Zoloft presents wide range of side effects

Side effects of the antidepressant Zoloft range from simple nausea to severe birth defects that can only be treated by surgery. While some side effects are uncommon, patients should exercise caution while taking Zoloft and report to their doctors if any unexpected side effects appear.

Along with nausea, common side effects of taking the drug include dizziness, diarrhea, loss of appetite or weight, excessive tiredness, and insomnia. In severe cases, the drug has been shown to cause confusion, inability to concentrate, seizures, and an increase in depression, sometimes involving suicidal thoughts.

The use of Zoloft while pregnant has been shown to pose special risks to the babies of mothers who took it. Taking Zoloft during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, has been shown to increase the possibility of having a baby with certain birth defects.

Studies have linked a variety of birth defects to the use of Zoloft, particularly birth defects of the heart. The defects these studies have focused on include atrial and ventricular septal defects, transposition of the great arteries, hypoplastic left and right heart syndrome, and tetralogy of fallot. These birth defects often require surgery, sometimes while the baby is still an infant.

Zoloft is an antidepressant medication and is more specifically classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, panic attacks, and other disorders related to anxiety and stress.