Many patients suffering from depression are prescribed the generic drug sertraline with no major, long-lasting side effects, however there have been reports that for people suffering heart burn Zoloft, its brand name, may be part of the problem. As with any prescription drug, side effects are possible and the patient’s medical provider has to weigh the balance between the potential side effects and the benefit to the patient.

The key ingredient in Zoloft, the number one drug prescribed to treat depression, is sertraline hydrochloride and some of the expected side effects include dry mouth, nausea and constipation. If these same side effects have been seen in patients with heart burn, Zoloft may be contributing factor. It is not uncommon for a person suffering constipation to suffer from heart burn as well. Additionally, heart burn is often accompanied by nausea and dry mouth as the salivary glands try to dilute the excess acid being produced by the stomach.

Zoloft may also cause low blood sugar levels, drowsiness and sexual dysfunction, however the side effects are typically short-live and will diminish over time as the body adjusts to the use of the drug. For patients suffering from heart burn, Zoloft may be discontinued and replaced with a different anti-depressant drug. There may also be a different dosage prescribed by the doctor to help reduce the side effects.

Depression Can Be Replaced By Heartburn

As with most anti-depressant drugs, they should never be taken on an empty stomach. To avoid the possibility of painful heart burn Zoloft should be taken with food or milk. Simply taking a sip of water to wash down the tablet, whether it is in 25, 50 or 100 milligram dosage, the near-immediate affect on the stomach can be the same. Not everyone will experience the same side effects, or at the same intensity, but the warnings have been noted for their potential.

With its potential to cause heart burn, Zoloft may not be prescribed for depression for patients who regularly suffer from heart burn or other stomach problems. There are many other antidepressant drugs available that may not include heart burn potential. However, the prescribing doctor should be aware of any other medication the patient is taking that may exacerbate some of the side effects, including heart burn, Zoloft may interact with.

For most patients, however any heart burn Zoloft may cause can usually be treated with over the counter anti-acid medications until the side effects diminish. If they do not disappear with two or three weeks, the doctor should be notified.

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