Posts in category: Dating Tips, Guide and Advice

We’ve all had those relationships where we feel swept up in the idea of someone new soon after meeting them. We might decide they are the one very quickly, or that we’ve fallen in love faster than ever before. It is common for this to happen once or twice, but if you are someone who chases the rush of falling in love and frequently finds yourself in rapid romantic attachments, you may have emophilia.

Emophilia is the term for a person who falls in love too easily and/or often. This is a persistent trait that lasts across someone’s romantic relationships, not that happens just once. Previously known as emotional promiscuity, emophilia is a condition where you fall in love quickly and easily. It might seem harmless at first glance, but the condition can actually have significant negative impact on your life.

Emophilia is not a pathology or diagnosable mental health condition but high levels can result in risky behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and tumultuous relationships. Let’s look at the signs and symptoms of emophilia, what causes it, and how you can navigate dating and relationships differently for more real, lasting, and sustainable connections.

Signs and Characteristics

People with emophilia experience the sensation of being in love without the time or knowledge of another person that most of us need in order to have that feeling. They may think someone new is “the one” over and over again, from one person to the next.

So how does that present? Dr. Patrice Le Goy says that “signs that you may be experiencing emophilia is that you fall in love quickly and immediately become emotionally attached in your relationships before the other person has proven themselves worthy of your affection.”

“Symptoms of emophilia may include ignoring signs or red flags that your partner is toxic or not a good fit for you,” says Le Goy. This can be downright dangerous. She explains, “people who experience this may find that they end up with self-centered or even narcissistic partners because they are not taking the time to evaluate whether the relationship is healthy for them because they are too obsessed with the feeling of being in love and the idealized version of the person.” If you resonate with this in your life, emophilia may be something to consider.

Though people with emophilia don’t always engage in risky behavior, it is a common characteristic of the issue. “This person may also be more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as unprotected sex early in a relationship because of their belief that this person is ‘the one’ and that they are going to be together forever,” Le Goy tells us. Additionally, someone with emophilia might find themselves in a relationship situation that is hard to get out of, as they got in too deep too quickly. Falling in love before discovering that your new partner is dangerous in any way could pose huge risks to your life and wellness.

Understanding the Causes of Emophilia

Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple known cause for emophilia. That said, we do have some ideas about what causes it. “I would not say the cause of emophilia is definitively known but experts think it is linked to imbalances of ‘feel good hormones’ such as dopamine and serotonin,” says Le Goy. People with emophilia can be unfaithful, which could also be caused by the search for feel-good hormones and chasing the rush and excitement of falling in love.

Emophilia may also be related to other personality traits, specifically what is known as the Dark Triad. This is a combination of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. One study noted that “emophilia showed satisfactory discriminant validity (r < 00.40) against the personality traits included.” There is also the potential for people with emophila to not possess any of these traits and personality disorders, but be attracted to others with them.

As far as how common it is, that’s hard to say because there is no specific quantifiable test for it. “I think we all know people who seem to always be in love or have found “the one” and these people might be experiencing emophilia but it is likely on a spectrum and can be either somewhat harmless or very damaging to your personal emotional growth and relationships,” Le Goy tells us.

How Emophilia Affects Relationships

As you may suspect, emophilia can cause romantic relationships to be fraught with problems, and it can make someone jump from one relationship to the next at a high frequency.

The initial rush of feel-good chemicals may not last long enough to sustain a relationship long term, and someone who declared the other person “the one” right from the start might have a complex time getting out of the situation. And because so little screening was done before the relationships became serious, the other person could be problematic in ways that aren’t immediately obvious

Emophilia can affect the length of relationships, making them either too short or too long, neither of which serves the people in them. “It affects relationships by not allowing them to fully develop nor to end if they are not healthy,” says Le Goy.

Beyond that, the relationship may not have the depth it otherwise could. Le Goy explains that “by heightening and falsely exaggerating the relationship connection, people miss out on being realistic, authentic and requiring the same of their partner.”

