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Pfizer Inc., until recently the world''s largest pharmaceutical company, manufactures Zoloft. Zoloft belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which made its debut onto the market in the late 1980s. Zoloft is used to treat depression and conditions called obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
In the past, seeking treatment for depression was attached to a stigma but has since been removed thanks in part to the aggressive marketing by large companies like Pfizer. While direct-to-consumer advertising has the ability to reach a high number of people, the focus drug companies have placed on marketing campaigns has been widely criticized for often times being misleading or false because of the failure to mention the risks involved while overly emphasizing the benefits, no matter how minor they might be.
As with any drug, there are both benefits and risks involved that must be adequately weighed prior to deciding if the medication will be beneficial. With Zoloft, the widespread use of the drug has caused safety concerns, especially its use among children and teenagers. In October 2004, the FDA required that Zoloft, and other antidepressants, carry the strongest warning issued – a black box warning – because of the its increased risk in suicidal thoughts and behaviors that can occur. Though some patients have been stopping Zoloft treatment in light of the continued safety concerns, patients are being advised not to independently decide stopping Zoloft is the right choice before first discussing possible medication changes with their doctors.
Stopping Zoloft suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms that can be experienced if stopping Zoloft suddenly can include nausea, tremors, lightheadedness, muscle pains, weakness, insomnia and anxiety. Though not everyone stopping Zoloft will experience these effects, the majority of patients stopping Zoloft will experience a couple symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms from stopping Zoloft usually will last a week or two, but in some instances the symptoms will persist for longer. In some instances, a doctor that has a patient stopping Zoloft will have the medication gradually tapered off, which will sometimes allow the body to adjust better and experience less of a withdrawal effect.
As more doctors have been shying away from prescribing drugs with serious side effects, patients are being reminded that all drugs carry risks and sometimes the potential benefits are overshadowed by the potential side effects. The FDA has been criticized for failing to act quickly enough to issue warnings that antidepressants like Zoloft when used by children could increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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