Depression is a brain illness, according to medical researchers. Talk therapy and antidepressant intake are the usual treatments for depression. Most of the patients consider both. But the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already issued different warnings regarding Zoloft intake.  With the studies conducted plus reports from patients, Zoloft has been indicated to have seriously dangerous side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Pfizer is the manufacturer of the antidepressant Zoloft, brand name for setraline. Media reports say  that when Zoloft was out on the market, it quickly became one of the largest-selling, globally available antidepressant drugs.

Generally, it is for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dyphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder and major depression (MDD).

In spite of the warnings from medical researchers, institutions and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a 400 percent increase in antidepressant use over the past 15 years was found out by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This means that at present, 11 percent of the American population is taking one or more antidepressants.

If a patient misses a dose of Zoloft or stop using the drug, withdrawal symptoms can occur.  The most severe health complications brought about by Zoloft discontinuation are related to the heart, according to medical specialists.

The most common Zoloft withdrawal symptoms are insomnia, tiredness, irritability, dizziness, confusion and headache.

The following are other withdrawal symptoms:

•Unusual weakness;

•Shortness of breath;

•Swelling of legs or abdomen

•Gastrointestinal symptoms

•Dysphagia (inability to swallow)

•Joint pains

•Bleeding

•Bruising

•Edema of the lungs

•Erectile dysfunction

•Delayed ejaculation

•Diarrhea or constipation

•Erythema (swelling of blood vessels)

In addition, birth defects to newborns, physical pain, sexual dysfunction, psychosis, delusion, hallucination, memory loss, sleeping problems, eating disorders, abnormal personality changes, unusual mood shifts, irritability, hostility, self-harm and other acts of violence are among the harmful side effects reported by the complaining patients.

Therefore, the public should always consult a doctor before taking any medicines to avoid any unfortunate repercussions.  So, Zoloft patients should directly consult their healthcare experts if doubts concerning its effect on their health and state of mind arise. Disappointed and affected users filing lawsuits appear to be gaining ground against Pfizer, its manufacturer. Patients who have suffered from side effects seek compensation from the company. Affected parties should seek legal advice to find out more about Zoloft lawsuits.

As for those taking antidepressants, it is safe for them to consider that the number of lawsuit filed against its manufacturer implies that antidepressants may not be the best way to deal with their problems. Health care experts may provide safer ways instead of antidepressants.