What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is a brand of Sertraline, a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won’t go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), posttraumatic stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a frightening experience), and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life). It is also used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.
How should this medicine be used?
Sertraline comes as a tablet and a concentrate (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening. To treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, sertraline is taken once a day, either every day of the month or on certain days of the month. Take sertraline at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sertraline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Why is Zoloft causing lump in throat feeling?
There have been reports of Zoloft causing globus sensation, a persistent sensation of a lump in the throat. People report the lump as non-painful but often annoying. Globus sensation is often difficult to treat, can last a very long time, and will likely recur in the future. Doctors and researchers aren’t sure what causes this condition. But one possible explanation is acid reflux. Studies have shown that Sertraline stimulate gastric acid secretion. Stomach acid entering your esophagus can cause a feeling of muscle tension or swelling in your throat’s tissues. This may feel like a lump or blockage in your throat.
It’s important to know that globus sensation isn’t dangerous, and it doesn’t cause additional complications. That means seeing a doctor is often unnecessary.
However, this sensation can be confused with other disorders that do warrant your doctor’s attention. You should call your doctor within a few days if you continue to experience the lump in your throat or if you develop other symptoms. For example, difficulty swallowing can be a sign of a larger problem. Call your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing.
If you’re concerned or would like a clear diagnosis, make an appointment with your doctor. They may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. This doctor will examine your mouth, nose, and throat. They will pass a lighted, flexible, ultrathin telescope through your nose to see inside your sinuses and down into your throat.
This examination doesn’t confirm a globus sensation diagnosis. What it does instead is rule out other possible causes for the lump in your throat. If this test doesn’t reveal other possible issues, the diagnosis is globus sensation.
What other side effects can this medication cause?
Sertraline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- constipation
- vomiting
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- dry mouth
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
- weight changes
- dizziness
- excessive tiredness
- headache
- nervousness
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- changes in sex drive or ability
- excessive sweating
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms call your doctor immediately:
- seizures
- abnormal bleeding or bruising
- agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- headache, weakness, unsteadiness, confusion, or memory problems
- rash
- hives
- swelling
- difficulty breathing
Sertraline may decrease appetite and cause weight loss in children. Your child’s doctor will watch his or her growth carefully. Talk to your child’s doctor if you have concerns about your child’s growth or weight while he or she is taking this medication. Talk to your child’s doctor about the risks of giving sertraline to your child.
Sertraline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Sertraline Safety
A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who took antidepressants (‘mood elevators’) such as sertraline during clinical studies became suicidal (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so). Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. However, experts are not sure about how great this risk is and how much it should be considered in deciding whether a child or teenager should take an antidepressant.
You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways when you take sertraline or other antidepressants even if you are an adult over 24 years of age. You may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; new or worsening anxiety; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you often while you are taking sertraline, especially at the beginning of your treatment. Be sure to keep all appointments for office visits with your doctor.
The doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with sertraline. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You also can obtain the Medication Guide from the FDA website.
