharina Star, PhD, is an expert on anxiety and panic disorder. Dr. Star is a professional counselor, and she is trained in creative art therapies and mindfulness. Learn about our editorial policy Katharina Star, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on October 26, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on November 27, 2019 Myling/Wikimedia Commons More in Panic Disorder Treatment Symptoms Diagnosis Coping Related Conditions In This Article Table of Contents Expand How Zoloft and SSRIs Work Side Effects Stopping Zoloft View All Back To Top Zoloft (sertraline) is a medication thats frequently prescribed to treat a number of different psychiatric disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Its also often prescribed for people whove been diagnosed with  panic disorder, a condition that causes frequent episodes of specific symptoms called panic attacks. If your doctor suggests you take Zoloft as part of a treatment plan for panic disorder, it can be helpful to learn how the drug might work to help you manage your symptoms. The more you understand about any medication you take, including how it affects the body and any potential side effects it might cause, the more comfortable youre likely to feel when taking it.   How Zoloft and Other SSRIs Work Zoloft (sertraline) has been available for the treatment of depression since the mid-1990s.?? At that time, many studies found the drug to be highly effective for treating panic disorder as well. It is a medication that is prescribed to treat mental illnesses like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and more.?? People who take Zoloft often report improvements in mood, appetite, sleep quality, energy level and interest in daily life. Many say that they feel less afraid or anxious and have fewer panic attacks. Zoloft belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Examples of other SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram).  These medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain.?? Serotonin is a neurotransmitterâ€"a chemical that carries signals between brain cellsâ€"that, among other things, helps to regulate mood. In particular, serotonin is associated with positive emotions; in fact, its sometimes called the feel-good chemical. As an SSRI, Zoloft and other SSRIs do exactly what the name suggestsâ€"they block the reabsorption, or uptake, of serotonin in the brain, leaving more of the chemical available. Research has found that for many people, taking 50 to 175 milligrams of Zoloft per day can  reduce the severity and frequency of panic attacks and baseline anxiety, and is as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy.?? Side Effects Since drugs like Zoloft affect the brain, you may be worried about how taking them will affect youâ€"that youll feel strange or have trouble thinking, for instance. Truthfully, theres no way to predict how an SSRI will make you feel since everyone responds differently to the drug. One thing that is for sure is that you wont get relief from your  symptoms  right away as the drug will need to be in your system for some time before you feel the full effects.   Common Side Effects You may experience side effects of Zoloft before you notice youre feeling better. The side effects may include:   DrowsinessNausea (which you may be able to avoid by taking your medication with food)Dry mouthInsomniaDiarrheaNervousness, agitation or restlessnessDizzinessHeadacheBlurred vision?? Sexual Side Effects One of the most potentially bothersome side effects of Zoloft and other SSRIs are sexual problems. These can include  reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm, or less frequently inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction). These can be so distressing for some people that they  choose not to take the medication and live with their psychiatric symptoms.   If taking Zoloft interferes with your sex life, the Mayo Clinic suggests some things you can try before quitting the medication:?? Give it time. Sometimes sexual side effects of antidepressants get better on their own.  Adjust your dosage. Speak to your doctor first, of course, but you may be able to take a lower dose and still get the same benefits with less impact on your sexual function.    Adding a second antidepressant.  One, in  particular, Wellbutrin (bupropion), has been found to sometimes counter the sexual side effects of SSRIs.  Take medication to improve sexual function.  You can try Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) or Levitra (vardenafil), which are all approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating sexual problems in men. Limited research suggests sildenafil may improve sexual problems caused by antidepressants in some women, but more information is needed on its effectiveness and safety in women. If none of these measures work, you may need to try a different antidepressant to find one that doesnt have the same effect on your sexual function.     Serious Side Effects Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following less common side effects of Zoloft: Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and swelling of the face, mouth, throat or tongueVomitingConfusionExtreme nervousness, irritability or anxietyRapid heart rateSeizures?? Serotonin Syndrome In very rare cases, an antidepressant such as Zoloft can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in the body. This is most likely to happen to someone whos taking another medication that can elevate serotonin such as other antidepressants, certain pain or headache medications, and the herbal supplement St. Johns wort.?? This is one reason why its important to always make sure your doctor knows which other drugsâ€"including over-the-counter medicines and supplementsâ€"you might be taking before he prescribes something new for you. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include anxiety, agitation, sweating, confusion, tremors, restlessness, lack of coordination and a rapid heart rate. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these signs or symptoms.?? Black-Box Warnings All antidepressants, including Zoloft, have a black box warning. Black box warnings are assigned to medications by the U.S. Food Drug Administration. In some cases, children, teenagers and young adults (under 25) may have increased suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting the drug or after the dose is changed.?? Anyone taking an antidepressant should be watched closely for worsening depression or unusual behavior. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts when taking an antidepressant, immediately contact your doctor or get emergency help. Keep in mind that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run by improving mood. Stopping Zoloft If you decide you want to stop taking Zoloft, do not go cold turkey. Talk to your doctor first so he can help you gradually wean off the drug. Quitting abruptly can cause you to potentially experience some serious withdrawal-like symptoms. Even if youre very ready to go off Zoloft, the process will be more pleasant if you take your time.