Take The Healthy Relationship Quiz

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell how your relationship is going from inside of it. If you’re wondering how healthy your dynamic really is, take this free relationship quiz to find out:

This healthy relationship quiz was reviewed by Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD.

Strategies for Overcoming Emophilia

It may be helpful to reflect and write out a list of the personal green flags and red flags of qualities you seek in a potential partner. What characteristics are wants or desires—like charisma and beauty—and what traits are non-negotiables and dealbreakers—like active addiction, dishonesty, cruelty, and abusiveness?

It may also be helpful to consider the feedback of trusted loved ones who are looking out for you and your well-being. Sometimes others can see things we can’t, especially for those with a history of emophilia.

It’s important to really get to know someone during the dating process. Be careful not to idealize someone you’ve just met or put them on a pedestal and observe if their actions are consistent over time.

Getting Help

As with any emotional issue, help is available for emophilia. Beginning the process of therapy to understand what causes your behaviors and how you can change them can be invaluable. You can choose to work with whatever type of therapist feels right for you; someone who specializes in relationships and/or attachment can be particularly useful.

Emophilia may be easier to address while you are single, rather than in the intensity of an exciting new romantic relationship or as you are actively looking for a new love interest. By pausing to reflect while single, you can intentionally make and protect time to change your habits and patterns. “People can work on overcoming emophilia by slowing down the process of allowing relationships to become serious and also taking some time to be single and not rush from one relationship into the next,” suggests Le Goy.

Among the lesser-known and less-studied eating disorder behaviors is chew and spit (CHSP) behavior. This behavior consists of chewing a highly palatable and energy-dense food and spitting it out instead of swallowing it.

The intent of chewing and spitting is to enjoy food’s flavor without ingesting calories. CHSP is similar to bingeing because it involves larger than intended quantities of high-calorie foods. It also shares elements of restrictive eating because the food is not actually consumed.

While a 2018 large-scale study published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders showed that the prevalence of CHSP amassed 0.4% of adults (predominantly females), a 2019 study in the Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment & Prevention found that CHSP can occur in as many as 12% of adolescents.

Chewing and Spitting in the DSM-V-TR

Initially, spitting was believed to be an alternative to purging. Therefore, the behavior was primarily studied in individuals with bulimia nervosa. In the fourth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), chewing and spitting was listed as a potential symptom of eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS).

The diagnosis of EDNOS was replaced with the category of other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED) in the DSM-V. However, the DSM-V, nor the latest version of the DSM (DSM-V-TR) does not list CHSP under any single disorder because this behavior may occur across other eating disorder diagnoses.

Potential Causes of CHSP

Eating disorders can impact people from all different walks of life. Research shows that those with a family history of eating disorders are more likely to develop them, but genetics don’t always play a role.

A preoccupation with body image and a desire for control are commonly associated with eating disorders, like CHSP. Other mental disorders like anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, or drug abuse may also accompany disordered eating habits, along with more severe symptoms—including suicidal ideation.

Medical Consequences of CHSP

While it might seem like a relatively benign habit when compared to other disordered behaviors like vomiting, the physical consequences of CHSP can be serious. Some of the health effects of CHSP include:

• Dental problems: Cavities and gum disease result when teeth are exposed to frequent contact with sugary foods.
• Stomach issues: The production of stomach acid is triggered by chewing but then no food is made available for digestion. This could potentially lead to ulcers or acid reflux.
• Weight gain: This is a surprising side-effect of chewing and spitting behavior which researchers suspect relates to overeating later in the day.

