Zoloft and Propranolol (Interaction and side effects)
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In this brief guide, we will be discussing Zoloft and Propranolol, a brief introduction including the uses and side effects of Zoloft and Propranolol and then the interaction of both these drugs will be discussed, side effects of the interaction and finally some frequently asked questions about the topic.
Zoloft
The generic name of the drug Zoloft is Sertraline and Zoloft is the brand name of it. It is an antidepressant that belongs to the drug group, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRI. It affects a certain chemical in our brain, the imbalance of which results in panic, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and depression. The working of the drug is by increasing the level of serotonin present in the brain resulting in balanced mental health.
Uses of Zoloft
Zoloft is often used for the treatment of various mental health disorders and related illnesses. Since it elevates or increases the concentration of serotonin drugs present in our brain, it is used for the treatment of the following disorders.
- It is used for the treatment of Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, as well as Panic Attacks, are treated via Zoloft
- Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder
- A severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome can also be treated via Zoloft
- Used for improvement of mood, appetite and sleep
- Restoration of daily functioning and activities
- It reduces the urge and desire to perform repetitive task and compulsion
- Restoration of a certain substance in our brain
Precautions Before taking the medicine
Before taking the dosage, there are certain precautions to be taken by the individual. If these aren’t taken care of, it results in severe side effects and other medical conditions.
- Zoloft should never interact or combine with Pimozide
- If the person has taken MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, they should not take Zoloft
- The occurrence of suicidal ideation and thoughts after taking the medicine should be taken care of
- If a person has an allergy to Sertraline, one should never take Zoloft
These are some of the precautions one should take care of before actually starting with the dose.
Dosage of Zoloft
Zoloft is often used for the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, OCD and PTSD. The recommended dose is 25 or 50 mg per day for the initial therapy. However, it can also be increased subsequently with an increase of 50mg per day. The recommended interval between the change of dose is usually a week.
In the case of Pediatric patient, the initial dose is 25mg while for adults the starting dose is 50mg. The range for the treatment should always be between 50-200mg.
There is an oral solution of Zoloft as well. And when taking it, it should be diluted before the use.
Side effects of Zoloft
There are both common and severe side effects associated with the use of Sertraline Oral Tablet.
A more common side effect of Sertraline are:
- Nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion and loss of appetite
- There are changes in sleep pattern
- Excess sweating
- Muscle tremor and twitches
- Agitation
Some other side effects of Zoloft that requires serious medical intervention are:
- Suicide ideations and attempt
- Acting and reacting on their impulse
- Violent behaviour
- Severe episodes of depression
- Manic Episodes
- Serotonin syndrome
- Severe allergic reactions
- Low sodium level in the blood
- Seizure and episodes of convulsion
Drug interaction
There are certain drugs that interact with Zoloft and the interaction results in a severe change in the way drug functions.
Some of the drugs that should never be used along with Zoloft. These are:
- Pimozide
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, MAOIs
- Linezolid
- Lithium
- Triptans
- Serotonergic medications
Thus, Zoloft is an SSRI primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and other related disorders. And the ideal dosage that is used for such treatment is from 50-200mg. The drug can also be used as a part of combination therapy. So, basically, the drug helps in elevating the concentration of serotonin in our blood. Despite the use and treatment of the drug, some of the side effects often associated with the drug should be taken care of.
Propranolol
Propranolol is available only in some of the generic drugs. And it doesn’t have a brand name. There are four variations in which Propranolol are available and these are the oral tablets, extended-release of the oral capsule, injectable and the liquid solution taken orally.
The oral tablet of Propranolol is combined with other drugs for effective treatment.
Propranolol belongs to the group of drugs called Beta Blocker which is used for the treatment of a certain group of conditions. Propranolol is a beta-receptor blocking agent where it helps in the functioning of our heart, lungs and other organs of the body.
Uses of Propranolol
Propranolol is used for the treatment of different medical conditions and these are:
- Treatment of elevated and high blood pressure
- Controlling heart rhythm
- Prevention of migraine and heartache
- Reduces muscle tremor and shaking
- Treatment of thyroid and adrenal gland
- Helps in hypertension
- Chest pain and other associated medical conditions
Precautions Before taking Propranolol
There are certain precautions one need to take before starting the medication. One should report if they have allergic reactions to certain chemicals as well as underlying medical conditions like
- Asthma
- Slow heartbeat
- Serious heart and cardiac issues
- Any kind of muscle disorders
- Depression
- Low blood sugar
- Thyroid Disorder
These are some of the precautions one should take care of before starting the medication. The medicine can be taken with or without food, however, it should be taken at the same time every day.
