Study Results Show Zoloft Best for Treating Depression

A recent study done by Andrea Cipriani, M.D., of the University of Verona in Italy gave results showing that Zoloft is one of the best drugs currently on the market for treating depression. The study included analysis of 12 drugs, with two coming out as the most effected and best tolerated as first line treatments: sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Venlafaxine (Effexor) and mirtazapine (Remeron) rounded out the top four for effectiveness, but venlafaxine was also among the four drugs patients were most likely to quit taking because of side effects. The list of the 12 drugs included in the study is: bupropion, citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, milnacipran, mirtazapine, paroxetine, reboxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. During the study there was no funding from any of the drug manufactures used by the authors.

This study used a new technique called multiple-treatments meta-analysis to make head-to-head comparisons among the 12 drugs, incorporating 117 randomized controlled trials including 25,928 patients in all. With regards to the uniqueness of the study Dr. Cipriani claims that “There has been little scientific evidence of the relative effectiveness of these drugs, because most studies compare one against a handful of others or a placebo, and are often funded by the maker of a particular drug, which can bias the findings in its favor.” Dr. Cipriani also goes on by saying “that the findings of this study don't mean that everyone should be put on Zoloft or Lexapro, and they shouldn't be seen as suggesting that people who are on other drugs should go off them.”

Zoloft, like any other prescription drug, has its own set of side effects that any potential user should be aware of, this drug drug has actually been linked to several birth defects which include Craniosynostosis, enlarged heart, Gastrochisis, clubbed foot and cleft lip or palate.Zoloft is also a drug that cannot be stop abruptly as severe withdraw symptoms can also begin to manifest.

Zoloft is drug that is supposed to treat depression, and although the test made by Dr. Cipriani shows its effectiveness against depression; Zoloft is actually a serious drug and you should consult your doctor before starting a regiment of Zoloft. However, if you believe that you have been injured by any of the adverse side effects of Zoloft then perhaps a visit to a Zoloft Lawyer could be the next step for you. Many Zoloft lawyers will give a free consultation and not charge you unless your case receives compensation.