Patients should see a medical doctor and a dentist to discuss potential treatment options for gastrointestinal, hormonal, and dental issues. Proper mental health support can help reduce further physical and emotional damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The shame and stigma associated with CHSP can be a barrier to seeking treatment. As with other eating disorders, psychotherapy and nutritional counseling can help. Diagnosing an eating disorder requires a health professional to assess the following factors:

• Body image questions, including thoughts and perceptions about food and other possible eating disorder symptoms (like bingeing or misuse of laxatives)
• Current eating habits, including the quantity and variety of foods eaten and meal patterns
• Medical history, including any substance abuse, mental health issues, current medications, and weight changes
• Other lifestyle factors, including exercise habits, menstrual cycle, and stress levels

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be used to address eating disorders including chewing and spitting. Components may include acknowledgment of feelings of shame, challenging of dietary rules, management of emotional distress, and practice of increased flexibility.

Advice for Family Members

If a loved one is displays signs of an eating disorder, it’s helpful to understand which behaviors they are engaging in. You may notice certain symptoms such as:

• Discolored or stained teeth
• Excessive and rigid exercise behaviors
• Fear of eating in public or with others
• Preoccupation with weight and dieting
• Unusual disappearance of food from the pantry
• Wearing baggy clothes to hide appearance
• Weight changes

Chewing and spitting may be a symptom of a larger eating disorder. Speak to your loved one about your concerns and encourage them to accept help from a qualified professional. Avoid providing criticism or judgment, and instead, focus on showing them how much you care about their well-being.

Psychology offers a multitude of insights into our minds and behaviors. It can also provide answers to the questions you might have about the thoughts and actions of those around you.

Have you ever wondered why you and your siblings have such different personalities despite sharing the same genetic and environmental background? Are you curious about why people sometimes behave differently in groups than they would when they are alone?

Basic Things to Know About Psychology

Psychology can seem a bit daunting to those who are completely new to the subject. Your first introductory course will cover an enormous range of topics, including psychology history, human development, social behavior, cognition, personality, and more.

Some important psychology things to know include:

• The term psychology comes from the Greek word “psyche,” which means “spirit, soul,” and “logia,” which means “study, research.”
• The word psychology first emerged during the Renaissance era.
• The first formal definition of psychology was introduced in 1980 by William James. He defined it as “the science of mental life, both of its phenomena and their conditions.”
• Not everyone agreed with James’ definition. Behaviorist thinkers, for example, felt that psychology was about modifying, controlling, and predicting behavior.
• Today, psychology is defined as the scientific study of the human mind and behavior.

Things You Should Know About Personality

Personality is one of the most popular topics within psychology. The field of personality psychology is rich with fascinating facts about the traits and characteristics that make us who we are.

Some key things to know about personality:

Things You Should Know About Child Development

Childhood is a time of amazing growth and change. From the earliest days of an infant’s life to the often turbulent years of adolescence, there is a remarkable amount of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth taking place.

Some key things to know and facts about child development:

• Babies who receive consistent, attentive care are more likely to form a secure attachment style.
• About 90% of brain development takes place by age five.
• Genes, environment, and the interaction between inherited characteristics and environmental influences influence child development.
• Kids learn a great deal through observation, and research suggests they really do pay attention to everything. While adults tend to be more selective in what they attend to, kids are better at distributing their attention more broadly.
• Children who speak more than one language tend to lose less gray matter and have increased white matter in adulthood. This can benefit language and cognitive function.

Things You Should Know About Social Psychology

Have you ever noticed how people tend to behave differently in a big crowd than they do when they are alone or with a smaller group? Have you ever wondered about why people conform or how attitudes are formed?

Social psychology is the area that focuses on such questions, and this fascinating subject is one of the most popular topics within psychology. Some key things you should know about social psychology:

• People are less likely to respond when someone needs help if other people are present, a phenomenon known as the bystander effect.
• We are hardwired to create schemas that help us categorize and understand the word, but these categories can also contribute to prejudice and stereotypes.
• We blame our own failures on external factors, but we attribute other people’s misfortunes to their internal characteristics, known as the actor-observer bias.

Fascinating Facts About Human Memory

From the fond memories you have of your childhood to the memory of what you had for lunch yesterday, it is our memory that makes us who we are. Our memories give us a sense of self and form the fabric of our daily life experiences.

