Zoloft is FDA Approved as an Anti-Depressant ( Depression ) , on 30 Dec 1991
Zoloft is an SSRI class antidepressant,like Prozac, and Paxil.
In addition to Depression, Zoloft is also FDA approved for: OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. (FDA approval for adults: Oct. 1996, for childrenChildren: Oct 1997) , panic disorder: July 1997, acute PTSD (Dec 1999), chronic long-term PTSD (Aug, 2001) , Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (20 May 2002) , Social Anxiety Disorder (10 Feb 2003).
U.S. Brand name : Zoloft Manufacturer: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Chemical name: escitalopram oxalate
Generic version : NOT available at present in U.S.A.; manufactuer's patent ends Mar 13, 2012 ; available in Canada.
Foreign brand names: Altruline (Mexico) , Aremis (Spain) , Atruline (Costa Rica; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Nicaragua; Panama)
Besitran (Spain) ,
Dominum (Colombia; Peru) ,
Fatral (Indonesia) ,
Gladem (Austria; Germany) ,
Lesefer (Colombia) , Lustral (UK) ,
Nudep (Indonesia) ,
Serlain (Belgium) , Sertranex (Bahrain; Colombia; Cyprus; Egypt; Iran; Iraq; Israel; Jordan; Kuwait; Lebanon; Libya; Oman; Qatar; Republic of Yemen; Saudi Arabia; Syria; United Arab Emirates)
Sertranquil (Colombia) ,
Sosser (Colombia) ,
Zolof (Colombia) , Zosert (India)
Pros: Relatively fast-acting, minimal side-effects. At least as far as something that works on serotonin is concerned. People who take it for bipolar depression don't bitch about it as much as other antidepressants.
Cons: Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) has a Discontinuation syndrome , similar to Effexor (venlafaxine) for many people. Gradual tapering off is important, if you have to stop taking the medication..There is a case report of exacerbation of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) when taking Zoloft, but it appears to be rare.
For Zoloft, these are the side-effects that you really need to know:
Most Common: Nausea, Headache, Dry Mouth, Sweating, Sleepiness or Insomnia, Diarrhea or Constipation, Weight Gain, Loss of libido
Slightly Rare:
Lethargy, Apathy ( Can be intense if you get these, but typically lasts 2 weeks or less)
Very Rare:
Uncontrolled eye movements, Discharge of breast milk
Read a summary of the experiences of others and
also our forum topic on Zoloft .
Drug interactions information is yet to collected. Sorry for the inconvenience.
The cost listed here is based on prices listed at some online sites. With my luck, the pharmacies near me are, most likely, charging more.
Cost of Zoloft in U.S. : 5mg: $2.50 per pill, 10mg: $2.60 per pill; 20mg : $2.60 per pill, Oral Solution: $140 / 240ml
Canada: Cipralex Generic Escitalopram 5mg : $1.20 per pill, 20mg: $1.60 per pill, 40mg: $1.60 per pill (US$; as of 11/1/2007)
Other countries: Please contact us if you can provide prevailing prices in your drug.
Pharmacy Checker is a useful site for checking and comparing prices of popular medications.
Patient Assistance Program for Pfizer (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Zoloft
PAP (Patient Assistance Programs are free drug programs offered by Pharmaceutical Companies for low-income population. It requires proof of income, prescription for 2-3 months of supply and a form filled out by the doctor before applying for the program. It can be a tedious process, especially if you are on several medications. There are local organizations that may assist you with the process for free or a small fee. A useful resource for detailed information about PAP is Needy Meds.
Patient Assistance Program for Pfizer (USA)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for Zoloft
User experiences for Zoloft can be found on Medness Forum.
If you have been prescribed Zoloft, we would love to hear your experience(s). Please post on our forum or Contact Us directly.
