Connections Between Zoloft And High Cholesterol
Pfizer introduced Sertraline hydrochloride, more commonly known commercially as Zoloft, in 1991. Although Zoloft is most commonly prescribed for people suffering from clinical depression, it has several other applications, including the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders, social anxiety disorders and panic attacks in adults and children. By 2007, it had become the most prescribed antidepressant in the United States.
Zoloft is considered to be one of the most effective antidepressants on the market, offering relief with side effects that are much less severe than those of its peers. Compelling research suggests that it works better than even Prozac, its closest competitor. The side effects of Zoloft may include nausea, insomnia, diarrhea and certain sexual side effects. On the plus side, Zoloft will not cause weight gain in patients and has only very mild effects on cognition.
A Lesser-Known Side Effect
While the well-known side effects of Zoloft are relatively mild compared to the usefulness of the drug, there is one other side effect that has begun to get widespread exposure. Recently, Zoloft has been found to be the cause of high cholesterol. Zoloft and its competitors make a habit of spelling out the most noticeable side effects in explicit details, but they have neglected to mention a side effect that many people won't notice immediately. Indeed, the only people who will notice Zoloft's effect on their cholesterol are the ones to whom it matters most.
Cholesterol is important to the body because it is responsible for the maintenance of cell walls. Other research suggests that cholesterol may well function as an antioxidant. Despite its importance to the human body, cholesterol can have very damaging effects if it is consumed irresponsibly.
High cholesterol has been linked with a likelihood of cardiovascular disease, which makes the connections between Zoloft and high cholesterol that much more disconcerting. Cardiovascular disease is often acknowledged as the cause of heart attacks, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. All of these things are extremely dangerous and in some cases life-threatening. If you or your family has a tendency towards heart disease, you owe it to yourself to avoid Zoloft and high cholesterol.
Zoloft and high cholesterol is a combination that people should avoid at all costs. The risks and harmful effects that high cholesterol represents are well documented, but Zoloft's role in this trend is fairly new. You owe it to yourself - and your friends - to spread the word about Zoloft and high cholesterol. It could save a life.
