Yes because according to the manufacturer of Zoloft brand of sertraline Pfizer, the common adverse effects associated with sertraline (with the greatest difference from placebo) are nausea (25% vs 11% for placebo), ejaculation failure (14% vs 1% for placebo), insomnia (21% vs 11% for placebo), diarrhea (20% vs 10% for placebo), dry mouth (14% vs 8% for placebo), somnolence (13% vs 7% for placebo), dizziness (12% vs 7% for placebo), tremor (8% vs 2% for placebo) and decreased libido (6% vs 1% for placebo). Those that most often resulted in interruption of the treatment were nausea (3%), diarrhea (2%) and insomnia (2%). It has also been known to cause minor weight loss initially but weight gain over time. It is contraindicated in individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. Patients are advised to stop taking MAOIs for at least 14 days before beginning a course of sertraline.
Over more than 6 months of therapy sertraline patients showed a nonsignificant weight increase of 0.1%.
Zoloft has long been seen as the best option for breastfeeding mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding and be able to take their antidepressants. Despite its apparent safety and effectiveness during the breastfeeding period, recent studies and consumer complaints have seen a need to alter Zoloft's labeling regarding use during the third trimester of pregnancy. Though there are no teratogenic effects associated with Zoloft, there is reason to be concerned about its effects on infants who were exposed to sertraline during the third trimester in utero. It seems that Zoloft use in late pregnancy significantly increases the potential need for hospitalization and breathing assistance in the newborn period and has also been shown to cause an increased risk of neonatal death. In light of this increased risk it is still being used due to the greater potential risk of a seriously depressed mother to herself and her fetus. Like all other medications, Zoloft's use must be decided only after carefully weighing out all potential risks and benefits.
Although SSRI anti-depressants may cause problems in newborn babies whose mothers took Zoloft during pregnancy, the ceasing of Zoloft consumption during pregnancy may cause a relapse of depression.
According to the manufacturer's website, "if depression is left untreated, the risk of childhood suicide increases about 12 times, according to federal figures".
Sertraline and other SSRIs have been shown to cause sexual side effects called Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction in both males and females taking them. Sometimes, these may last months, years, or indefinitely after the drug has been withdrawn.
Sexual side effects
The observed frequency of the sexual side effects depends greatly on whether they are reported by patients spontaneously, as in the manufacturer's trials, or actively solicited by the physicians. There have been several double blind studies of the sexual side effects comparing sertraline with placebo or other antidepressants. While nefazodone (Serzone) and bupropion did not have negative effect on sexual functioning, 67% of men on sertraline experienced ejaculation difficulties vs. 18% before the treatment (or 61% vs 0%}. Similarly, in a group of women who initially had not have difficulties achieving orgasm, 41% acquired this problem during treatment with sertraline. The 40% rate of orgasm dysfunction (vs 9% for placebo) on sertraline was observed in a mixed group in another study.[48] Sexual arousal disorder defined as "inadequate lubrication and swelling for women and erectile difficulties for men" occurred in 12% of sertraline patients as compared with 1% of patients on placebo. At the same time, sexual desire and overall satisfaction with sex stayed the same, as in the beginning of the sertraline treatment, and slightly below the placebo.
Suicidality
According to mentalhealth.com, Zoloft is not currently recommended or advised for use in individuals under the age of 18. After these changes, multiple incidences and at least one medical study showed an increased suicide risk in seniors who were taking Zoloft. In response to these findings, the FDA released a public health warning. This warning indicates that anyone currently using Zoloft for any reason has a greater chance of exhibiting suicidal thoughts or behaviors regardless of age.
*************** Discontinuation syndrome
SSRI discontinuation syndrome
Sertraline, along with other SSRIs, has been associated with a "cessation syndrome." This syndrome has both somatic and psychological elements, although SSRIs fall short of being classified as addictive. This non-addictive classification stems from the fact persons given the drug will not seek it out in ever-increasing quantities. Although sertraline is defined as non-habit forming, the existence of SSRI discontinuation syndrome often necessitates a gradual tapering of one's prescribed dose when seeking to stop SSRI therapy. The prescription insert for Zoloft describes the potential side effects SSRI discontinuation as follows:
"During marketing of Zoloft and other SSRIs and SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), there have been spontaneous reports of adverse events occurring upon discontinuation of these drugs, particularly when abrupt, including the following: dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g. paresthesias such as electric shock sensations), anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania. While these events are generally self-limiting, there have been reports of serious discontinuation symptoms.