Some interesting facts about human memory:

• Visual information only stays in short-term memory for about 20 to 30 seconds.
• Echoic memory, or the brief recall of a sound after it ends, only lasts about two to four seconds.
• Stress can negatively affect your working memory, the part of your short-term memory that temporarily holds the things you’re focusing on at the present moment.
• While short-term memories are brief, long-term memories can last days, weeks, or decades.

Interesting Things to Know About Freud

Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud is one of the most famous figures in the history of psychology, but many students know little about his life beyond the fact that he was the founder of psychoanalysis.

A few interesting things to know about Freud.

• Freud gave up his job in a science lab and became a doctor in order to marry the woman he loved.
• He probably never actually said the famous phrase “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.”
• While Anna O. is often described as one of Freud’s most famous patients, the two never actually met. She was actually a patient of Freud’s colleague Josef Breuer.

Things You Might Not Know About Dreams

Dreams can be fascinating and strange, but experts have learned a few things about the content of our dreams.

Some fascinating facts about dreams:

• Adults remember roughly four to 10 dreams per month.
• Negative emotions are more common in dreams than positive ones.
• You dream every night, even though you might not remember it. 
• People tend to have several dreams each night, and each one lasts around five to 20 minutes.

Things to Know About Your Brain

If you want to know more about psychology, it’s important to learn more about the human brain There are still plenty of mysteries about how the brain works, but researchers have uncovered a number of things about the human brain.

Here are a few interesting facts about the brain:

• While the brain makes up just 2% of our overall weight, it takes up about 20% of our energy.
• Despite the common myth, you don’t use just 10% of your brain. You use your whole brain, and many parts work together to perform the functions that allow you to live and learn.
• Certain parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, can form new brain cells all throughout life.

Also called relationship PTSD, post traumatic relationship syndrome (with the acronym PTRS) is the occurrence of being impacted by the trauma of a relationship. It differs from standard PTSD in that PTRS happens exclusively in relationships over a series of events.

PTRS can occur in relationships or after the relationship has ended, and abuse can place at any time, even if it’s not frequent or chronic.

For example, a breakup in which a partner who has not previously behaved harmfully but acts in a manner that is emotionally, verbally, sexually, or physically abusive during the breakup, can cause PTRS. Though it is not a formal mental health diagnosis, research on the subject identifies it as a real disorder.

PTRS vs PTSD: Understanding the Difference

Considered a subset of PTSD, PTRS has some fundamental similarities with PTSD. Mostly, it is the fact that a traumatic event has left you in a state of hyper-vigilance, restlessness, and persistent distress.

Traumatic events naturally take time to process and many times require professional intervention. It’s common for people to experience intrusive thoughts and unstable mood while they are in their healing process. In that respect, PTSD and PTRS are similar. However, there are other key differences between the two:

• PTSD is a single event that creates trauma; PTRS is usually a series of events.
• PTRS happens exclusively in relationships.
• Numbing is not present in PTRS, while it may be in PTSD.
• People with PTSD tend to use avoidance strategies to cope. That means they suppress thoughts and feelings, and avoid situations that remind them of the event they are traumatized by.
• On the other hand, studies have not found that to be the case for PTRS. People with PTRS are more likely to confront the source of their trauma and deal with it, versus avoiding new relationships.

The History of PTRS

Though post-traumatic stress disorder is a formal diagnosis, post traumatic relationship syndrome is not. It’s considered by experts to be a very specific version of PTSD, and it has been studied for about twenty years now. When a person presents with PTRS, they are generally diagnosed by a mental health professional with PTSD, because that is the formal diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic Manual.