Dosage of Propranolol
The ideal recommended dose of Propranolol for the treatment of hypertension is 80-240mg twice every day and the maximum dose strength is 640mg.
For long treatment, the usual dose is 80-160mg daily.
Chest pain can be treated with 80-320 mg of Propranolol, while for migraine the dose is from 80-240mg daily.
In all case, the initial dose for immediate release is 40mg twice a day and for sustained release 80mg once a day can be taken,
The maximum dose is 640mg per day for immediate release while for sustained release it is only 120mg per day.
Side effects of Propranolol
There are certain side effects associated with the oral tablet. The major side effects associated with the use of Propranolol are:
- Drowsiness
- Slower heart rate
- Nausea
- Weakness and tiredness
- Severe allergic reaction
- Change in blood pressure
- Hallucination
- Fluctuation in weight
- Swelling of leg and ankles
- Vomiting
- Nightmares and trouble in sleeping
These are the major side effects associated with the use of Propranolol. One should seek help from medical professionals in case of severe symptoms while other symptoms get away with time.
Drug Interaction
Propranolol tablets interact with certain medications and drugs, the interaction of both results in severe harmful side effects and medical conditions. To avoid the severe side effects associated with interactions of the drug, certain drugs should be avoided beforehand.
These drugs include:
- Arrhythmia drug
- Blood pressure drugs
- Anaesthesia and drugs that block the sensation of the person
- Drugs increasing the heart rate as well as blood pressure
- Asthma-related drugs
- Antacids with aluminium hydroxide
These are drugs that need to be avoided since the interaction of it with Propranolol results in serious medical conditions.
Zoloft and Propranolol
The interaction of both these drugs can result in a positive effect since Beta-blocker is for the treatment of blood pressure and related heart failure while SSRI is used for the treatment of depression in an individual
Beta-blockers function like beta-adrenergic agents by blocking norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding with the beta receptors. SSRI works by increasing the concentration of serotonin in our blood.
Treatment of Zoloft and Propranolol
Both drugs can be used for the treatment of certain medical and psychological conditions.
- It helps in the treatment of anxiety-related disorders.
- Increases the effect of propranolol
- Treatment of blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions
- Slow down pacing heart rate
- Stops heart palpitation
- Improves the functioning of the individual in terms of sleep quality, appetite, daily functioning etc.
Side-effects of Zoloft and Propranolol
Some of the side effects associated with the interaction of these drugs result in the following side effects:
- Cold hand and feet
- Depression
- Slow heartbeat
- Symptoms of Asthma
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sexual Dysfunctions
- Insomnia
- Bluish coloured fingernails
- Fainting and seizures
These are major side effects associated with the interaction of both these drugs. One should take note of the side effects associated with it and seek professional help.
FAQs: Zoloft and Propranolol
Can beta-blockers be taken with antidepressants?
Yes, it can be taken with antidepressant for the treatment of many heart related medical conditions.
Can you take propranolol with antidepressants?
Yes, when propranolol and antidepressants are taken together, it results in the treatment of physical feelings associated with anxiety.
And people often used this combination.
What medications should you not take with Zoloft?
Zoloft interacts with drug-like MAO’s, Tryptophan, Meperidine, Cimetidine, Pimozide and Warfarin are the drugs that interact with Zoloft.
Does Zoloft make you calmer?
People who are taking Zoloft makes the person calmer, improve their mood and diet, appetite and also results in an improvement in their sleep quality.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we discussed Zoloft and Propranolol, a brief introduction including the uses and side effects of Zoloft and Propranolol and then the interaction of both these drugs will be discussed, side effects of the interaction and finally some frequently asked questions about the topic.
Links for more information
https://www.drugs.com/dosage/zoloft.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/sertraline-oral-tablet
Bibliography
University of Illinois. (2018). Sertraline, Oral Tablet. healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sertraline-oral-tablet
webMD. (n.d.). Zoloft. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-35/zoloft-oral/details
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