Zoloft, better known by its generic name sertraline, is a popular anti-depressant drug that is manufactured by Pfizer.  Zoloft has been linked as well to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  The way Zoloft works is that it affects chemicals in the brain that may have become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Recent reports show, however, that Zoloft is linked to certain birth defects such as gastroschisis and omphalocele, among newborns of pregnant women taking this drug.

Zoloft is usually prescribed progressively, this means that the patient will be eased in and out of use of the drug. Most doctors will issue a starting dose of Zoloft for people with panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or social anxiety disorder 25mg once a day. After a week has passed the prescription of Zoloft will usually be increased to 50 mg of Zoloft once a day. Your doctor may also choose to increase the Zoloft dosage if symptoms continue, or decrease the dose if side effects occur. The highest recommended dosage of Zoloft by Pfizer is 200 mg a day.

However, there are claims that the highest dosage amount is not enough for some patients. There are those who have begun to go over the 200mg a day highest recommended dosage to combat their signs of depression If a patient takes more than what is recommended by his or her doctor several side effects could begin to occur such as: dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea, sleeplessness.

If Zoloft is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.  It is important to check with your doctor before combining Zoloft with the following: alcohol, antidepressants, aspirin, cimetidine, diazepam, digitoxin, flecainide, linezolid, lithium, MAOIs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), phenytoin, pimozide, propafenone, St. John's worst, sumatriptan, tolbutamide, tramadol, triptans (migraine medications), valproate, and warfarin.

If used as prescribed Zoloft can help you with your symptoms, however once used for symptoms other than its attended purpose or consumed over its recommended dosage Zoloft can lead to adverse side effects. If side effects have occurred and you feel that you have taken Zoloft as per prescribed then legal action can be the next possible step for you. For more information on any legal action you can possibly take against the manufacturers of Zoloft visit a Zoloft Lawyer as soon as possible, many lawyers will give a free consultation and will not charge you unless your case sees compensation.