Mental health professionals believe that for PTRS to occur, abuse has to have taken place in a relational context, the abuse could have taken place throughout the relationship, or at any point during the relationship or breakup.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Relationship Syndrome

These are some of the most common PTRS symptoms:

• Sexual disfunction or lower libido
• Insomnia
• Blaming yourself for the abuse
• Feeling generally unsafe
• Anxiety and/or panic attacks
• Feeling on edge or irritable
• Distrust of other people
• Sadness or depression
• Flashbacks to traumatic events in the relationship
• Uncontrollable anger towards the abuser
• Fear of future abuse

How to Get Help for PTRS

As with any mental health issue, there is help available for PTRS. Although some people can learn to manage PTRS on their own, therapy with a trauma-trained professional is highly encouraged to help them process the event/events. If symptoms are severe and interfering with daily functioning, a visit to a psychiatrist would be recommended for symptom management.

Therapy

Though any type of therapy can be helpful for a person who has gone through a traumatic relationship, the best choice you can make in looking for help to recover from PTRS is to work with someone who understands trauma and relationships. This means that a trauma therapist is a good choice, especially if they also specialize in relationships. Somatic therapies like EMDR, somatic experiencing, IFS, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and EFT are some of the modalities that may be employed.

Psychotropic Medication

For those who are struggling with symptoms of PTRS, visiting a PCP or psychiatrist for symptom management can be beneficial.

Emotion-Focused Coping

Emotion-focused coping strategies can reduce stress and help you feel better by lowering your emotional response to your stressors—in this case, thoughts, feelings, and reminders of a traumatic relationship. These are some strategies to help you manage symptoms of PTRS:

• Journaling
• Mindfulness meditation
• Forgiveness
• Sharing with others
• Radical acceptance
• Movement/physical activity
• Working on nervous system regulation (grounding exercises, etc)
• Bibliotherapy: reading books that help you understand/manage symptoms

Moving on

If you’re in the throes of PTRS, it may seem impossible to believe that you’ll ever have a healthy relationship again. But people tend to feel more hopeful after processing trauma and managing symptoms.

There is no specific timeline for recovery from PTRS but most people report improvement in symptoms between six months and a year after receiving the right support. Although recovering from trauma is challenging, most people report higher satisfaction when they treat their symptoms. The work may be tough, but it’s worthwhile, and it will set you up to be in more positive and healthy relationships in the future.

Do you have a crush on someone but are unsure if they’re into you, too? This free 12-question quiz is for anyone trying to figure that out, which, let’s admit, has been all of us at one point or another!

Those early stages of trying to discern whether or not there’s a vibe between the two of you can be both exhilarating and a little anxiety-inducing—you need to pay attention to the signals without constantly overthinking their every move.

There are so many factors to consider when you’re hoping a casual connection will turn into something more. Ideally, this quiz will give you a little more clarity about which steps to take next on your path to lasting love. Go get ‘em, tiger!

How Accurate Are These Quiz Results?

As much as we wish we could tell you this quiz was a crystal ball that could give you a definitive answer and alleviate all your dating self-doubt, it simply isn’t the case. There is no way to know for certain if someone is interested in you romantically unless you ask them directly.

That being said, this quiz will help highlight behavior patterns that can indicate whether they are more or less likely to have a crush on you. So if your results tell you they probably like you back and you wind up getting rejected, that’s OK! The same goes for if you aren’t totally sure and are pleasantly surprised by your results.

Some Telltale Signs Someone Has a Crush on You

So, how do you know if someone likes you like that?

They Make an Effort

When someone likes you, they will take a little initiative. This applies to sending text messages and to planning a time to hang out. If the two of you are at a stage where you’re both trying to play it cool and not come across as too interested—read: it’s dumb to play mind games while dating—someone is still going to make the first move. As long as there’s a solid back and forth and they’re serving the ball as well as returning it, then there’s a good chance they are interested in you. 

This rule also applies to the effort they put into their appearance. If they always show up looking fresh and smelling good to a class, or work, or a hang with you and mutual friends, then there’s a good chance there’s the potential for romantic interest. 

“Someone who is interested in you—even before they might know whether it’s friendship or something more—will make time for you,” says Hannah Owens, LMSW. “If you are constantly feeling like you are the one doing the pursuing, rather than being pursued, that might be a bad sign,” she explains. “But that might not always be a red flag. They might be shy or scared to reach out because they are afraid of rejection. Feel it out.”

They Text You First

Texting habits in the early phases of dating—or while you’re figuring out if someone likes you—can be one of the hardest things to decipher, but we have a tendency to make it more difficult than it needs to be. 

It really comes down to whether or not they text you first. When someone is excited to pursue a relationship, they’ll be eager to start a conversation with you. They may text you to ask about your day or your evening. They’ll send you a funny meme or invite you to their friend’s concert.

It doesn’t matter if you haven’t established whether the romance will intensify or not; a person’s texting habits can tell you a lot. We make all kinds of excuses for people’s bad texting habits, but if they aren’t texting you as much or more than you are texting them first, then they might not be that interested in pursuing something romantic with you.

They Find Reasons to Touch You

We don’t mean this creepily or inappropriately, just in sweet, subtle ways. This could be lingering a little longer when you hug goodbye, briefly grazing their hand over yours, sitting next to you on the couch, or even bumping into you on purpose.

While it all depends on how well they know you, if you sense they are looking for ways to make a little extra physical contact with you, it may indicate that they’re interested in pursuing something more.

“Physical touch is an easy way to communicate that you like someone (or that they like you),” explains Owens. “Just think of it this way—would you touch someone you don’t like? No! Even a long hug or a touch on the shoulder can be very intimate and give you a clue as to the other person’s feelings.”

They Show It in Their Body Language

More subtle than how often they make physical contact with you, someone’s physical body language can tell you a lot. You can learn a lot about their subconscious feelings this way.

Do they angle their legs toward you when sitting next to you? Do they smile at you often? Do they make intentional eye contact? Do they sometimes blush when you’re talking? All of these details could point towards them having a crush! 

How to Move On When They Just Aren’t That Into You

Rejection sucks, and if your quiz results tell you that special someone might not be all that romantically interested in you after all, it could be time to reevaluate your feelings toward them. This can be super hard when you’ve grown attached to the idea of a possible spark igniting between the two of you, but there’s nothing sexy about forcing something that just isn’t meant to be. 

“Unrequited love is painful, but if there is no hope of a relationship, it’s best to try and let go as soon as possible,” Owens suggests. “Plan more time to hang out with friends or family, or put your focus into a hobby. Taking your mind off your crush will help you move on faster and leave your heart open to someone new.”

Take some space away from this person and see if you can shift your romantic feelings into feelings of friendship or neutral acquaintanceship. The disappointment of unbalanced romantic interest can be a major bummer, but there is no point in chasing someone who doesn’t want to be with you. You are so special and worthy of love; never settle for less than an enthusiastic “yes!”

If You’re Not Sure, Don’t Stress!

As we said earlier, it’s tough to know if someone likes you back for sure, and being in that state of not knowing is totally OK! If something is meant to unfold romantically between you and your crush, then it will.

If you’re feeling lovesick and overthinking it, just take a deep breath and remind yourself that the path to finding lasting love is a journey that can’t be rushed.

Be patient and give your connection time to blossom. Good things take time, and you’ll learn their true feelings for you eventually. 

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication typically used to treat depression. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved this drug for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, a mental health condition marked by an irrational fear of being watched or judged, or of embarrassing or humiliating oneself.

It’s important for individuals who have been prescribed Zoloft for anxiety to understand how to use this drug safely and to be aware of its potential side effects. We also share some precautions to know before taking this drug, along with warnings and potential interactions.

How Zoloft Works for Anxiety

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood and control anxiety.

Clinicians also use SSRIs to treat other mental health conditions. These include major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Precautions When Taking Zoloft for Anxiety

Individuals should use Zoloft with caution if they:

• Are allergic to sertraline, the active ingredient in Zoloft
• Are being treated with medication for alcohol use disorder
• Are breastfeeding, pregnant (especially in the third trimester), or planning to become pregnant
• Have bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
• Have impaired liver or kidney function, heart disease, diabetes, or a history of seizures

The FDA has not approved Zoloft for the treatment of social anxiety disorder in people under 18 years of age. Evidence suggests an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents taking Zoloft.

Zoloft Dosage for Anxiety

Zoloft is available in 25, 50, and 100 mg tablets and a 20 mg/ml oral solution. People taking this drug should check their prescription and consult their healthcare provider to make sure they’re taking the correct dose.

For people with social anxiety disorder, a typical dosage of Zoloft starts at 25 mg, with an increase to 50 mg after one week. Weekly increases up to a maximum dose of 200 mg are permitted for patients who do not respond to lower doses.

Modifications

Certain populations may require an adjusted dosage when taking Zoloft for anxiety, and/or close monitoring by their healthcare provider.

• People who are pregnant or nursing must discuss the risks and benefits of taking Zoloft because it may pose a risk to the fetus during the third trimester as well as to a newborn while breastfeeding.
• Older patients should begin with lower dosages so prescribers can monitor for adverse reactions before increasing dosages if needed.

How to Take and Store

Generally, Zoloft is taken once daily, with or without food, within the following guidelines.

• Swallow the tablets whole, not chewed or crushed.
• If taking the liquid form, combine the prescribed amount of medication with one-half cup of liquid (water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice). Prepare each dose immediately before taking it, not in advance.
• If a daily dose is forgotten, take it once remembered. However, if it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the regular time. Never take two doses of Zoloft at the same time.
• When traveling, store Zoloft in a carry-on bag in case checked luggage gets lost.
• It’s important for people to continue taking Zoloft as long as a care provider instructs, even if they start to feel better. Abruptly stopping Zoloft can lead to sertraline withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, lightheadedness, muscle pains, weakness, insomnia, and anxiety.

Zoloft Side Effects

Side effects of Zoloft can range from mild to more serious. Side effects should ease and disappear as the body grows accustomed to the medication. If they don’t, contact a healthcare professional for advice. Don’t stop taking Zoloft unless a care provider says to.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zoloft include:

• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Sleep disturbances

Severe Side Effects

When first starting Zoloft or after changing the dosage, report any of the following side effects to a healthcare provider immediately:

• Allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, severe dizziness, and swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue
• Changes in urine or stools (dark or increased urine, black stools)
• Nervousness
• Persistent vomiting or nausea
• Seizures
• Severe abdominal pain
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Tremors
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including agitation, confusion, sweating, hallucinations, abnormal reflexes, muscle spasms, and rapid heartbeat

Warnings and Interactions for Zoloft

Take Zoloft as directed by a healthcare provider. To ensure Zoloft is safe to take, it’s important for patients to disclose their mental health and family history; all current or past prescription and over-the-counter medications; and any other substances that they are taking or plan to take.

Warnings and interactions when taking Zoloft include:

• Zoloft is not approved for treating anxiety in pediatric patients.
• Don’t take this drug in combination with, or within weeks of taking, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide, and disulfiram (in the case of liquid Zoloft).
• Don’t take Zoloft with supplements such as St. John’s Wort, 5-HTP, or SAMe due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Don’t take it with aspirin, anticoagulants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol is not advised while taking Zoloft.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can interfere with how the body metabolizes this medication.
• Zoloft may cause drowsiness and reduced alertness. Don’t drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in hazardous activities unless sure that Zoloft does not cause these effects. This can be avoided by working out the best time of day to take Zoloft.
• Be mindful of any unusual changes in behavior or mood six to eight weeks after beginning Zoloft. If symptoms worsen, contact a physician immediately.

The information provided does not include every possible outcome of taking Zoloft. Always follow a care provider’s guidelines, and consult them or a pharmacist right away with any questions or concerns.